### My Journey with Psoriatic Disease and Biologic Treatment By Anne Babcock-Stiner, as told to Hallie Levine I’ve been dealing with psoriatic disease for almost 5 years. After trying various medications, from topical ointments to immunosuppressants, I finally found relief with a biologic treatment. In early 2018, I had strep throat, which led to a rash of small, round, scaly red spots on my arms, legs, and chest. My dermatologist diagnosed it as guttate psoriasis, a type triggered by infections like strep throat or flu. Initially, I was prescribed cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant, which worked but had side effects and the psoriasis returned after stopping it. Over the summer, my psoriasis worsened, especially in areas like my armpits and groin. Steroid creams provided temporary relief but the itching returned quickly after stopping them. In February, another flare-up covered my body, including my feet and scalp. Stronger steroids and coal tar treatments didn’t help. During the pandemic, I was hesitant to use immunosuppressants again. My dermatologist then suggested a biologic drug, approved in 2019, which targets only the part of the immune system involved in psoriasis. The treatment involves two initial shots a month apart, then every 12 weeks. The results were quick and dramatic, with most patches disappearing and the itching gone. I don’t know how long I’ll need biologics, but I’m relieved to have my life back without worrying about environmental triggers.