Jerry Bagel: Addressing Comorbidities in Plaque Psoriasis

For patients diagnosed with plaque psoriasis there can be other health issues to consider as well. This can include heart attack, stroke, and obesity as well as obesity and others.

Jerry Bagel, MD, of the Psoriasis Treatment Center of Central New Jersey, said a patient with 10% surface area with psoriasis is also more likely to suffer from heart attack and stroke, and other impairments, which would need to be monitored by a primary care doctor. There is even a correlation with suicidal ideation, where seeking out a professional to address those thoughts would be highly recommended.

The quality of life for the patient, and their family, is worse for those who have worse psoriasis, Bagel said. The impact is also seen socially, Bagel said. Improved psoriasis has also shown less cardiovascular risk. He said he gets involved with the primary care doctor, not just because of bloodwork, but to monitor the comorbidities. However, the dermatologist is still the lead role for the psoriasis, not just the lead role for the comorbidities.