What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis causes an individual to develop raised scaly skin patches. Individuals with lighter skin tones develop red patches (also known as plaques), and those with darker complexions usually develop purple patches. These dry, itchy, painful, and scaly skin patches can develop on any part of the body.
The severity of psoriasis varies greatly. While some individuals have small patches affecting a specific area of their body, others experience complete body coverage.
The symptoms of psoriasis are not always present but develop due to a trigger (e.g., stress, an infection) resulting in a flare-up. Psoriasis flare-ups can negatively impact many aspects of an individual’s life – making seeking treatment vital.
How is Psoriasis Diagnosed and Treated?
A physician or dermatologist diagnoses psoriasis by examining the patches on the patient’s skin. The hallmark signs of plaque psoriasis are symmetrical, inflamed red or purple patches with a distinct border and silvery scales.
Many of the traditional oral medications that doctors use to treat autoimmune diseases like psoriasis cause generalized immunosuppression, making the patient more vulnerable to experiencing secondary complications. However, the psoriasis injections and infusions for psoriasis that IVX Health uses targets and then interacts with the specific cytokine within the immune system responsible for the flare-up, thus, preventing generalized immunosuppression.
How Does IV Infusion or Injection Therapy for Psoriasis Work?
Unlike oral medications for the treatment of psoriasis, IV infusion or injection therapy bypasses other body systems and provides the medication with a way to immediately enter the bloodstream. Those who receive injections and infusions for psoriasis experience a reduction in symptoms and may even go into remission.
Many people with psoriasis choose to receive treatment at our free-standing infusion centers due to the patient-focused amenities and flexible appointment scheduling.
Psoriasis Therapies Administered at IVX Health
Psoriasis Management at IVX Health
Patient comfort during psoriasis treatment at IVX Health is essential.
Psoriasis patients receiving IV infusion or injection treatments at IVX Health receive:
- Flexible scheduling with weekend and evening appointment options
- Prompt, friendly, and personalized service
- Private suites with leather recliners so the patient can sit back and relax
- No wait time: IVX Health centers escort patients immediately to their private suite upon arrival
- Extra chairs in each private suite for guests
- Cable television and streaming options so patients can catch up on their favorite shows
What to Expect During Psoriasis Injection and Infusion Treatments
At IVX Health, psoriasis treatment is administered via an injection or an IV infusion.
Psoriasis Injections
Psoriasis injections are usually administered by the following process:
- The nurse prepares the patient’s medication for injection. This preparation process may include reconstituting the biologic using sterile water.
- The nurse chooses a site for injection. Acceptable sites for biologics usually include the abdomen and the thigh.
- Using an alcohol swab, the nurse sterilizes the injection area.
- Holding the syringe in one hand, while gently pinching a fold of the patient’s skin with the other, the nurse injects the full contents of the syringe.
- The nurse withdraws the needle and places gauze over the injection site or covers the site with a bandage.
IV Infusion Therapy
Psoriasis infusions are usually administered by the following process:
- Using a very thin catheter, the nurse accesses one of the patient’s veins in an acceptable area. Biologics can be administered into the arms, legs or abdomen.
- The nurse connects this IV line to the line leading up to the bag or bottle of medication.
- During an IV infusion treatment for psoriasis, the patient is monitored continuously. The nurse wants to ensure that the patient does not experience a negative reaction to the medication he or she is receiving.
- Once the IV infusion is complete, the nurse removes the patient’s IV line.
If a patient experiences any signs indicating a negative or allergic reaction, the patient needs to contact the nurse as soon as symptoms begin.
For observation purposes, patients may remain at IVX Health for a short time after their infusion or injection.
