PracticalDermatology

A new year brings new resolutions for psoriasis patients. Here are four actionable steps that our patients can and should take to manage and improve psoriatic disease in 2022.

1. Connect with others with psoriatic disease.

Kopa (kopa.com) is a patient-centered health platform that connects psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients with doctors, mental health experts, dietitians, and other health care professionals so they can ask questions. Patients can also access digital therapies and other resources as well as develop connections with others living with psoriasis. On August 24, 2021, the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) announced its partnership with Kopa by Happify Health. This new digital application, available in the App Store, Google Play, and on the web, is aimed at improving patient health outcomes through education, peer-to-peer connection, health care professionals’ expertise, and mental health support. Some of their topics include managing psoriasis symptoms, mental health and psoriasis, staying healthy with psoriasis, and keeping strong relationships while living with psoriasis. Overall, Kopa provides a community of experts to help patients manage their psoriasis in 2022 and beyond.

2. Prioritize physical and mental health.

Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes are more prevalent in patients with psoriasis. Because of this, it is important that patients see their primary care provider and get screened routinely. Patients should also look out for any symptoms and signs of psoriatic arthritis. A great tool for patients is the psoriasis Epidemiology Screening Tool (PEST) available at bad.org.uk/shared/get-file.ashx?id=1655&itemtype=document. Psoriasis is also associated with depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric comorbidities. Within the Kopa app are stress reduction programs and resources to help with mental health issues that may travel with psoriasis.

3. Eat a healthy diet.

For patients who are overweight, weight loss can help improve psoriasis symptoms and lower the risk of comorbidities over time. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the severity of psoriasis. An easy-to-use BMI calculator is the Adult BMI Calculator from the CDC, available at cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/english_bmi_calculator/bmi_calculator.html.

The Mediterranean Diet is one of the diets recommended within the Kopa app because of its proven health benefits. Learn more about this diet at the American Heart Association (heart.org).

4. Find the best therapy.

One of the best things patients can do to reduce psoriasis symptoms and prevent them from flaring up is to find the right treatment plan and follow it. There are so many effective treatments available for psoriasis today and a full pipeline. If one isn’t working, try another until you find the right therapy.