The PAPAA Forum: Dr David Ashton

Update to COVID-19 FAQs Dec 6th 2021, 13.52

• Author: Dr David Ashton
• Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 remains a serious health risk. You should stay cautious to help protect yourself and others. The latest advice from the UK Government says:

• Let fresh air in if you meet indoors. Meeting outdoors is safer
• You must wear a face covering in shops and on all public transport (check local differences)
• Get tested and self-isolate, if required
…

Lung disease and psoriasis Jul 27th 2021, 13.50

• Author: Dr David Ashton
• Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Introduction

One of the significant symptoms of Covid-19 is a persistent cough and, in severe cases, shortness of breath.  Whilst this is not the place to discuss the specific features or details of coronavirus infection, it’s a useful moment to review the various lung conditions associated with psoriasis and whether any of the current systemic…

Psoriasis patients more susceptible to COVID-19 May 17th 2021, 09.55

• Author: Dr David Ashton
• Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

As the COVID-19 pandemic has continued, researchers have been able to study individual groups of patients with pre-existing medical conditions – including psoriasis.  One especially important question, is whether patients diagnosed with psoriasis, could be more at risk of infection with COVID-19?  

In a recent (virtual) meeting of the American…

Biologics may reduce the risk of heart disease Dec 10th 2020, 13.31

• Author: Dr David Ashton
• Topic: Treatment

Encouraging new evidence suggests that biological treatment for psoriasis, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. 

Biologics have been used in the treatment of psoriasis since the early 2000s.  They block the actions of various inflammatory molecules – cytokines – which play a major role in the development of psoriasis and psoriatic…