Navigating a doctor’s visit can often feel overwhelming, especially when patients are facing complex medical terminology and feeling reluctant to speak candidly about sensitive health issues with their health care provider.
This can be the case for those living with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, an immune condition that causes dry, itchy and scaly patches (or plaques) to form across the skin1 and that affects nearly 2 million Americans.2 The visible plaques and underlying inflammation can touch many aspects of a person’s life, from dating and work to travel and fashion.
“The impact of plaque psoriasis often weighs heavily on a person and their daily social interactions,” said Dr. Jennifer Soung, a board-certified dermatologist. “Many people with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis find themselves altering their lifestyles, sometimes avoiding social situations and personal connections.”
Emily, an individual living with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, described a similar experience. “I would avoid getting my hair done or wearing specific clothing, and avoided activities where I knew my plaques would be noticed, which was frustrating,” she said.
For people like Emily, taking a little more time to prepare for a doctor’s appointment can help ease apprehension and enable them to take control of their plaque psoriasis journey. Asking their health care providers the right questions can foster a collaborative environment where they can make informed decisions to manage their health.
Foundation of support and self-advocacy
Award-winning actor Mindy Kaling is known for standing up for what she believes in and empowering individuals to advocate for their health. That’s why she joined the “SO, Have You Found It?” campaign designed to celebrate the uniqueness of people living with plaque psoriasis. She’s passionate about encouraging individuals to talk to their dermatologists and find a treatment that is right for them.
“Being in the public eye has magnified the importance of self-advocacy to me,” said Mindy. “Every day, I’m reminded of how being proactive and confident can determine how we show up and how we navigate the world. We have such an intimate relationship with our skin, in particular, and how it impacts self-perception. That’s one of the reasons I was drawn to the ‘SO, Have You Found It?’ campaign – and to helping empower others to advocate for their own health.”
Mindy sat down with Soung to discuss why it is so important for individuals with the condition to advocate for themselves when speaking with their health care providers.
“Our health is the foundation for a fulfilling life, and advocating for your health and well-being is a powerful act of self-care. By making sure you pay attention to your body and work closely with your healthcare team, you can establish a more personalized and impactful plan for managing your health,” said Mindy.
Reflect & reclaim your treatment journey
There can be several challenges facing plaque psoriasis patients as they walk into a doctor’s office. Firstly, the impact of the condition can be overwhelming and hard to explain. Plaque psoriasis is a commonly misunderstood disease, which can lead to isolation, self-consciousness and stigmatization.3 Just the stress of managing the condition can create an added burden for patients.4
Preparing for appointments ahead of time can help patients feel more confident about their ability to advocate for themselves and map out a tailored health care plan with their dermatologists.
Proactively thinking of questions to ask their doctors can help patients guide conversations and ensure their concerns are addressed during the visit. Reflecting on these questions is a great first step for patients who may not know where to start.
Once patients have had a chance to reflect, they will be better prepared to have open and honest conversations with their doctor.
This can include sharing what’s most important to them in their healthcare journey and being transparent about expectations. They can also discuss treatment options, which may include SOTYKTU® (deucravacitinib).
Pronounced “soh-TIK-too,” SOTYKTU is a once-daily pill for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis that works inside the body. Having meaningful conversations can help patients better understand the path ahead of them and equip doctors with the information they need to tailor treatment plans for the individual they’re serving.
“Patients should share their journey, their previous experiences, and what they hope to achieve with a treatment plan,” said Soung. “Highlighting how they have managed the condition in the past and proactively sharing a desire for an improvement in symptoms sets the stage for an open conversation about options.”
Although plaque psoriasis is a chronic, immune condition, Soung reminds patients it may be managed effectively with the right treatment option, and by having regular discussions with their dermatologist. “I encourage people to talk to their health care provider to see if a treatment option like SOTYKTU could be right for them,” said Soung.
After discussing her plaque psoriasis journey, Emily and her dermatologist determined SOTYKTU was the right choice for her. “I have the freedom to express myself in new and different ways now. I can live my everyday life comfortably in my skin and being me,” she said.
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