Psound Bytes

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. 

"It's an exciting time. We're not just managing chronic disease. We're reimaging its trajectory" per dermatologist Dr. Mona Shahriari, Central Connecticut Dermatology and NPF Medical Board member as she discusses the latest from the AAD Annual Meeting like head-to-head studies between IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors, early intervention for psoriasis, use of GLP-1's, new TYK2 and oral IL-23, and high impact sites with moderator Archie Franklin. 

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. 

Having psoriasis may mean you're at risk for other diseases. Listen as moderators Alan Simmons and Kaleigh Welch explore cardiovascular disease, calcium build-up, NAFLD, sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, and the big question - does risk equal certainty with Dr. John Barbieri, Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School, an investigator of the CP3 Study, and the Smart Phone Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Study. 

The journey from the first sign of plaque psoriasis to diagnosis and beyond is very familiar to Brandon, Christy and Daryl. Hear these real patients share the good and the bad of their plaque psoriasis journeys with moderator Max Blitstein. Listen as they discuss how they became empowered self advocates by speaking up for themselves with their healthcare provider. What differences did it make for them? Tune in to find out. This episode is sponsored by Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc. Please see Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information for the product mentioned in this podcast. 

Inverse psoriasis is more challenging to treat and to keep under control. Learn more as we uncover inverse psoriasis from what it is, typical symptoms and sites, other potential diseases, to being a risk factor for psoriatic arthritis, and what treatments are used either alone or in combination with dermatologist Dr. Jeffrey Cohen, Director, Psoriasis Treatment Program at Yale University School of Medicine and moderator Kaitlin Walden, RN. 

Listen as Jeff Brown, LB Herbert, and Kaitlin Walden share their insights on partnering with doctors, advocating for your health, and navigating relationships - whether it's dating, family, or work. They also explore the challenges of living with a visible skin disease like psoriasis and the hidden struggles of psoriatic arthritis. As LB Herbert wisely puts it "We've all got baggage. It just might be a different type of luggage". 

Listen to this unique episode that is so good it had to be split into two episodes! Hear our moderators Jeff Brown, LB Herbert, and Kaitlin Walden comment honestly on what it means to live with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis from the challenge of not knowing what each day brings, feeling confident, coping with fears, medication changes, to advocating for your own health care. It's possible you may feel the same way and learn a few tips too. 

Hear this inspiring conversation about living with psoriasis as a child, being diagnosed with PsA later, and treating with a biologic from teen Sophia and college student Jackie with moderator Kaleigh Welch. Listen to their treatment journey, overcoming fears of using a biologic, and what tips they use to live each day not defined by their psoriatic disease. This episode is provided with support from Bristol Myers Squibb. 

Join moderator Emily Wallack as we hear how Mark, a patient living with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, rediscovered self-love after finding ILUMYA® (tildrakizumab-asmn), a treatment that he receives for little to no cost with coverage under Medicare Part B with a supplement. Dermatologist Dr. Omar Noor also joins to offer insights on diagnosing and treating psoriasis. This episode is sponsored by Sun Pharma. To view important safety information: ilumya.com   

Clinical studies are not always representative of the actual patient population, which can limit our understanding of patient outcomes. Join NPF moderator Takieyah Mathis as we hear from LaShell Robinson and Marygrace Corral with Takeda on why it's so important to ensure diversity in clinical research, what they are doing to improve racial diversity in their clinical studies, and how you can support these efforts. This episode is sponsored by Takeda. 

On this episode, we'll talk about redefining remission - when a patient and their healthcare practitioner work together to discuss and create a personalized approach to psoriatic arthritis care with moderator Jeff Brown and guests Noelia Ferreyra, a patient advocate living with psoriatic disease, and Dr. Saakshi Khattri, a dermatologist/rheumatologist in New York who serves on the medical board of the NPF. This podcast is sponsored by UCB. 

Plaque psoriasis is a lifelong disease with no cure, but living well with clearer skin is possible. This World Psoriasis Day dermatologist/rheumatologist Dr. Alice Gottlieb discusses the benefits of a once-daily, steroid-free prescription treatment for adults with plaque psoriasis. Discover how this effective, safe and well-tolerated option can help manage plaque psoriasis, even on affected sensitive areas. This episode is sponsored by Dermavant Sciences. 

In 2025 key changes impact Medicare beneficiaries. Listen as Jason Harris, NPF VP of Government Relations & Advocacy and dermatologist/rheumatologist Dr. Alice Gottlieb with the Dept. of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, discuss issues and tips for transitioning to Medicare health coverage, the $2,000 expense cap, and smoothing expenses. This episode is made possible with support from Sun Pharma and Novartis. 

Over 20 years ago biologics were introduced for psoriasis and PsA. Since then even more targeted treatments have been introduced. Listen as dermatologist Dr. Steven Feldman from Wake Forest University School of Medicine, shares his perspectives on the latest treatments, resident memory T-cells, and what's to come (such as an oral IL-23 agent) with moderator Max Blitstein. This episode is provided with support from Bristol Myers Squibb. 

Patient advocate Alisha Bridges and dermatologist Dr. Mona Shahriari discuss a study dedicated to people of all skin tones who have moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Dr. Shahriari also shares her experience guiding people with skin of color as they navigate their psoriasis journey. This episode is sponsored by Johnson & Johnson. Please see Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information for the product mentioned in the podcast. 

Psoriasis is not just a skin disease. It's about inflammation. Listen as dermatologist Dr. Chesahna Kindred at Kindred Hair and Skin Center, and moderator Michelle Zimmerman discuss related diseases that people with psoriasis are at risk of developing like uveitis, heart disease, IBD, PsA and more. Hear what screenings and actions you can take to control what you can. For our episode sponsors please check our web page at psoriasis.org/watch-and-listen/. 

Moderator Renee Joyce asks dermatologist Dr. James Song at Frontier Dermatology Partners for his response to questions from you, our listeners like: What triggers psoriasis and how to avoid it? Can diet help scalp psoriasis? How to treat psoriasis on the face, neck or in the mouth? What type of psoriasis makes you prone to PsA? What's Woronoff's ring? When should treatment be started? This episode is provided with support from Bristol Myers Squibb. 

Living with pustular psoriasis is tough. Hear the latest updates about heritable aspects of GPP, diagnosis, management tips, and treatment options such as the IL-36 inhibitor spesolimab, how it works and how effective it is from dermatologist Dr. Laura Ferris, Professor of Dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh and moderator Alan Simmons. This episode is provided with support from our Psoriasis Action Month sponsors. 

Join NPF moderator LB Herbert as NPF patient volunteers Sam Blonien and Jeff Brown get candid about their experience living with psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Hear from Sam and Jeff, along with commentary from Dr. Andrea Murina, on the potential connection between PsO and PsA, the importance of finding the right doctor, and where to find helpful resources. This episode is sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. 

Is it possible your flare of psoriasis is due to products or medications you use? Learn what medications for high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, pain (NSAIDS), or infection can potentially flare psoriasis, and what paradoxical psoriasis is from Clinical Dermatology Pharmacist Lacey Glover, Pharm.D., University of Alabama Medicine, and moderator Kaitlin Walden, RN. This episode is provided with support from Bristol Myers Squibb. 

Hear results from the Light Treatment Effectiveness (LITE) Study comparing home vs office based phototherapy for psoriasis with renowned dermatologist Dr. Kristina Duffin, Chair, Dept. of Dermatology, University of Utah, as she discusses benefits, innovations, and barriers with Dr. Guy Eakin, NPF Chief Scientific & Medical Officer. The LITE Study is funded with support from PCORI (Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute) and the Daavlin Company. 

Over the past year NPF has gathered insights from the psoriatic disease community to develop a new 5 year strategic plan. Join Matt Werbach, NPF Associate Director of Media and Communications as he speaks with NPF President and CEO Leah Howard, and Board Member Rick Seiden about the plan, milestones towards a cure, and steps to help improve the health of those with psoriatic disease. This episode is provided with support from Bristol Myers Squibb. 

Being a couple has its challenges. When do you let someone know you have psoriasis? What do you do to be a great partner? Hear Licensed Professional Counselor Mary Maraventano Stried chat with Lori and Howard Chang, who has had psoriasis for 45 years, about key ingredients to navigating life together for 30 years from acceptance, open communication, frustrations, and burnout. This episode is provided with support from Bristol Myers Squibb. 

Curious about Take Action for Psoriatic Disease? Listen as volunteers Kendra, Frank and Elizabeth tell their story to Kristin Brooks, Associate Director of Field Development about why they participate and support NPF's efforts to educate, advocate, and connect with the psoriatic disease community. Hear tips on how they raise funds and create awareness to enhance the lives of those with psoriatic disease. It's a long-lasting love affair. 

Is your aching back due to axial involvement with PsA? Learn about the sacroiliac joint to the cervical spine from rheumatologist Dr. Atul Deodhar, Medical Director, Rheumatology Clinics at OHSU with Alan Simmons as moderator. Hear about key symptoms, treatment options which may differ from peripheral joints, research, and management challenges. This episode is provided with support from Bristol Myers Squibb, Amgen, Johnson & Johnson, and UCB. 

Psoriatic arthritis can affect many areas or domains which includes enthesitis, dactylitis, and more. Learn about the PsA domains and how they influence choice of treatments from rheumatologist Dr. Arthur Kavanaugh, Director of the Center for Innovative Therapy in the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology at UCSD. This episode is provided with support from Bristol Myers Squibb, AbbVie, Amgen, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis and UCB. 

Just having psoriasis is a huge life transition let alone adapting to life after high school. Listen as moderator Kaleigh Welch asks Youth Ambassadors Emme, Zoe, and Mandy to share their psoriasis journey of being responsible for their own health care, balancing college life with school, relationships, and their physical and mental health to achieve their post high school dreams. This episode is provided with support from Bristol Meyers Squibb. 

"I've had psoriasis for most of my life. At 40 years old I experienced the worst flare with all types of psoriasis and the loss of my hair." Join NPF volunteers, Ayesha Patrick, founder of Sistas with Psoriasis, and moderator LB Herbert as they discuss Ayesha's story from how she learned to cope, to ask and give help. Hear her tips to help manage psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. This episode is provided with support from Bristol Myers Squibb. 

"Patients with psoriasis have a lot of undiagnosed and untreated cardiovascular risk factors" per renowned dermatologist Dr. Joel Gelfand, Director, Psoriasis & Phototherapy Treatment Center at Penn. Hear why with moderator Dr. Guy Eakin, NPF Chief Scientific & Medical Officer, as they discuss risks, and what interventions using a centralized care coordination model (CP3) can do. This episode is provided with support from Bristol Myers Squibb. 

Not sure what Irritable Bowel Disease or Irritable Bowel Syndrome mean or how they relate to psoriasis? Listen as gastroenterologist Dr. Lisa Malter, Professor in the Dept. of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, Grossman School of Medicine, discusses the perfect storm of what it takes to develop IBD, how diagnosis occurs, care, and use of treatments also used with psoriatic disease. This episode is provided with support from Bristol Myers Squibb. 

Interested in participating in a clinical trial? Hear the facts about how and why you should be involved, potential benefits and challenges, what occurs in phase 1, 2, 3 and 4, clinical trial updates for psoriasis and an intriguing one for high blood pressure from dermatologist Dr. Benjamin Ehst, owner and Lead Clinical Investigator at Oregon Medical Research Center in Portland, OR. This episode is provided with support from Bristol Myers Squibb. 

Hear answers to questions when someone is newly diagnosed with psoriasis like what to expect at the first appointment, types of psoriasis, triggers of disease, treatments including over-the-counter options, how to deal with negative comments, and more from Tirsa Quartullo, a doctoral prepared, board-certified Dermatology and Family Nurse practitioner at Arizona Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in Phoenix. Her advice: "learn as much as you can."

Jillian who is living with plaque psoriasis, and board-certified nurse practitioner, Melodie Young, discuss disease management with topicals. This episode is sponsored by Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc. Please see Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information including Patient Information for Zoryve (roflumilast) indicated for use on the skin (topical), including in areas with skin folds, to treat plaque psoriasis in people six years of age and older. 

Knowing what to ask and when will help you make key decisions about psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Listen as key terminology, questions to ask about the disease, and use of medications like "what prescriptions and over the counter medications may conflict with psoriatic disease" are discussed with NPF volunteer Dr. Kim Benner, a pharmacist at Children's of Alabama Hospital and Pharmacy Professor at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama.

On this episode we'll talk about shared decision-making - when a patient and their healthcare practitioner work together to discuss and create a personalized approach to care with guests Karen Camp, a patient advocate who is living with psoriasis, and Dr. Jason Hawkes, a medical dermatologist in the greater Sacramento area who serves on the Medical Board and Scientific Advisory Committee of NPF. This podcast episode is sponsored by UCB. 

Hear the latest treatments, challenges, research towards understanding psoriatic disease, and how treatment planning and collaboration is key from dermatologist Dr. Lara Wine Lee, Director Pediatric Dermatology at Medical University of SC, and rheumatologist Dr. Pam Weiss, Clinical Research Director, Division of Rheumatology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. This Psound Bytes episode is provided with support from Janssen and Novartis. 

Listen to this compelling discussion about when psoriasis should be considered severe and what that means for treatment choices in high impact areas like the scalp, nails, palms, soles, face, and genitalia with dermatologist Dr. Andrew Blauvelt, Investigator at Oregon Medical Research Center, Chair of the NPF Medical Board, and member, International Psoriasis Council. This Psound Bytes episode is sponsored by Amgen. 

The holidays bring mixed emotions and stress. Join psychiatrist Dr. Vanessa Cutler, NYU Langone Health and Dr. Leslie Beth or LB Herbert for tips on managing holiday stress and simplifying expectations while also looking out for your physical and mental health to help avoid flares of your psoriatic disease. This Psound Bytes episode is provided with support from Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen, Novartis, and UCB. 

Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP) is a rare, inflammatory skin disease that is different from plaque psoriasis. Join UC Davis and UCSF Asociate Professors of Dermatology, Dr. Jason Hawkes and Dr. Tina Bhutani, with Dale Reisner, a patient living with GPP, for a closer look at GPP, some of the difficulties living with the disease and the difficulties dermatologists face managing it. This Psound Bytes episode is provided with support from Boehringer Ingelheim. 

With increasing release of biosimilars, listen to this discussion about use, fear of change, dual pricing strategies and who will see cost savings with Jason Harris, NPF VP of Government Relations and Advocacy, dermatologist and past chair of the NPF Board Dr. Colby Evans, and Anna Hyde, VP of the Advocacy and Access Department at the Arthritis Foundation. This Psound Bytes episode is sponsored by Sandoz and Boehringer Ingelheim. 

Hear how dermatologist Dr. Ahmad Shatil Amin, Director of the Psoriasis Program and rheumatologist Dr. Eric Ruderman, Associate Chief, Division of Rheumatology, Co-Directors of the Multidisciplinary Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Clinic, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, use the ultimate team approach to manage triggers and flares of psoriatic disease. This Psound Bytes episode is provided with support from Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen, Novartis, and UCB. 

In this episode, dermatologists Dr. April Armstrong and Dr. James Song discuss the impact of psoriasis on a patient's quality of life and how steroid-free prescription topical medications can meet the treatment needs of adults with plaque psoriasis. This Psound Bytes episode is sponsored by Dermavant Sciences. 

Are you losing your hair? Is it connected to your psoriasis? Hear certified dermatology nurse practitioner Victoria Garcia-Albea with Lahey Dermatology Hair Loss Center for Excellence in Burlington, MA as she addresses common causes of hair loss, symptoms, connection to IL-33, current and upcoming treatment options. This Psound Bytes episode is provided with support from Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen, Novartis and UCB. 

Ever experience the frustrating itch scratch cycle? Join us as dermatologist Dr. Shawn Kwatra, Director of the Johns Hopkins Itch Center in Baltimore, MD discusses why itch occurs in psoriasis, what factors impact itch, treatment options, and the frontier exploring new therapies that impact the neuroimmune axis. This Psound Bytes episode is provided with support from Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen, and UCB. 

Despite the availability of many treatment options for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, there is still a need for additional therapies. Hear from Ryan Moslin, Principal Scientist, BMS, who has moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and Tom Scharnitz, M.D., the Senior Director and US Medical Lead for Dermatology, as they provide the science and research behind an oral treatment for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. 

Hear the inspiring responses to questions from you-our listeners! Hear responses to questions about treating scalp psoriasis, over-the-counter options, when treatments lose effectiveness, biosimilars, and more from board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner Sandri Johnson at Midtown Dermatology in Raleigh. This special Psound Bytes episode is provided with support from Bristol-Myers Squibb, CeraVe, Janssen, Novartis, and UB. 

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. If you have plaque psoriasis, join us as we discuss what to know from symptoms, diagnosis, triggers and flares, to treatment options with dermatologist Dr. David Rosmarin, Chair of the Department of Dermatology at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. This Psoriasis Action Month episode is provided with support from CeraVe and Novartis. 

Topical steroids are the first treatment of choice for mild psoriasis. Learn what the options are from dermatologist Dr. George Han, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Health in New York as he discusses low to superpotent strengths, risks, side effects, tips for using, and new nonsteroidal topicals. This Psound Bytes episode is provided with support from Bristol Myers Squibb, CeraVe, Janssen, Novartis, and UCB.