🎙️World Psoriasis Day Special: Clearer Skin, Brighter Outlook Featuring Dr. Jessica Asgarpour This special World Psoriasis Day episode of the Skin and Joints Podcast shines a light on the evolving psoriasis journey—from the first plaque to total skin clearance. Dermatologist Dr. Jessica Asgarpour, now back in her sunny hometown of Calgary, for an honest, hopeful conversation about how far psoriasis care has come—and where it’s headed next. From coal tar and cumbersome creams to once-every-12-week biologic injections, Dr. Asgarpour unpacks the “treatment ladder” and what really determines when to climb it. We deep dive into: Why World Psoriasis Day (Oct 29) matters for awareness, stigma reduction, and timely re-referral How to recognize when a patient is undertreated and ready for escalation The topical-to-systemic continuum—including steroid-free innovations, orals vs. biologics, and the occasional role for IV therapy Real-world barriers in access and adherence—from referral deserts to needle phobia Matching therapy to patient lifestyle, comorbidities, and comfort level (“the clinic playbook”) Why dermatologists today can say, confidently, that there is hope for every patient It’s part myth-busting, part motivation—a must-listen whether you’re a clinician optimizing care or a patient ready to revisit your treatment options. 🎯 Learning Objectives After listening to this episode, participants will be able to: Describe the modern therapeutic ladder for psoriasis, from topicals and orals to biologics and infusions. Identify clinical and quality-of-life criteria that signal the need for treatment escalation. Discuss common barriers leading to undertreatment and strategies to enhance patient access and adherence. Compare classes of biologic agents (TNF-α, IL-17, IL-23, IL-12/23) and their practical considerations in real-world care. Empower patients with evidence-based reassurance about safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes of advanced therapies. 🩵 World Psoriasis Day is more than awareness—it’s a call to action for clear skin, renewed confidence, and collaborative care. #WorldPsoriasisDay #SkinAndJointsPodcast #PsoriasisAwareness #Dermatology #Biologics #PatientJourney #ClearSkinAhead Supported by SUN Pharma. ABOUT Dr. Jessica Asgarpour Dermatologist, Calgary, AB Board-certified in both Canada and the U.S., Dr. Asgarpour completed medical school at the Cumming School of Medicine and her Dermatology residency at the University of Alberta. She practices medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology with a special interest in hidradenitis suppurativa and deroofing surgeries, as well as acne, psoriasis, eczema, skin cancer, and women’s health. She is currently working at the Skin Health and Wellness Centre in Calgary. She is a lecturer at the University of Toronto, a courtesy clinical associate at Women’s College Hospital, and is an active investigator for ongoing clinical trials in inflammatory diseases. She is a board member on the Canadian Hidradenitis Suppurativa foundation.