Belaray Dermatology - Jericho, Plainview, Long Island, NY

Experimental Drug Ustekinumab Trumps Enbrel in 3-Month Trial; Longer-Term Results Unknown

An experimental drug called ustekinumab shows better treatment results than an established drug, Enbrel, for treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in a new trial.

In a news release, the drug company Centocor, which makes ustekinumab and sponsored the study, calls the new drug “superior” to Enbrel.

But Amgen, the drug company that makes Enbrel, notes that the study only lasted for 12 weeks and didn’t address long-term safety.

Both ustekinumab and Enbrel are biologic drugs. Ustekinumab targets two inflammatory chemicals, interleukin 12 and interleukin 23. Enbrel is a TNF blocker; that is, it inhibits tumor necrosis factor (TNF).

In the new study, 903 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis either got ustekinumab (in a higher or lower dose) or Enbrel for 12 weeks.

Patients in the ustekinumab groups got one shot of the experimental drug in their assigned dose when the study started and another shot four weeks later. Patients in the Enbrel group got two shots of Enbrel every week for 12 weeks.

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Here are some tips to keep you looking your best for 2008! 

DISCARD OLD, USED BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Because bacteria is transferred from your fingers to your cosmetics, we suggest you discard your products one year after opening them. Products used near the eye (like mascara) should be replaced after three months. 

STOP SMOKING

We have already discussed several reasons to stop smoking here.  Smokers are more likely to have psoriasis, and to loose their hair.  It is also readily apparent that smoking makes your skin age prematurely - giving you wrinkles around your lips and eyes.

UNHAND THOSE PIMPLES!

Squeezing pimples is not the best thing for you.  Though it may appear as if you are getting the “bad stuff out”, often you are actually pushing bacteria and debris deeper into the skin.  Think of a pimple as a balloon under the skin.  When you squeeze it… you pop the balloon.  But balloons rarely pop in one direction.  They shatter.  The same thing is happening to you when you go for a zit.  You are much more likely to develop scars from pimples that you popped.

MORE SLEEP, LESS STRESS

Stress plays an important roll to our body, & our skin is no exception.  Studies have shown that stress can decrease the skin’s barrier, slow down wound healing, and lead to flairs of inflammatory skin disease like psoriasis, eczema, and hair loss.

WEAR SUNSCREEN & BE SUN SMART

Regular use of sunscreen, sun protective clothing, and avoiding the peak hours of the day can help you avoid some types of skin cancer as well as keep your skin looking its best.  The sun’s rays may make you feel good, but it is making you look older.  Exposure to UV light makes the skin blotchy in color and wrinkle prematurely.

The best sunscreen is the one that you use regularly!  There are several good sunscreens to choose from… but it might be worth looking for a broad spectrum sunscreen that also contains strong antioxidants like green tea polyphenols.  We will discuss the benefits of green tea in future posts. 

SIMPLIFY YOUR BEAUTY

Going to the pharmacy can be overwhelming!  There are so many products, and many many claims of efficacy!  Being on too many creams can be not only confusing, but also counterproductive.  If you want to do the best you can for your skin, you should ask your dermatologist about products that they recommend.  They can help you through the marketing, and get you products that are easy to use and effective.

WASH YOUR FACE

As we make our way through the day, our skin picks up environmental debris.  It is a good idea to wash your face nightly before bed.  After washing your face, we often recommend a variety of night creams - to help you achieve the goals you are after.

Nearly every day, we are asked “what causes psoriasis?”  The answer is complicated, includes many factors, and has not been completely worked out.  Here is a summary of what we know so far. 

Exactly what causes psoriasis is not fully understood but there is a lot of active research into this area. The immune system is involved and appears to be overactive in a way that causes inflammation. This also causes growth of extra blood vessels within the skin (causing the red colour) and increased turnover of the skin cells (causing the scaling and thickening of the skin). (more…)

We wanted to share with you an important study from the American Journal of Medicine: “ Smoking cessation may be a potentially important target for the prevention and management of psoriasis.”

In this study, researchers have shown that current, past, as well as cumulative levels of smoking, are associated with an increased risk of psoriasis.  And the more you smoke…. the higher your risk.  Prenatal exposure, and second hand smoke also put you at risk.  They have also shown that the risk decreases to nearly baseline levels after 20 years of abstinence. 

This adds one more important reason to consider quiting.  We know that quitting can be very difficult, and if you feel ready to quit you should speak with your internist for help.  There are many tools available to help you break this addictive habit.