How To Overcome Psoriasis: The Importance of Biologics and Community with Todd Bello

Todd Bello wants you to overcome psoriasis. Todd is patiently waiting for the day when he can say he’s cured of the autoimmune disease that has drastically impacted his life. In this episode of That’s Derm Good!, listen as Todd explains why he created a peer-to-peer community for people impacted and affected by psoriasis.
Key Topics Discussed:Peer-to-peer support in the psoriasis communityThe evolution of biologicsPsoriasis, advocacy, and nutritional diets Patient assistance programs
On the That's Derm Good! podcast, Todd Bello discusses his initial psoriasis diagnosis and how the disease literally changed his life—forcing him from his role as an EMT and firefighter. For over a decade, Todd has met with countless doctors and dermatologists, participated in clinical trials, and tested specialty medications as he overcomes psoriasis. Todd manages an award-winning blog called Overcoming Psoriasis. This peer-to-peer community allows psoriasis patients to discuss their medical conditions, explore the concept of hope, and flaunt images of their flare-ups.
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin. Living with psoriasis can be physically and emotionally challenging, not only for those with visibly affected areas but for people with inverse psoriasis, which can make them self-conscious and impact relationships. "And depression is a huge thing with psoriasis because the same cytokines that are causing the psoriasis are also inflaming the depression element of the mind to body thing," explains Todd Bello on That’s Derm Good!Despite the challenges, Todd Bello highlights his positive experiences, including meeting kind-hearted individuals and being part of a supportive community that facilitates peer-to-peer conversations and support. He emphasizes the importance of these conversations, as doctors often need more time to spend with patients due to the demands of their profession. In contrast, the community provides ample time for individuals to discuss effective strategies for managing their psoriasis."You guys know the loopholes because the medications, let's face it, are $20,000 an injection, $30,000 an injection, over $100,000 a year for some of these medications," shares Todd Bello on That’s Derm Good!Todd Bello also addresses the devastating impact of psoriasis on quality of life, noting that its severity can vary. Some individuals experience mild symptoms on their elbows and knees, while others have more severe cases. Todd Bello mentions the potential strain on personal relationships when psoriasis affects sensitive areas like the groin. Todd also highlights the connection between psoriasis and depression, explaining that the same cytokines responsible for psoriasis can also exacerbate depressive symptoms."Once it's triggered, you can't turn it off. So the nutritional component of [psoriasis] is from what I'm learning is that we can decrease the inflammation through nutrition,” explains Todd Bello in Episode 5 of That’s Derm Good! “We're able to subside some of the symptoms of psoriasis."In Episode 5 of That’s Derm Good!, Todd frequently mentions the patient assistance program offered by the National Psoriasis Foundation. The foundation provides support, resources, and referrals to board-certified dermatologists or rheumatologists for patients. Overall, Todd is now an expert in psoriasis. From the numerous speeches that he has given to the presidents of medical organizations and his extensive knowledge about gene-targeted medications, this episode proves why psoriasis patients must learn to advocate for themselves. 
ADVERTISER: Looking to equip your dermatology office staff better? Work with BC Educators offers in-office training and virtual biologic coordinators to create a single point of contact for everything from prior authorizati