Actor Ted Danson, renowned for his extensive career in film and television, has been managing a chronic immune system disorder for the past five decades. Despite his illustrious journey on screen, spanning from his iconic role in the NBC series Cheers to his current endeavors like the upcoming Netflix show A Classic Spy, Danson has silently grappled with a condition known as plaque psoriasis since the age of 25.
Plaque psoriasis, an autoimmune disease affecting approximately two million Americans, often manifests as chronic inflammation, predominantly impacting the skin. Reflecting on his experience with the condition, Danson shared with EatingWell during an interview, “Your skin is so important. It’s like your presentation to the world. And to have to cope with it by standing up to make a joke about your presentation to the world, excuse it or hide it is difficult.”
Joined by dermatologist Jennifer Soung, M.D., Danson emphasized the profound effect skin conditions like psoriasis can have on individuals’ lives. Together, they have partnered with biopharmaceutical company Bristol Myers Squibb for the SO Have You Found It? movement, aimed at empowering individuals dealing with plaque psoriasis to seek appropriate assistance.
In their conversation with EatingWell, Danson and Soung underscored the significance of seeking treatment for conditions like psoriasis and shared strategies for managing symptoms and reducing inflammation.
Danson recounted his journey, expressing gratitude for finding effective treatment early on. “I was blessed enough to find a dermatologist around the same time a new treatment came along that was very effective for me,” he revealed. Urging others not to suffer alone, he encouraged individuals to reach out to dermatologists for assistance.
However, not everyone finds suitable treatment plans as swiftly. Soung lamented the persistence of patients still grappling with psoriasis despite years of research and clinical practice. For her, the essence of the SO Have You Found It? movement lies in the moment of self-discovery and empowerment derived from finding the right doctor and treatment.
Dietary considerations emerged as a crucial aspect of managing psoriasis, with Soung stressing the importance of a balanced diet to mitigate the risk of comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Danson echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the challenges of adopting dietary changes, particularly in the past when treatments were less favorable.
An anti-inflammatory diet, characterized by the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods and the limitation of pro-inflammatory foods, emerged as a potential strategy for managing chronic inflammation associated with psoriasis. Soung emphasized the individualized nature of dietary interventions, acknowledging the diverse factors influencing dietary preferences and social interactions.
In addition to dietary modifications, Soung highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and minimizing habits like alcohol consumption and smoking, which can exacerbate skin-related autoimmune conditions.
In closing, Soung reiterated the significance of acknowledging the broader impact of psoriasis beyond physical symptoms and encouraged individuals to empower themselves by seeking treatment and adopting healthy living habits as complementary measures to medical interventions.
