New Drug Helps To Ease Discomfort Of Common Skin Condition

It’s a disease that can cause a lot of discomfort and not to mention a lot of embarrassment.

Psoriasis is a common condition that causes thick, red and scaly patches of skin to develop, usually on the scalp, knees and arms.

There’s no cure for the disorder that affects about one million Canadians, but Health Canada has recently approved a medication that can help treat one of the most common forms.

Remicade had incredible results in trials and can now be used to treat adult patients with chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis – the most common type of the disorder.

This drug is one of four biological medications, including Amivive, Embrel and Raptiva, that improve psoriasis by reducing the activity of the immune system.

This treatment will help to ease the discomfort of the skin condition and boost the self-esteem of sufferers who are afraid to peel off the layers when the temperatures warm up.

Chef Rick Roussel said he remembers going through a couple of summers in long sleeves and jeans to avoid exposing his sensitive skin to the sunlight.

Health Canada’s approval of Remicade comes as a great relief to Roussel, who says he’s tried just about everything to treat his psoriasis.

“I’ve done like oatmeal baths, I’ve done different topical creams, steroids, and now I’m on the Remicade, which is amazing,” he explained.

“I wear shorts all the time now. It’s like, I just find I try to interact with more people now.”