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Dallas Goedert’s Journey with Plaque Psoriasis
- Dallas Goedert, the tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles, opens up about living with plaque psoriasis.
- After two decades of battling this autoimmune disorder, he is committed to spreading awareness.
- Goedert aims to educate NFL players, fans, and anyone curious about this chronic skin condition.
As a key player for the Philadelphia Eagles and a Super Bowl LIX champion, Dallas Goedert made his mark in the game, catching two passes for 27 yards in the thrilling victory against the Kansas City Chiefs on February 9.
Reflecting on the win, Goedert shared with Healthline, “It’s surreal. I’m pinching myself, and the reality is starting to sink in now that I’m back home.”
However, Goedert’s story extends beyond football. He is passionate about leveraging his fame to educate others about plaque psoriasis, a condition he has lived with since he was just 10 years old.
Plaque psoriasis is the most prevalent type of psoriasis, impacting around 80 to 90% of those diagnosed with the disorder.
“Growing up, I didn’t have any role models or celebrities to look up to who had psoriasis. Sharing my journey means a lot because I want to help other kids who are facing similar struggles,” Goedert said.
Plaque Psoriasis: Understanding the Condition
Plaque psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by systemic inflammation.
“This condition is more than just visible plaques; it’s associated with joint problems like psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular issues, metabolic syndrome, and mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression,” Dr. Adam Friedman, a dermatology professor at George Washington School of Medicine, explained to Healthline.
“Chronic inflammation can negatively affect every organ in the body.”
The condition manifests as raised, inflamed patches of skin known as plaques, which can be itchy and painful.
Though Goedert has never let psoriasis hinder his performance on the field, he admits that wearing pads and enduring extended periods of sweating can exacerbate his discomfort. “I’ve had to manage these challenges, but it’s all part of life. You learn to push through the tough times,” he remarked.
The appearance of plaques can vary depending on skin tone. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, they often present as raised red areas with silvery scales on lighter skin. On darker complexions, the plaques may display a deeper hue, appearing darker and thicker.
Due to their visibility, many mistakenly perceive psoriasis as contagious, but that is a misconception.
“The plaques result from abnormal skin cell turnover linked to inflammation, not infections,” Dr. Friedman clarified. “Unfortunately, social stigma remains, as people often misinterpret skin conditions, which can affect a patient’s self-esteem and social life.”
Goedert understands this firsthand. “As a child, when I developed spots on my skin, my classmates and teachers would ask, ‘What’s that? Is it contagious?’ It was tough to deal with those questions,” he recalled.
“Feeling embarrassed and fielding those inquiries was never easy.”
Even as a professional athlete, he still encounters similar situations. In the beginning of his NFL journey, he attempted to conceal his condition.
“I’d wear long sleeves to hide it, especially when everyone else was enjoying the sun,” he shared. “But now, I see it as an opportunity to educate others about plaque psoriasis.”
“It’s crucial to inform my teammates that I have plaque psoriasis and that it’s not contagious. It’s an internal issue that manifests externally,” he explained.
Recognizing and Treating Plaque Psoriasis
When Goedert first exhibited symptoms of plaque psoriasis, his mother identified the issue, as several family members had similar experiences.
Topical therapies are typically recommended for milder cases. “Corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and newer agents like tapinarof or roflumilast can help manage localized plaques,” Dr. Friedman noted.
However, Goedert found topicals less effective for his lifestyle.
“As a football player, sweating heavily and frequently showering made it difficult to apply topicals consistently,” he explained.
His doctor suggested an oral medication called apremilast (Otezla), which Goedert found beneficial. Other oral options include TYK2 inhibitors such as deucravacitinib.
“I encourage anyone grappling with this condition to consult their doctor. There are numerous treatment pathways, and everyone can find a solution that fits their lifestyle,” Goedert advised.
Dr. Friedman added that advancements in psoriasis treatments include:
Significant progress has been made in psoriasis treatment over recent years. Targeted UV therapies and biologics have emerged as effective methods for managing this condition. Biologics like risankizumab, guselkumab, secukinumab, and bimekizumab have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in clearing skin and reducing inflammation by specifically targeting immune pathways.
Dr. Friedman emphasizes the success of these treatments, highlighting a shift toward clear skin as the desired outcome. With ongoing research into personalized medicine and advancements in targeted therapies, the future looks promising for those living with psoriasis.
Goedert has collaborated with Amgen to share his experiences with psoriasis on DallasGStory.com. He recognizes the significance of using his platform to raise awareness and offer support to others facing similar issues. For him, the most fulfilling aspect of this journey is inspiring young fans and making a positive difference in their lives.
In summary, the strides made in psoriasis treatment provide hope for many, demonstrating that achieving clear skin is not merely a dream but a feasible goal when approached with the right strategies and support.
