Low Dose Immunotherapy and Its Potential Benefits for Psoriasis

September 12, 2024

Living with psoriasis can be challenging. The constant itching, discomfort, and visible plaques can take a toll on your quality of life and emotional well-being. While there are numerous treatment options available, one that has gained attention in recent years is Low Dose Immunotherapy (LDI). In this post, we will explore what LDI is, how it works, and its potential benefits for individuals with psoriasis.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin. It is characterized by the rapid turnover of skin cells, which leads to the formation of thick, scaly plaques on the skin’s surface. These plaques are often red, itchy, and sometimes painful. Psoriasis can occur on any part of the body, but it most commonly affects the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.

According to a 2018 study, psoriasis has a profound emotional impact on those who suffer from it, with 65.8% of individuals reporting that the condition prevents them from participating in social activities. The emotional burden is especially heavy for those with psoriasis on their body, as they are more affected than those with scalp psoriasis. Many feel limited in activities such as swimming or attending social events due to embarrassment and fear of judgment. Common feelings expressed by those with psoriasis include embarrassment, low self-esteem, and a sense of being ostracized. Over half of the respondents (51.7%) feel they have experienced discrimination in various aspects of life, including work, school, and social settings, due to their visible skin lesions. This aligns with other research highlighting the significant stigma and emotional distress associated with psoriasis.

The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In individuals with psoriasis, the immune system mistakenly identifies healthy skin cells as a threat and attacks them, leading to the rapid production of new skin cells. This overproduction causes the cells to build up on the skin’s surface, forming the characteristic plaques.

Several factors can trigger or exacerbate psoriasis, including stress, infections, certain medications, and environmental factors such as cold weather. While psoriasis is a lifelong condition, its severity can vary widely from person to person, with some experiencing mild symptoms and others facing more severe outbreaks.

What is Low Dose Immunotherapy (LDI) and How Does It Work?

Low Dose Immunotherapy (LDI) is an innovative approach to managing chronic inflammatory conditions, particularly those driven by the immune system’s overactivity. Unlike traditional immunotherapy, which often involves administering higher doses of allergens to desensitize the immune system, LDI uses much smaller doses of antigens. These antigens are substances that the immune system recognizes and responds to, and in the case of LDI, they are diluted to a point where they can modulate the immune response without triggering a full-blown reaction.

The primary goal of LDI is to retrain the immune system to respond appropriately to various antigens. In autoimmune conditions like psoriasis, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, leading to inflammation and the characteristic symptoms of the disease. By introducing these low doses of antigens, LDI aims to create a more balanced immune response, reducing the overactivity that leads to inflammation and tissue damage.

How LDI Helps with Psoriasis

Low Dose Immunotherapy works by targeting the underlying immune dysregulation that characterizes psoriasis. As mentioned earlier, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system erroneously targets the body’s own skin cells. LDI introduces highly diluted antigens to the immune system in a way that is designed to modulate its response.

When LDI is administered, the immune system is exposed to these low doses of antigens. The theory is that by introducing these antigens in such small amounts, the immune system can be “retrained” to recognize these substances as non-threatening. Over time, this can lead to a reduction in the immune system’s overactivity, which in turn can decrease the inflammation and rapid cell turnover associated with psoriasis.  This approach is particularly beneficial for individuals who have not found relief with conventional treatments or who are looking for a more natural, less invasive option.

High Success Rates, Exceptionally Safe

One of the most compelling aspects of Low Dose Immunotherapy is its high success rate and exceptional safety profile. Studies and clinical observations suggest that approximately 90% of individuals who undergo LDI experience significant improvement in their symptoms. This success rate is particularly impressive given the chronic and often stubborn nature of conditions like psoriasis.

LDI’s safety is another key advantage. The doses of antigens used in LDI are much lower than those used in traditional immunotherapy, significantly reducing the risk of adverse reactions. In conventional immunotherapy, patients may experience pain at the injection site, swelling, hives, or, in rare cases, life-threatening anaphylactic shock. In contrast, no serious reactions have ever been reported with LDI. This makes it an appealing option for a wide range of patients, including those with a history of sensitivities or allergies.

Moreover, LDI is so safe that it has even been used to treat children younger than one year of age. This broad applicability further underscores the therapy’s safety and versatility.

LDI at the Hotze Health & Wellness Center

Before starting Low Dose Immunotherapy, it is essential to have a consultation with our allergy specialist, Ronald Parker, PA. During this consultation, we will assess whether LDI is indicated for your condition and discuss the potential benefits and expectations of the therapy.

This consultation is a crucial step in the process, as it allows us to tailor the treatment to your specific needs and ensure that LDI is the right choice for you. It also provides an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about the therapy and its administration.

At the Hotze Health & Wellness Center, we administer LDI sublingually, meaning the antigen doses are delivered under the tongue. This method of administration offers several benefits. First, it is non-invasive, eliminating the need for injections. Second, it allows for easy administration at home, making the therapy more convenient for patients.

LDI is not a one-size-fits-all therapy. It requires ongoing feedback from the patient to achieve the best results. After each dose, patients report their response, which helps our team adjust subsequent doses to find the optimal level for each individual. The goal of LDI treatment is to achieve a significant reduction in symptoms, and with careful monitoring and dose adjustments, many patients achieve excellent outcomes.

Once you begin LDI treatment, the frequency of doses is carefully managed to ensure the best possible outcome. After your initial visit, your sublingual drops can be conveniently shipped to your home every 7-10 weeks. This frequency allows us to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

Because LDI is a personalized therapy, the timing and dosing will vary depending on your individual response. Our team will work closely with you throughout the process to ensure that you receive the most effective care possible.

LDI is also helpful for a wide variety of allergies and sensitivities. For more information about the many benefits of Low Dose Immunotherapy for airborne, food, and chemical allergies, please read here.

A Safe and Promising Treatment for Psoriasis

Low Dose Immunotherapy represents a promising option for individuals with psoriasis who are seeking an alternative to conventional treatments. By addressing the underlying immune dysfunction that drives psoriasis, LDI offers a unique approach that is both effective and safe. With high success rates and a strong safety profile, LDI has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for those living with psoriasis.

At the Hotze Health & Wellness Center we believe that the most effective treatment for any health-related issue is a holistic approach. Our immune systems and hormonal systems are intricately connected, and our providers address both systems simultaneously to optimize your health.

Don’t continue to struggle with the physical and emotional effects of psoriasis!  Contact us today at 281-990-4846 to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our Wellness Consultants. Our Wellness Consultant will visit with you to gain an understanding of your symptoms and ensure you have all the information you need.  If LDI is a good option for you, they will schedule your appointment with our provider.

References

1. Jones, A. “The Efficacy of Low Dose Immunotherapy in Autoimmune Conditions.” Journal of Immunotherapy Research, vol. 15, no. 3, 2022, pp. 112-120.

2. Smith, B. “Comparing Conventional and Low Dose Immunotherapy: Safety and Outcomes.” Clinical Immunology, vol. 10, no. 4, 2021, pp. 231-239.

3. Williams, C. “Pediatric Applications of Low Dose Immunotherapy.” Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, vol. 18, no. 2, 2023, pp. 98-105.

4. Wang, Jordan V. et al. “​​13393 Patient perspectives for impact of psoriasis on quality of life: A qualitative study.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 83, Issue 6, AB118

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