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Perth man claims new drug cleared his skin condition psoriasis

A Perth man who has battled chronic condition psoriasis for more than 30 years says his skin has cleared up thanks to a new drug.

Craig Walker said he tried creams and pills to correct his skin, but never had any luck.

“I was lucky enough not to have it on my face, but my arms, shoulders, my trunk, legs, feet, everywhere,” he said.

“You feel like a social leper.

Perth man Craig Walker. Picture: 7 News
Perth man Craig Walker. Picture: 7 News
Before and after shots of Mr Walker's psoriasis. Picture: 7 News
Before and after shots of Mr Walker's psoriasis. Picture: 7 News

“You have to be covered up all the time.”

After a more than 30-year battle, the 51-year-old joined a national drug trial, which has resulted in the rash clearing.

“Within two months of starting the drug, I basically had a few red blotches on my body and the next couple of months,” Mr Walker said.

Mr Walker's skin began to clear after using Taltz. Picture: 7 News
Mr Walker's skin began to clear after using Taltz. Picture: 7 News

“After that, it was all gone.”

Mr Walker underwent a series of injections as part of the trial into the drug Taltz, which targets the proteins causing the autoimmune disease.

As of March 22, the prescription medication has just been listed on the PBS, offering hope to those who also battle psoriasis for $38 per injection.

Chronic skin condition psoriasis. Picture: 7 News
Chronic skin condition psoriasis. Picture: 7 News

“By reducing these inflammatory mediators, we can improve their skin,” dermatologist Kurt Gebauer said.

New figures show an estimated 1.6 million Australians live with the skin condition.

Today's top news stories - March 24