Plaque psoriasis is a skin condition that causes raised red or purple patches covered with a whitish buildup of dead skin cells called plaques. These patches tend to be itchy and cause discomfort for individuals. The rashes can appear anywhere on the skin but generally appear around the elbows, knees, scalp, and back. This condition is considered chronic and autoimmune, with treatment focusing on easing symptoms and reducing the frequency of flare-ups. Treatment options Plaque psoriasis treatment depends largely on the progression of the condition, the parts of the skin it affects, and one’s medical history. Generally, individuals can be offered one (or a combination) of treatment options. 1. Topical treatment In the case of mild plaque psoriasis, topical treatments such as ointments and serums may be adequate for managing the condition. These are applied directly to the affected area to reduce swelling and redness and to soothe the skin. Some of these options may include prescription retinoids, salicylic acid, coal tar ointments, or shampoos. 2. Systemic biologic treatment For individuals dealing with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, more aggressive treatment might be required. In such cases, doctors often consider systemic treatments like TREMFYA® (guselkumab), which target specific cells in the immune system and prevent certain proteins from causing inflammation.

Polycythemia vera is a form of chronic leukemia that causes the bone marrow to produce excessive red blood cells (RBCs). Too many RBCs can make the blood thick and sluggish and increase one’s risk of blood clots. This may also lead to symptoms such as itchy skin, shortness of breath, and excessive sweating. The disorder progresses slowly, making it difficult to diagnose. That said, once diagnosed, various treatments can help manage the condition. Early stage treatment Treatment for polycythemia vera (or PV) in the early stages involves conservative options. The most common management option is frequent blood withdrawals through phlebotomy. This is the same procedure used to donate blood but may vary depending on one’s health condition. Phlebotomy may reduce the overall blood volume and the number of excess blood cells. If symptoms persist or worsen, the expert might recommend additional treatment options. Treatments to reduce itching For itching caused by advanced PV, a healthcare professional may recommend a range of management options, including phototherapy. This method involves using a combination of ultraviolet A (UVA) light and an organic compound to make the skin more receptive to the therapy. Treatments to reduce RBC count Various prescription-based options can help one manage red blood cell count.

Plaque psoriasis is a skin disorder in which a person’s elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back develop dry, itchy, and raised skin patches called plaques, which are often covered with scales. The plaques’ color usually varies depending on the patient’s skin tone. When someone approaches a healthcare provider with this condition, the expert may recommend treatment options like Tremfya (guselkumab) to control the symptoms and improve their quality of life. Uses of Tremfya Healthcare practitioners consider Tremfya, an FDA-approved prescription-based treatment, to manage plaque psoriasis in the long term. It works by blocking a protein in the body that triggers overactive skin patches in people with plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Doctors administer Tremfya under the patient’s skin, generally in the upper arms, abdomen, or thighs. The abdominal application is done about two inches from one’s belly button. It is important to maintain proper hygiene and wash hands before and after administering this prescription-based treatment. Who can use it? Not everyone with plaque psoriasis may be suitable to use Tremfya. Those who experience the symptoms should visit a healthcare professional to know whether it will work for them. The doctor may advise people with certain psoriasis-related conditions and symptoms to use the treatment.

Migraine is a common neurological condition that affects several people worldwide. It is a type of severe headache that causes pulsating sensations and sharp pain on the side of one’s head. It can also cause nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to sound or light, and visual disturbances. Migraine is often chronic, but FDA-approved treatment options like Vyepti can play a key role in preventing the symptoms and keeping migraine episodes at bay. How Vyepti works Vyepti is a treatment that does not stop the migraine headaches while they occur, but it works to prevent them from recurring. Migraines are usually triggered when calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a type of protein, binds to other proteins in the brain. Vyepti addresses this by attaching itself to CGRPs and blocking their binding with other proteins. Preventative treatment approach It is considered a powerful preventive method and has been shown to work from the very first time one starts using it. Research shows that people taking Vyepti experience fewer migraine days when compared with other treatments. Whether someone experiences occasional migraines or chronic episodes, Vyepti has been shown to reduce not just the frequency but also the severity of migraine attacks. So, it can work for individuals experiencing different levels of migraine intensity.

Plaque psoriasis is one of the most common types of skin disorders, affecting nearly 80% to 90% of adults diagnosed with psoriasis. A few hereditary and external factors can increase the risk of developing the condition. Here, one may experience itching, rashes, and scaly patches on their skin. With early detection and timely treatment, one can manage plaque psoriasis and its symptoms to an extent. Here is what one should know about the disorder: Causes and risk factors When the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells, it is known as an autoimmune response. Plaque psoriasis develops when this autoimmune response triggers inflammation and rapid growth of new skin cells. Further, the condition can be triggered by the following factors: Genetics If one or both parents have the mutated gene that causes psoriasis, then the child has a greater chance of developing the skin disorder. External triggers Common strep throat infections or skin infections can trigger a psoriasis infection. Also, exposure to extreme weather conditions like cold, dry climates increases the risk of the condition. Even sunburn, cuts, sores, or injuries that do not heal quickly increase the risk of plaque psoriasis. Signs The skin disorder leads to a number of visible symptoms.

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a device used for measuring and tracking blood sugar levels. Unlike other glucose-measuring devices, a CGM is wearable. So, it is constantly attached to the body, making it able to measure glucose levels throughout the day and transmit data to a connected device, like a smartphone. Originally developed for those with diabetes, a CGM can now be used by anyone who wants to regulate their metabolism. Types of CGMs The basic function of all CGMs is to measure blood glucose levels. That said, the devices can differ in the ways they display and store this information. One of the most common types of CGMs is known as a real-time CGM device, which automatically sends blood-glucose data to a receiver or smartphone so that results can be accessed anytime. Another type is intermittently scanned CGMs that also measure glucose levels on a continuous basis but share the data differently. To view or store this data, the devices have to be scanned by a receiver or a smartphone. A third type is also available, whose data is downloaded by a doctor at a later date. While CGMs could be of one of these three types, the devices differ from each other based on a few model specifications.

Myelofibrosis is a form of blood cancer. It causes scar tissue to develop in the bone marrow. A type of chronic leukemia, myelofibrosis also leads to increased production of abnormal blood cells. Over time, these abnormal cells start replacing normal healthy cells, leading to various symptoms such as anemia, which causes weakness and fatigue. Although myelofibrosis is a rare blood cancer, its warning signs and symptoms are often similar to other chronic health conditions. Warning signs of myelofibrosis Myelofibrosis is known to progress slowly over several years. So, the symptoms do not become apparent in the early stages. In fact, nearly one-third of those who are diagnosed with myelofibrosis do not show the signs in the starting stage. Once the symptoms start to show up, they quickly become worse. So, a person usually experiences severe fatigue. Often, the spleen also becomes enlarged. Some of the common warning signs of myelofibrosis include the following- Fever Itching Pale skin Loss of appetite Night sweats Frequent infections Enlarged spleen or liver Bone or joint pain Pain or fullness below the ribs on the left side Unexplained blood clots Abnormal bleeding or bruising Enlarged veins in the stomach and esophagus, which may sometimes rupture and bleed Shortness of breath If any of these symptoms last long, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.