Mayfield Heights, OH – August 8, 2022 – Clevelander Joe Jones was just in second grade when he first developed the painful, scaly lesions of plaque psoriasis. Mild in the beginning, the skin condition grew more severe each year, and Joe’s discomfort and self-consciousness skyrocketed.
“My hands, scalp, elbows, toes, and knees were the worst. I could hide some of my psoriasis with clothes and hats, but my hands were harder to conceal. People would stare at them, making me feel uncomfortable and embarrassed, and ask if it was poison ivy or contagious,” Jones shared.
A never-ending series of failed treatments and doctors’ appointments made Joe pessimistic and feel like a psoriasis prisoner throughout adulthood and into his early 40s. Until he learned about a new clinical trial at Apex Dermatology and Skin Surgery Center and decided to make a call.
“I tried everything to control my psoriasis over the years, but nothing worked. It was discouraging, and I lost hope. I saw an ad for a plaque psoriasis clinical trial at Apex and felt like I had nothing to lose, so I signed up,” Jones said. “I finally started to see and feel relief for the first time in over 30 years.”
From the beginning, Jones said his experience at Apex Dermatology was different from other clinical studies he participated in prior. The staff seemed genuinely concerned about his health and took extended time to review his history and get to know him personally. His first appointment with CEO and founder Dr. Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga renewed his hope for relief.
“Dr. Garcia spent time learning about me and my past battles with psoriasis. He also wanted to know me as a person – not just my skin condition. I was encouraged by this difference,” Jones added.
Over the past five months, Jones completed the study and has seen a dramatic change in his skin. He no longer suffers from pain or embarrassment. He also said that Dr. Garcia are working to see if Jones’ time in the trial can be extended since he is doing so well with his treatments. Jones appreciates the extra effort and commitment to him and others suffering with psoriasis.
Dr. Garcia explains that clinical trials can be especially impactful for participants who are not responding to current treatments, do not have health insurance, or cannot afford prescribed medications.
“Apex clinical trial participants receive free treatment, extremely attentive healthcare from our entire clinical research team, a stipend for their involvement, and often, complimentary care after the trial for a period of time. More importantly, they are contributing to the bigger picture by helping others suffering from the same disease to have access to newer, more effective treatments,” Dr. Garcia added.
Jones agrees and says this is why he joined the trial. He also encourages others with unresponsive health conditions to be part of the solutions.
“Of course, you feel hesitant of the unknown at first, but the personal reward and greater good can be life changing. I think about other 8-year-olds suffering from psoriasis and remember that pain. If I can help even one child not have to experience that, I can handle any obstacles from a clinical study,” Jones stated.
If you are interested in participating in the plaque psoriasis or other Apex Dermatology clinical trials, visit research@apexskin.com or call 440-443-0440, Ext 10015. You can also sign up for future studies by filling out a form on the website.