Uses and benefits of Tremfya for plaque psoriasis
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. For example, the ingredients included in Tremfya are known to counter the red or dark-colored scaly patches brought about by psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis on a person’s skin. They also help reduce psoriasis-triggered swelling and pain in the joints.
Age is another important factor that can determine whether Tremfya is suitable for a person. Normally, those under 18 are not advised to use this treatment since its effects have not been proven in this age group.
Possible benefits
Clinical studies have shown that Tremfya has several positive effects when used correctly.
Clearer skin
Tremfya has a high success rate in helping people with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis achieve clearer skin. When researchers studied this treatment and performed trials, they found that about 70% of users experienced at least 90% clearer skin after 16 weeks. Around 90% of these individuals continued to experience the same results even after five years of usage.
Reduced skin itching and irritation
Studies also found that Tremfya users experienced a huge reduction in skin itching, pain, burning, stinging, and skin tightness about 16 weeks after beginning the treatment. This particular benefit is critical in improving the quality of life among plaque psoriasis patients.
Clear or almost clear scalp in users
The plaque psoriasis scales appear prominently on a person’s scalp at various stages of the condition. Tremfya plays a key role in reducing these scalp scales. In a study, about 80% of users noticed a clear or almost clear scalp after around 16 weeks of treatment usage.