The COVID-19 pandemic has shocked the world and disrupted the lives of people living with psoriatic disease. In the face of this pandemic, it is IFPA’s mission to deliver the most credible and reliable information regarding COVID-19 and psoriatic disease.
COVID-19 and Psoriatic Disease
IFPA’s global advice
IFPA is proud to partner with PsoProtect and PsoProtectMe.
PsoProtect is an international registry for healthcare providers to report outcomes of COVID-19 in individuals with psoriasis. The registry's sister survey, PsoProtectMe, is collecting self-reported data from people living with psoriatic disease through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The results of these projects have increased our understanding of how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting people with psoriatic disease. New insights will continue to inform clinical recommendations and better response to future emergencies.
Help us understand the impact of COVID-19
You can participate in PsoProtectMe, whether or not you have experienced symptoms of COVID-19.
Your vaccine questions answered
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In many cases, people receiving drugs that affect the immune system are advised to avoid live vaccines. The vaccines currently being administered for COVID-19 are non-live vaccines. In general, non-live vaccines can be given safely to people receiving drugs that affect the immune system. Current recommendations including guidance from the International Psoriasis Council (IPC) advises physicians and other health practitioners to administer COVID-19 vaccines to people with psoriatic disease unless they have specific contraindication to vaccination. Further studies are required to understand the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in people who take medications that affect the immune system. The decision to be vaccinated should be an individual one, shared between you and your physician.
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There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines have any effect on the severity of psoriatic disease. Further studies will reveal whether COVID-19 vaccines can worsen or improve symptoms of psoriatic disease. While there is currently no evidence that vaccines have an effect on symptoms, we recommend that decision making takes place together with your healthcare provider.
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Any licensed vaccine must be tested rigorously before approval and assessed regularly after being introduced. Most of the COVID-19 vaccines in development are non-live vaccines (like mRNA vaccines) that do not use the live virus that causes COVID-19. Generally, non-live vaccines are safe for people who take medications that affect the immune system. Check with your health care provider to make sure you do not have any contraindications or allergies to ingredients in the vaccine.
There is still not enough evidence to predict how effective COVID-19 vaccines will be for people who take medication that affects the immune system. As COVID-19 vaccines become available, registries will collect information to give us a better understanding of their effectiveness in people taking drugs that affect the immune system.
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You can stop misinformation and educate your peers. Check out this useful tool from EDU Med for helpful tips to talk about vaccines.
COVID-19 and Psoriatic Disease FAQs
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COVID-19 is an illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It is caused by a new type of coronavirus known as SARS-COV-2. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease.
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People can catch COVID-19 from other people who have the virus (human-to-human transmission) through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Others then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in the droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This usually happens at a distance of 1 meter or less.
The WHO is assessing the transmission routes of COVID-19, and updating its conclusions. For the latest findings visit: https://bit.ly/3fzqJ1L
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There is currently no evidence that people with psoriatic disease are any more or less likely to catch COVID-19. You should follow the same precautions recommended by the World Health Organization and your local health authorities to protect yourself and others.
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Clinicians and health care providers are aware of the concerns about COVID-19 and treatment. The current available advice takes special consideration for people living with Pso/PsA on biologics who are confirmed to have COVID-19. Individual risk can vary and should be assessed by your health care provider. Factors include which systemic medications you are taking, whether you are taking more than one of these medications, and whether you are living with co-morbidities or other medical issues. If you have questions about your treatment, contact your care provider. Whenever possible, use the phone or another telehealth tool to access health services from a distance to reduce the risk of infection.
At this time, we do not advise that you make any changes to your treatment as a preventative measure or without consulting your prescriber. If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 (such as fever, persistent coughing, loss of smell and taste, or other common symptoms), consult your psoriatic disease care provider to discuss whether or not you should continue your systemic treatment.
Please see the International Psoriasis Council guidance to clinicians which is in accordance with established treatment guidelines and advises clinicians to stop biologic therapy for people living with Pso/PsA confirmed to have COVID-19.
References:
Dermatologists BA of. Dermatology Advice Regarding Self-Isolation and Immunosuppressed Patients: Adults, Paediatrics and Young People [Internet]. 2020. Available from: http://www.bad.org.uk/healthca...
American Academy of Dermatology. Managing your practice through the COVID-19 outbreak [Internet]. 2020. Available from: https://www.aad.org/member/pra...
Forum ED. Statement on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak [Internet]. 2020. Available from: https://www.edf.one/home.html
EADV TF, SPIN. Recommendation from the EADV Psoriatic disease Task Force / SPIN [Internet]. 17-04-2020. p. 1–2. Available from: https://www.eadv.org/cms-admin... DISEASE-SPIN TF Recommandations_Covid-Corner.pdf
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WHO provides excellent advice on masks. Masks should be worn as part of a comprehensive strategy to limit spread of COVID-19. However, use of masks should be coupled with other preventive measures such a physical distancing, frequent hand washing, and avoiding touching of face and mask.
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The situation is different for every context. Current advice for testing depends on the stage of the outbreak in the country or area where you live. Testing approaches will be adapted to the situation at national and local level. Stay up to date with your national/ local health authorities testing approach.
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It is recommended to wash hands using soap and water very thoroughly. This may be difficult but the dermatology association recommends it as a practical approach. Regular handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick.
To learn more about handwashing, visit the World Health Organization’s website on clean hands protection against infection.
For great tips on washing hands with sensitive skin, watch the video from the Psoriasis and Eczema Association of Norway!
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- In discussion with your provider you share concerns with regards to treatment.
- Your dermatologist is aware of the current developments and advice on effects of COVID-19 from their guidelines on care & treatment of people living with psoriatic disease
- When you do contact your healthcare provider, it is best to use the phone or another telehealth solution whenever possible to reduce the risk of infection. Ask your healthcare provider for suggestions when you book your appointment.
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Contact your health care provider with any urgent questions. Health systems are experiencing a high load right now, and as the situation progresses remember that your dermatologist may also be seeing other members of the psoriatic disease community who are in need of immediate care. Contact your health care provider only when necessary with specific questions. One way to support the medical community is to practice the simple measures of prevention to keep yourself safe. Remember to take advantage of phone appointments and other telehealth solutions whenever possible to reduce the risk of infection.
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Stay aware of the latest information. In line with the general public health guidance regarding COVID-19, we continue to encourage you to refer to your local health authorities following guidance from WHO (CDC). Follow the DO THE FIVE CAMPAIGN launched by WHO.
Remember to do the FIVE:
- HANDS: Wash them often with soap
- ELBOW: Cough or sneeze into elbow if you must
- FACE: Do not touch your face, mouth or eyes
- SPACE: Practice “social distancing” by keeping a safe distance more than one meter (3ft) apart.
- HOME: Are you sick? Are any of your family members sick? If you can, please stay home and call your healthcare provider. If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider as well as your dermatologist via telephone.
References:
World Health Organization. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public [Internet]. 2020. Available from: https://www.who.int/emergencie...
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus (COVID-19). 2020; Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronaviru...
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Q & A on COVID-19 [Internet]. 2020. Available from: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/...
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Current advice from the International Psoriasis Council, European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, and Skin Inflammation & Psoriasis International Network recognize that individuals aged 60 years and older as well as people living with certain psoriatic disease co-morbidities – diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, asthma, hepatitis B, chronic kidney diseases, and cancer and obesity – have a higher risk of complication if infected by SARS-CoV-2. Links to more information on this subject are upcoming.
References:
Council IP. IPC -Statement on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak [Internet]. 2020. Available from: https://www.psoriatic diseasecouncil.org/blog/...
Dermatologists BA of. Dermatology Advice Regarding Self-Isolation and Immunosuppressed Patients: Adults, Paediatrics and Young People [Internet]. 2020. Available from: http://www.bad.org.uk/healthca...
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The arrival of COVID-19 vaccines is cause for optimism. For people with psoriatic disease, vaccines may also raise questions. Review IFPA's full advice about vaccines.