Psoriasis

Thick, scaly patches that itch, burn, and sometimes bleed can make psoriasis feel like your skin is constantly against you. This autoimmune condition affects your skin and often your joints, creating a double burden that topical creams and oral medications don’t always manage well. Bioinfusion Center specializes in targeted biologic therapies that calm the overactive immune response causing your symptoms. Cindy Crosby, MSN, FNP, CCRN, CRNI, and the medical team provide these advanced treatments designed to clear your skin and protect your joints. Call the Farmington Hills, Michigan, office today to learn about biologic therapy for psoriasis or book a consultation online.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that affects skin cell production. Instead of skin cells maturing and shedding over about a month, this process happens in just days. 

The result is a buildup of skin cells — usually thick, red, scaly patches — that commonly show up on your elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. Many people also develop joint pain and swelling called psoriatic arthritis. 

What causes psoriasis?

Your genetic makeup is the most important risk factor for psoriasis, but these environmental triggers often spark the first flare or worsen existing symptoms:

• Stress from major life events or ongoing challenges
• Infections, particularly strep throat in children and young adults
• Certain medications like lithium or beta-blockers
• Skin injuries, including cuts, burns, or even tattoos

Cold, dry weather and excessive alcohol consumption can also trigger flare-ups in people who are genetically predisposed.

When should I consider biologic therapy for psoriasis?

Most people try creams and light therapy first, but these treatments aren’t always effective enough for moderate to severe psoriasis. If your plaques cover more than your two palms combined, or if you’re constantly thinking about your skin, biologics are worth discussing.

Joint pain is another issue to consider. About 30% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis. Biologics can treat both your skin and joints with one medication.

How do biologics treat psoriasis?

Bioinfusion Center offers several targeted biologic options, each working on different immune pathways driving your psoriasis inflammation:

Stelara® (ustekinumab) infusions 

This medication blocks both interleukin-12 and interleukin-23, proteins that can cause inflammation. You typically start with an intravenous (IV) infusion at the center, then switch to self-administered injections every 12 weeks at home. The IV infusion lets your provider monitor your response closely during the first treatment and ensure you tolerate the medication well. 

Skyrizi® (risankizumab) 

Skyrizi is a subcutaneous injection that targets interleukin-23 and often achieves high rates of completely clear skin. 

Cosentyx® (secukinumab) 

This biologic blocks interleukin-17, which causes skin inflammation. You receive monthly injections after an initial loading period. 

The team helps determine which biologic best matches your specific needs, severity, and lifestyle preferences.

Call Bioinfusion Center today to discuss which biologic therapy could clear your psoriasis or schedule an evaluation online.