Psoriasis is a severe, common, multifaceted chronic immune-mediated systemic inflammatory disease resulting from genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Inflammation driven by tumor necrosis factor-α/interleukin-23/interleukin-17 axis is now known to be the major mechanism in the development of psoriasis. In addition, psoriasis has an autoimmune nature that manifests as autoreactive T cells and is co-morbid with other autoimmune diseases. Adaptive immune responses predominate in chronic plaque psoriasis while innate and autoinflammatory responses dominate in pustular forms of psoriasis, with other clinical subtypes extending on a spectrum between plaque and pustular psoriasis. This makes psoriasis a unique disease where both autoimmune and autoinflammatory responses co-exist, with the balance between the two being critical in shaping its clinical presentation. In the past decade, biologics targeting TNF α, IL-23, and IL-17 have been developed and approved for the treatment of psoriasis. These biologics have dramatically changed the treatment and management of psoriasis. Various other triggering factors can elicit the disease in genetically predisposed individuals, including stress, seasonal factors, infection, sun exposure and β-blockers. Recent studies suggest that the exacerbation of psoriasis can lead to systemic inflammation and cardiovascular comorbidity.
The CAM therapies with the most robust evidence of efficacy for treatment of psoriasis are indigo naturalis, curcumin, dietary modification, fish oil, meditation, and acupuncture. This webinar will aid practitioners in advising patients seeking integrative approaches for treatment of psoriasis.
Learning Objectives
Following this activity, participants should be able to understand pathogenesis, utilize recent clinical trial data to inform optimal treatment selection and formulate management plans that include multiple lines of integrative therapy for patients with psoriasis.
CE Credits
CONO: Category A: General -1.25 credit,
British Columbia: Category C- General -1.25 credit
AANP: General -0.75 credit, Pharmacy-0.50 credit
OANP/OBNM: General -0.75 credit, Pharmacy-0.50 credit
Dr Michael Traub, ND, DHANP, CCH, FABNO
Dr Michael Traub obtained his undergraduate degree in biological sciences from the University of California, Irvine in 1976 where he conducted neurobiology research of learning and memory for Professor James L. McGaugh. He graduated from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1981 and completed a residency there in Family Practice and Homeopathy. He became board certified in homeopathic medicine by the Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians in 1989.
Dr Traub was recognized for his many years of service to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, including President from 2001-2003, when he was honored with the 2006 Physician of the Year Award. His father was a dermatologist, and this inspired Dr Traub to undertake extra study in this subject. He has taught dermatology at five of the seven accredited naturopathic medical schools in North America and is the author of “Essentials of Dermatologic Diagnosis and Integrative Therapeutics.” He is a recognized authority in the naturopathic profession on dermatology. He serves on the scientific advisory boards of several natural product companies, and has been actively engaged in clinical research for most of his career. Dr Traub has been medical director of Lokahi Health Center in Kailua Kona, Hawaii for the past 37 years. He is also board certified in naturopathic oncology by the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology.
