This 'immunological scarring' can perpetuate the disease and favor relapses, even in patients who apparently respond well,” experts highlight. In line with this, the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) has for years promoted a global strategy of early intervention, which includes education, early diagnosis, timely referral, and equitable access to advanced therapies. “We maintain a strong commitment to patients with psoriasis, which is reflected in our more than 15 years of combined clinical research and over 7 years of market presence in multiple indications. Psoriasis is a disease estimated to affect more than 60 million people worldwide, with a prevalence in Argentina between 2% and 3% of the population, representing a total of over one million cases. It is more than a skin condition, as it is a chronic, inflammatory, systemic, non-contagious, immune-based disease that can have a domino effect on overall health and presents as red lesions covered with white, dry scales, located on elbows, knees, trunk, and scalp. Psoriasis is associated with multiple comorbidities such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, obesity, depression, and diabetes, while it shows no gender differences and can appear at any age. This condition often manifests in cycles, with flare-ups lasting for weeks or months that then subside. In part, this is due to the underestimation of the impact of psoriasis, both by the healthcare system and sometimes by the patients themselves. In the opinion of Dr. Magariños, many people, when they arrive for a consultation, already have pain, arthritis, functional limitations, or severe psychological impact. This concept implies going beyond superficial relief: early and effective treatment not only improves symptoms but can also prevent structural damage, halt progression, and improve long-term quality of life. Early intervention in psoriasis involves reaching a diagnosis early, starting effective treatments as soon as possible, and actively monitoring the patient's general condition, including psychosocial aspects and comorbidities. Furthermore, blocking IL-23 helps reduce systemic inflammation, contributes to improving the joint prognosis, and may favor the partial restoration of the altered immune function in patients with psoriasis. Dr. Magariños indicated that the moment we start treatment matters greatly: “In the studies, we see that patients who start treatment in early phases have better rates of sustained response, fewer relapses, and less joint deterioration. And when treatment is not timely, it can progress, worsen, and potentially cause serious complications”. For decades, treatments focused on reducing visible symptoms, but in recent years, medicine has advanced towards a new paradigm: modifying the course of the disease. It is like putting out the fire before it spreads. Despite the availability of therapeutic options, many patients do not access appropriate treatments until the disease is already advanced. Common triggers in people with a genetic predisposition to psoriasis include infections, cuts or burns, and certain medications. World Psoriasis Day is commemorated every October 29th, and specialists highlight the importance of early intervention as the main strategy to make a significant difference in the treatment prognosis. This year, under the slogan 'Psoriatic Disease and Comorbidities', the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) invites to commemorate World Psoriasis Day by focusing on highlighting the serious health risks associated with psoriatic disease, such as heart disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders, among others. “It is often minimized as an aesthetic nuisance or a minor skin problem, but the reality is very different,” stated Dr. Gabriel Magariños, dermatologist and consultant in Dermatology at the Hospital Houssay in Vicente López, who added: “Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with a physical, emotional, and social impact”. These medications act by inhibiting this key molecule in the inflammatory pathway, resulting in a significant reduction of skin lesions, with clearance rates exceeding 90%. According to experts, this approach can generate cumulative benefits: better clinical control, fewer relapses, lower risk of joint damage, and greater therapeutic adherence. “Early intervention is more than starting a high-efficacy, safe treatment as soon as possible; we are talking about a proactive, comprehensive attitude that requires knowing the patient well, understanding their symptoms, their risks, and also their expectations,” stated Dr. Magariños and added: “When we act quickly, we can prevent inflammation from leaving an irreversible mark, both on the skin and on the joints and other organs”. One of the most important advances in the treatment of psoriasis in recent decades has been the development of biological therapies specifically targeted to block interleukin 23 (IL-23). “These are people who lived with lesions for years without a diagnosis, or who only used creams without medical supervision. That is why the approach must be comprehensive, and the sooner we start, the better the results,” he insisted. For specialists, in many cases, even the absence of visible psoriasis skin lesions is insufficient: residual inflammation persists at a molecular level if treatment is started late. We will continue to research to offer transformative alternatives that improve the quality of life for those living with this disease. commented Ariel Perelsztein, Director of Medical Affairs at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine in Southern Latin America. In those cases, the damage is already done. We can improve a lot, but we don't always manage to reverse the situation completely.
