Feeling adventurous but not sure how to travel with your psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis? Listen as certified physician assistant Rosemary Son offers tips to help make your care easier while traveling near or far.       

Join hosts LB Herbert and Kaitlin Walden as they talk tips for making travel easier whether in the US or abroad with certified Physician Assistant Rosemary Son from UT Southwestern Medical Center. Listen in as they discuss what to pack, keeping medications including biologics cool, where to find help if needed, tips for navigating airline travel, vaccines for traveling abroad, managing travel stress, infection precautions, and more.

This episode offers information to help you prepare in advance for that trip of a lifetime while maintaining management of your psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis so you can feel free to live your life to its fullest.

Timestamps:

·       (0:00)  Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered & guest welcome certified Physician Assistant Rosemary Son.

·       (2:43)  Tips for keeping medications (including biologics) cool when traveling in hot weather. 

·       (5:37)  Types of skin and pain management products to pack.

·       (8:41)  Where to find help for psoriatic disease if needed in unfamiliar places.

·       (10:43) Preparing for airline travel including liquid limitations and developing a “psoriasis passport”.

·       (14:33) Travel to other countries and how to find over-the-counter medications if needed.

·       (16:43)  Vaccine recommendations for out of the country travel.

·       (19:02)  Cold weather protection recommendations.

·       (21:27)  Precautions for reducing risk of infection and should you purchase travel insurance.

·       (24:17)  Tips for managing stress as a disease trigger while traveling.

·       (28:56)  What to avoid when traveling.

·       (31:36)  Live life to the fullest with psoriatic disease and enjoy the adventure travel offers.

3 Key Takeaways:

·       Managing psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis while traveling near or far is possible with advance preparation and use of precautions to help avoid stress associated with travel in changing environments.

·       What and how you pack is key to reducing potential health issues that occur while traveling.

·       A “psoriasis passport” or letter from your physician and a list of generic names for your medications can make travel in and out of the country easier.

Guest Bio:

Rosemary Son, M.P.A.S., PA-C, RDN is a board-certified physician assistant in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Texas (UT) Southwestern Medical Center and Parkland Health and Hospital System. As a dual-certified Physician Assistant and Registered Dietitian with over a decade of experience in dermatology, Rosemary has a passion for treating complex inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, as well as, treating diseases that impact skin of color, and identifying social determinants of dermatologic health. She also has a personal passion for travel. Ms. Son is a Director at Large and member of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Associates serving as a liaison to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Resources:

Ø  Taking Care of Your Skin in the Summer 

Ø  Patient Navigation Center

Join us to hear Jennifer's incredible unexpected journey from mysterious, itchy skin blotches leading to a full psoriasis diagnosis and how she found the right treatment for her with dermatologist Dr. Christina Feser and Mind.Px.

Listen as Jennifer tells her diagnostic odyssey from itchy, skin blotches to psoriasis with host Max Blitstein as together they explore her journey from topical treatments to biologics, and the emotional toll this disease can take. Learn how this psoriasis patient found relief with Dr. Christina Feser through the use of new precision medicine technology to find the right treatment for her.

This episode highlights the importance of proactive care and the life-changing impact of finding the right medical support.

Timestamps:

·       (0:00)  Intro to Psound Bytes™ and guest welcome dermatologist Dr. Christina Feser and her patient Jennifer Kirsch.

·       (1:26)  Jennifer’s life prior to her diagnosis journey with psoriasis.

·       (2:29)  Symptoms, diagnosis, and initial treatment course.

·       (4:26)  The path to taking control of Jennifer’s psoriasis begins with a Mind.Px test.

·       (9:15)  Timeline for the Mind.Px test results and how it felt to get the test.

·       (12:14) Implementation and results of the treatment recommended by Dr. Feser and the Mind.Px test.

·       (17:22) The emotional impact of living with psoriasis.  

·       (19:24) Be proactive when something is not right. Listen to your body.

·       (19:57) Getting on the right medicine initially has value. 

·       (21:16) While the journey is not easy, taking advantage of available technology offers better management of patients with psoriasis.

3 Key Takeaways:

·       Diagnosis of psoriasis can be challenging but it all starts with finding the right health care provider who listens to you as a patient.  

·       Technology now exists through Mind.Px to help providers and patients select a therapy that is more biologically appropriate to manage their psoriasis.

·       Be proactive in taking steps to ensure you receive the right treatment for you and your health.

Guest Bios:  

Dr. Christina Feser is a board-certified dermatologist with Nashville Skin, a comprehensive dermatology center for adults and children where she specializes in the latest medical treatments for skin diseases such as psoriasis that impact the skin, scalp, hair, and nails. She has a passion for research, serving as Principal Investigator on numerous clinical trials with a focus on psoriasis, eczema, alopecia, vitiligo, and other skin diseases. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, and is a member of the Nashville Dermatology Society and the Tennessee Dermatology Society.

Jennifer Kirsch, a patient of Dr. Feser’s, was diagnosed with psoriasis in November 2024 after initially being diagnosed with eczema. Taking matters into her own hands, Jennifer not only found the right care with Dr. Feser, but also the right treatment to help her live her life without the itch associated with psoriasis.

 Resources:

Ø  Current Biologics on the Market https://www.psoriasis.org/current-biologics-on-the-market/

Ø  Mindera Health – Shaping the Era of Digital Predictive Skin Analytics       https://minderahealth.com

Having Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP) can steam roll your life. Hear how dermatologist Dr. Oanh Lauring and patient advocate Jordan Hicks overcame the challenge of recognition to treating this rare form of psoriasis.

GPP is far more than just psoriasis. Recognition of this form of psoriasis with a unique cytokine presents challenges when symptoms are not so apparent and confusing. Join host Alan Simmons as he dives into the diagnosis journey, and treatment from acute to chronic flares with dermatologist Dr. Oanh Lauring, and what it means to live and stand up for yourself with GPP with Jordan Hicks.

This episode offers a heartfelt look at life with generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) and the value of standing up for your health. Join GPP Awareness Day in August.

Timestamps:

·       (0:00)          Intro to Psound Bytes & guest welcome dermatologist                          Dr. Oanh Lauring and patient advocate Jordan Hicks.

·       (1:08)          Jordan’s diagnosis journey with generalized pustular                             psoriasis (GPP).

·       (2:37)          What is generalized pustular psoriasis and Dr. Lauring’s                         first encounter with GPP.

·       (8:00)          How GPP is different from plaque psoriasis but they can                      coexist together.

·       (9:53)          Treatment of acute GPP flares vs ongoing flare                                         management.

·       (12:29)       The impact of GPP on Jordan’s life.

·       (13:22)        How to support those who live with GPP in the clinic                             setting and their mental health.

·       (15:24)        Tips for working with other specialists in management                         of  GPP.

·       (17:30)        Feelings associated with being diagnosed with GPP.

·       (20:43)        Being a self-advocate is important to your healthcare                             journey.

·       (22:18)        If you have GPP, you are not alone. Initiation of GPP                              Awareness Day.

4 Key Takeaways:

·       Diagnosis of generalized pustular psoriasis can take time given its confusing presentation in the early stages but can shift rapidly to urgent care when in the acute phase of the disease.

·       Generalized pustular psoriasis and plaque psoriasis are distinct forms but can coexist together. 50% of patients with GPP also have plaque psoriasis.

·       The impact of living with GPP is significant and finding support from those who understand, including health care providers, is critical to treating and coping with the disease.

·       If you have GPP be a strong advocate for your health and your self-worth. Your symptoms are valid and you deserve to be heard.

Guest Bios:

Dr. Oanh Lauring is a board-certified dermatologist in private practice at Lauring Dermatology where she provides the utmost care and expertise for patients with serious skin diseases such as psoriasis that impact the skin, scalp, hair, and nails. She offers a variety of the latest medical treatments including generalized pustular psoriasis to help her patients achieve a natural and refreshed appearance.

Jordan Hicks took her health into her own hands. She moved from a small Texas town to Las Vegas in order to obtain care for her generalized pustular psoriasis or GPP. Once there she found her community and learned to speak up for herself and others. Jordan and her dog have been active advocates for GPP and Psoriasis ever since.

Resources:

Ø  Find Support through GPP Circles and others who understand what it means to live with GPP https://www.psoriasis.org/gpp-circles/

Ø  Join us to create awareness for the first GPP Awareness Day August 13, 2025. Request your tool kit.     https://www.psoriasis.org/gpp-toolkit/

Have a red, painful eye that’s sensitive to light? Could be uveitis. Hear ophthalmologist Dr. Timothy Janetos discuss uveitis and how it relates to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Join host Takieyah Mathis for an eye opening discussion about uveitis, cataracts, and eye health with ophthalmologist Dr. Timonthy Janetos from Northwestern Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology. Listen as they discuss what is uveitis and cataracts from key symptoms, the significance of the HLA-B27 marker, diagnosis, to treatment options that help reduce inflammation and preserve long term vision.

This episode offers information to help you advocate for your eye health by recognizing when you need help from an ophthalmologist and what actions you can take to reduce your risks associated with uveitis.

Timestamps:

·       (0:00)          Intro to Psound Bytes & guest welcome ophthalmologist                      Dr. Timothy Milton Janetos.

·       (1:21)          Definition of uveitis and the relationship to psoriatic                            disease.

·       (5:35)          Symptoms of uveitis.

·       (7:45)          How uveitis is diagnosed.

·       (9:24)          Treatment options for uveitis.

·       (13:11)       What happens if eye injections are needed as treatment.

·       (14:47)        Association between inflammation, psoriatic disease,                           and cataracts.

·       (15:48)        Symptoms of a cataract.

·       (16:33)        Treatment for cataracts.

·       (21:11)        New advancements in treating uveitis and cataracts.

·       (25:50)        General eye health actions to help reduce risks                                       associated with inflammation. Early detection is key.

4 Key Takeaways:

·       Uveitis is a huge spectrum of different diseases with about half of the associations due to chronic, immune related diseases like psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.  

·       If you wake up with a red, painful eye that’s sensitive to light, seek help from an ophthalmologist right away to minimize risk of scar tissue formation.

·       Work with a health care team to treat all aspects of psoriatic disease to reduce inflammation whether it’s in the skin, joints, and/or the eye.

·       Lifestyle changes such as stop smoking and yearly eye exams are actions that can help reduce inflammatory factors and maintain overall eye health.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Timothy Milton Janetos is a board-certified and nationally recognized ophthalmologist with Northwestern Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology who specializes in uveitis and cataract surgery.  He is also an Assistant Professor at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology. Dr. Janetos offers comprehensive care using a personalized treatment plan for both children and adults with intraocular inflammation and infections. He is a professional member of the American Uveitis Society (AUS) and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), as well as the Editor for Frontiers in Ophthalmology and an Editorial Board Member for Annals of Eye Science.

Resources:

Ø  Psoriatic Arthritis and Uveitis: What’s it All About? Podcast with rheumatologist and ophthalmologist Dr. James Rosenbaum. (Released in 2019.)   https://www.psoriasis.org/watch-and-listen/psoriatic-arthritis-and-uveitis-whats-it-all-about-psa/

Ø  Eye Inflammation and Psoriatic Arthritis

        https://www.psoriasis.org/advance/eye-inflammation-and- psoriatic-arthritis/

Osteoporosis is a silent disease. There is no pain or other symptoms but inflammation in the gut and joints is a risk factor. Learn about your risks and what you can do for osteoporosis from rheumatologist Dr. Diana Sandler.

Join host Corinne Rutkowski, a third year medical student, as she explores the relationship between osteoporosis and psoriasis with leading bone health expert and rheumatologist Dr. Diana Sandler. Listen as they discuss the difference between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, bone density testing, how prolonged inflammation is a key risk factor especially for psoriatic arthritis, along with treatments and actions you can take to minimize your risk of osteoporosis and fractures.  

Do what you can to protect your bone health and function as you age.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) Intro to Psound Bytes & guest welcome rheumatologist Dr. Diana Sandler.
• (01:23) Risk factors and difference between osteoporosis and osteopenia.
• (03:10) Difference between osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, which are often confused.
• (04:17) Diagnosis process for osteoporosis.
• (06:11) Risk factors for development of osteoporosis.
• (07:57) Is it possible to have osteoporosis or osteopenia and psoriatic arthritis together?
• (09:44) The role of osteoclast and osteoblasts in bone formation.
• (12:21) Treatment of osteoporosis.
• (14:10) Importance of vitamin D and calcium in the prevention of osteoporosis.
• (15:57) Activities that strengthen the muscles and bones to slow progression of osteoporosis.
• (17:08) Precautions and tips for avoiding falls.
• (18:59) Schedule appointments and ask for referrals early.

4 Key Takeaways:

·       Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are two distinct diseases that affect joints and bone.

·       There are many factors that impact the development of osteoporosis including inflammatory diseases such as psoriatic arthritis, lifestyle risks, family history, use of steroids, hormone deprivation, and more.

·       Preventive use of bisphosphonates and other treatment strategies can be implemented to address the breakdown of bone in osteoporosis.

·       Various precautions can be taken to minimize and avoid falls.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Diana Sandler is a rheumatologist at Endeavor Health in Chicago and is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine where she is a leading expert in osteoporosis, psoriatic disease, and other immune-mediated diseases. Dr. Sandler is the Director of the Bone Health Center at Endeavor Health. She is also a board member of the National Psoriasis Foundation and in 2023 received the NPF Provider of the Year award in Rheumatology. Dr. Sandler is passionate about patient education and integrative team approaches when it comes to caring for patients with complex and multilevel diseases such as psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis and osteoporosis.

Not sure what Minimal Disease Activity or MDA is and how it relates to psoriatic arthritis and your joints? Listen as rheumatologist Dr. Arthur Mandelin explains what MDA means.

Join hosts Jeff Brown and LB Herbert as they discuss minimal disease activity in psoriatic arthritis with nationally recognized rheumatologist Dr. Arthur Mandelin who identifies what it is, factors that influence achieving MDA, how long it takes to reach, and the impact on selection of treatments. Dr. Mandelin also addresses fatigue associated with inflammation, and what the future holds for minimal disease activity in psoriatic arthritis.

Whether you have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, this episode offers information to help you understand management goals set by your doctor and the importance of attaining minimal disease activity.

Timestamps:

• (00:00) Intro to Psound Bytes & guest welcome rheumatologist Dr. Arthur Mandelin
• (02:23) What is minimal disease activity (MDA)
• (04:32) MDA in comparison to ACR response criteria
• (07:36) Criteria for reaching MDA
• (09:20) Positive and negative factors of MDA
• (11:25) Importance of reaching MDA within a specific time frame
• (17:34) Length of time to reach MDA
• (18:48) Selection of treatment options and psoriatic arthritis domains
• (23:51) Inflammation and fatigue
• (26:59) A look at the future of minimal disease activity in psoriatic arthritis: Reaching ACR 90
• (29:09) Advancements in psoriatic arthritis: Finding disease markers
• (33:40 ) If you have psoriasis, be aware of your risk for psoriatic arthritis

4 Key Takeaways:

• There are various ways to measure minimal disease activity in psoriatic arthritis to assess how the disease impacts quality of life.  
• Attaining and keeping minimal disease activity low through use of different therapy options offers a chance for better bone and joint outcomes.
• Advancements in psoriatic arthritis include attaining ACR90 and the potential for identifying key markers that make treatment selection more targeted and individualized.
• Those who have psoriasis need to realize bone and joint pain, and swelling in the joints may be related to their psoriatic skin disease and seek appropriate help.

 Guest Bio:

Dr. Arthur Mandelin is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and the Department of Medicine Division of Rheumatology. Dr. Mandelin launched Northwestern University’s first training program in musculoskeletal ultrasonography for rheumatology fellows. He is an active participant in the REASON Group which is a multi-center research collaboration devoted to using ultrasound guidance to obtain minimally invasive synovial tissue biopsies. Dr. Mandelin is a past member of the National Psoriasis Foundation’s Medical Board where he served on consensus panels for the development of a variety of practice guidelines.

 Resources Mentioned:

• National Psoriasis Foundation: https://www.psoriasis.org
• PEST Screener: https://www.psoriasis.org/psoriatic-arthritis-screening-test/
• PsA Action Month 2025: https://www.psoriasis.org/psa-action-month/
• NSAIDS  for Psoriatic Disease: https://www.psoriasis.org/advance/nsaids-for-psoriatic-disease-psa/
• AMP (Accelerated Medicines Partnership): https://www.psoriasis.org/advance/progress-and-success- through-collaboration/

 Tags:

psoriasis, skin, psoriatic arthritis, minimal disease activity, ACR20, ACR50, ACR70, tender joints, bone erosion, joint swelling, enthesitis, inflammation, pain, fatigue, axial disease, spinal involvement, treatment, NSAIDS, biologics, personalized medicine, dermatology, National Psoriasis Foundation, AMP, Psound Bytes podcast, Soundbites podcast

Psoriasis in high impact sites like the scalp, nails, genitals, palms, and soles is challenging. Hear views on living with such difficult to treat areas, and how appropriate treatments offer patient centered care from internationally recognized dermatologist Dr. Andrew Blauvelt, chair of the NPF Medical Board, patient advocates Brittany Murray and Crystal Gatlin, with moderator Corinne Rutkowski. This episode is provided with support from AbbVie. 

Explore groundbreaking updates in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis research from the 2025 AAD Annual Meeting with dermatologist Dr. Mona Shahriari.

Join host Archie Franklin and renowned dermatologist Dr. Mona Shahriari as they unpack the latest research and clinical insights into managing psoriatic disease. This episode dives into head-to-head therapeutic trials, fast-acting treatments for high-impact areas like scalp and nails, and a preview of emerging oral biologics and GLP-1 weight management therapies. Dr. Shahriari discusses real-world challenges in treating psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, the rise of precision medicine, and how early intervention could alter disease progression.

Whether you're a patient, clinician, or researcher, this conversation delivers critical updates on psoriasis care, including IL-17, IL-23, and TYK2 inhibitors, and their potential to revolutionize dermatology practice.

• (00:00) Intro to Psound Bytes & guest welcome Dr. Mona Shahriari

• (01:00) What the AAD 2025 conference revealed about psoriatic disease

• (02:10) Comparing IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors: Trial results

• (06:00) Treating scalp, palmoplantar, and nail psoriasis

• (10:45) Genital psoriasis & the importance of psychosocial care

• (12:00) What’s new for Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP)

• 14:35) The GUIDE Study: Early treatment & immune memory

• (18:00) Personalized medicine, oral IL-23s & emerging TYK2s

• (20:00) GLP-1 therapies for weight & inflammation control

• (23:00) Psoriasis, cardiovascular risk & comorbidities

• (24:00) Mental health, depression & the value of systemic treatment

• (26:00) A hopeful future: matching therapy to the patient 

• Head-to-head trials show IL-17s like ixekizumab outperform traditional TNF inhibitors and even some IL-23s in early, fast action.

• Precision therapy based on site (scalp, nails, genitalia) and comorbidities is now guiding real-world treatment selection.

• GLP-1 medications are emerging as effective adjuncts for psoriasis patients struggling with weight and inflammation.

• Early intervention—especially with IL-23 inhibitors—may reduce flares, limit disease progression, and improve mental health outcomes. 

Dr. Mona Shahriari is an Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale University and Co-Founder of Central Connecticut Dermatology. A leading voice in inflammatory skin conditions, she serves as Associate Director of Clinical Trials and Senior Editor for the Journal of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis, a  National Psoriasis Foundation peer reviewed journal for health care providers. Dr. Shahriari is also a National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board Member and frequent contributor to dermatological research and clinical education. 

• National Psoriasis Foundation: https://www.psoriasis.org

• Subscribe to the Advance eNewsletter: https://www.psoriasis.org/subscribe

• AAD Annual Meeting Info: https://www.aad.org

• Learn More About Clinical Trials: https://clinicaltrials.gov

psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, IL-17, IL-23, biologics, personalized medicine, dermatology, GLP-1, weight management, immune memory, AAD 2025, TYK2 inhibitors, Dr. Mona Shahriari, National Psoriasis Foundation, Psound Bytes podcast, Soundbites podcast

Facing challenges presented by psoriasis can be an emotional roller coaster. From diagnosis, treatment choices, and the impact of bullying when a child has psoriasis can leave a parent feeling alone and helpless. Finding someone who's been on the same journey can be a benefit.  Hear how parents Jessie Houston, Nadya Helt, and Emma Rhodes with moderator Michel Tarabocchia found the help and hope they needed through the NPF One to One Program. 

Making an impact as a volunteer can happen in many different ways. Hear what it means to volunteer and come together to attend the NPF IMPACT Volunteer Leadership Summit as 3 fabulous volunteers, John Romano, Alena Chapman, and NPF Board Member Chris Lindsay, share their experiences and how they fundraise to make a difference in the psoriatic disease community with Carol Osterhaus, NPF Senior Regional Development Manager for the Central Region.