Inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema affect millions of Americans, with psoriasis alone impacting over 7.5 million people and moderate to severe atopic dermatitis affecting approximately 16.5 million adults. Dr. Kristine Zitelli provides comprehensive biologic therapy for patients with moderate to severe inflammatory skin conditions that haven’t responded adequately to traditional treatments.
Not only provides excellent care but truly cares.
Understanding Biologic Therapy
Biologic medications represent a revolutionary advancement in treating inflammatory skin diseases. Unlike traditional immunosuppressive drugs that broadly suppress the immune system, biologics work by targeting specific proteins and pathways involved in inflammation. These targeted therapies are created from living organisms in specialized laboratories and include monoclonal antibodies that precisely block inflammatory molecules such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukins (IL-17, IL-23, IL-4, IL-13), and other immune mediators.
Currently, over 30 FDA-approved biologics are available for various immune diseases, with psoriasis having the greatest number of approved biologics (12 in total) followed by rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. The targeted approach of biologics means they can quiet only the overactive part of the immune system responsible for disease, reducing the risk of liver, kidney, and other organ complications compared to traditional systemic therapies.
Conditions We Treat with Biologic Therapy
- Moderate to Severe Psoriasis Multiple biologic classes available targeting TNF-alpha, IL-17, IL-23, and IL-12/23 pathways to achieve clear or nearly clear skin
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Four FDA-approved biologics including dupilumab, lebrikizumab, nemolizumab, and tralokinumab for comprehensive inflammatory control
- Psoriatic Arthritis Combination therapy addressing both skin and joint symptoms with proven efficacy in preventing permanent joint damage
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa Targeted biologic interventions for this challenging condition when conventional systemic therapies prove insufficient for disease control
Dr. Zitelli’s Personalized Biologic Approach
Dr. Zitelli’s expertise in immunodermatology allows her to carefully select the most appropriate biologic therapy based on your specific condition, disease severity, treatment history, and individual health profile. Her comprehensive approach includes thorough pre-treatment screening, careful monitoring, and ongoing assessment to ensure optimal safety and effectiveness.
“Biologic therapy has transformed what we can achieve for patients with inflammatory skin conditions. The key is matching the right biologic to the right patient at the right time,” explains Dr. Zitelli. “My goal is to help patients achieve significant improvement in their skin while maintaining excellent safety profiles through careful monitoring and personalized care.”
Comprehensive Pre-Treatment Evaluation
Before initiating biologic therapy, patients undergo extensive evaluation to ensure safety and optimize treatment success:
- Complete medical history and physical examination
- Laboratory testing including complete blood count, liver function, and inflammatory markers
- Tuberculosis screening with chest X-ray and interferon-gamma release assays
- Hepatitis B and C screening
- Assessment of vaccination status and updates as needed
- Disease severity scoring using validated tools (PASI for psoriasis, EASI for eczema)
Advanced Treatment Options Available
Dr. Zitelli offers access to the latest FDA-approved biologics across multiple therapeutic classes. Treatment selection considers factors including disease type, severity, previous treatment responses, patient preferences, and individual risk factors. Many biologics can be self-administered at home after proper training, providing convenience and flexibility for busy lifestyles.
- TNF Inhibitors: Established biologics with extensive safety data for multiple inflammatory conditions including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
- IL-17 Inhibitors: Highly effective for plaque psoriasis with rapid onset of action and excellent skin clearance rates
- IL-23 Inhibitors: Newer agents offering extended dosing intervals (every 12 weeks) with outstanding efficacy for psoriasis
- IL-4/IL-13 Inhibitors: Specifically targeting the Type 2 inflammatory pathway crucial in atopic dermatitis pathophysiology
What to Expect During Treatment
Biologic therapy typically involves initial loading doses followed by maintenance injections. Most patients begin seeing improvement within 4-12 weeks, with continued improvement over several months. Dr. Zitelli provides comprehensive education about proper injection techniques for home administration and establishes regular monitoring schedules to track progress and ensure safety.
- Initial consultation and screening process typically takes 2-3 weeks
- Most biologics are administered via subcutaneous injection every 1-12 weeks depending on the medication
- Regular follow-up appointments every 3-6 months for monitoring and assessment
- Many patients achieve 75-90% improvement in skin symptoms with appropriate biologic therapy
- Long-term safety data supports continued use for years when properly monitored
Managing Expectations and Safety
While biologics offer remarkable efficacy for inflammatory skin conditions, Dr. Zitelli ensures patients understand both benefits and potential risks. The most significant concern involves increased infection risk due to immune system modulation, though serious adverse events remain rare with proper screening and monitoring. Regular follow-up visits allow for early detection and management of any concerns.
Some patients may experience paradoxical reactions where other inflammatory conditions develop during treatment. Dr. Zitelli’s experience allows her to recognize these patterns early and adjust treatment accordingly, often successfully managing both the primary condition and any secondary inflammatory responses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Biologic Therapy
Most patients begin seeing improvement within 4-12 weeks of starting biologic therapy, with continued improvement occurring over 3-6 months. Some newer biologics may show initial benefits as early as 2-4 weeks.
Yes, extensive clinical data supports the long-term safety of biologics when properly monitored. Studies show many patients safely use biologics for years with continued effectiveness and good safety profiles.
It’s possible for biologics to lose effectiveness over time due to antibody development or disease progression. Dr. Zitelli can switch to a different biologic class, which often restores excellent disease control.
Live vaccines are generally avoided during biologic treatment, but inactivated vaccines can usually be administered safely. Dr. Zitelli coordinates with your primary care physician to ensure appropriate vaccination schedules.
Most insurance plans cover FDA-approved biologics for moderate to severe inflammatory skin conditions when medical necessity criteria are met. Our team assists with prior authorization processes and patient assistance programs when needed.
Board-Certified Dermatologist Serving Cincinnati, Ohio
Dr. Kristine Zitelli is a board-certified dermatologist serving the Cincinnati area, known for her expertise in treating a wide range of skin conditions. She completed her medical degree at Wright State University and dermatology residency at the University of Cincinnati, with additional advanced training at the UCSF Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center. Her clinical focus includes thorough skin examinations, psoriasis, eczema, complex medical dermatology, surgical dermatology and cosmetic treatments using the latest technologies.
Dr. Zitelli has been named a “Top Doctor” in Cincinnati every year since 2016 as well as Cincinnati’s Top Dermatologist in 2020. She remains dedicated to educating the community about skin health and sun safety. Combining academic excellence, clinical research, and a compassionate approach, Dr. Zitelli delivers personalized, evidence-based care to every patient.
Achieve Life-Changing Results with Expert Biologic Care in Cincinnati
Dr. Kristine Zitelli’s expertise in biologic therapy has helped countless patients throughout Cincinnati and Montgomery achieve dramatic improvements in their inflammatory skin conditions. Her comprehensive approach combines cutting-edge biologic treatments with personalized care, ensuring optimal outcomes while maintaining the highest safety standards. Through careful patient selection, thorough monitoring, and ongoing support, Dr. Zitelli helps patients reclaim their confidence and quality of life.
Don’t let inflammatory skin conditions control your life any longer. Contact Queen City Dermatology today to schedule your comprehensive consultation and discover how advanced biologic therapy can transform your skin health and overall well-being.
