Dallas Goedert: A Champion’s Journey with Plaque Psoriasis
- Dallas Goedert, a champion tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles, is candid about his experience with plaque psoriasis.
- After managing the autoimmune condition for two decades, Goedert aims to raise awareness.
- He hopes to educate his NFL peers, fans, and anyone curious about this chronic skin condition.
As a prominent player for the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Goedert celebrated a memorable Super Bowl LIX victory against the Kansas City Chiefs, during which he recorded two receptions for 27 yards.
“It was an incredible experience. I can hardly believe it; it feels surreal, but it’s becoming more real now that I’m back home,” Goedert shared with Healthline following his Super Bowl triumph.
Looking ahead, Goedert is determined to leverage his status as a football star to shed light on plaque psoriasis, a condition he has dealt with since he was just ten years old.
Plaque psoriasis is the most prevalent form of psoriasis, affecting around 80 to 90% of individuals living with this skin condition.
“I never had anyone to look up to who was famous and had psoriasis, so sharing my story is crucial to me. If I can assist another child facing similar challenges, that would mean the world to me,” Goedert expressed.
Understanding Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition influenced by an overactive immune system.
“It’s not merely about the visible plaques; it can also be associated with joint issues (psoriatic arthritis), heightened cardiovascular risk, metabolic syndrome, and even mental health conditions like depression and anxiety,” explained Dr. Adam Friedman, a dermatology professor at George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, in an interview with Healthline.
“A variety of health problems can be connected to psoriasis, as chronic inflammation negatively impacts all organ systems.”
This persistent condition results in psoriasis plaques, which manifest as raised, inflamed, and scaly patches that can be itchy and painful.
Although Goedert has never let his condition hinder his ability to practice or compete, he admits that wearing pads and being in sweat for extended periods can lead to itchiness.
“These are challenges I’ve learned to cope with,” he noted. “It’s never enjoyable, but life often requires us to face unpleasant situations, and we just have to push through.”
The appearance of plaques can differ based on skin tone.
The National Psoriasis Foundation clarifies that on lighter skin, plaques typically present as raised, red patches topped with silvery white scales. Conversely, on darker skin, they may appear darker and thicker, showcasing shades of purple, gray, or deep brown.
Because the plaques are visible, there is often a misconception that psoriasis is contagious, which it is not.
“The plaques result from abnormal skin cell turnover driven by inflammation, not from an infection,” Dr. Friedman clarified. “Yet, many individuals still encounter stigma and social exclusion, as onlookers see red, flaky patches and mistakenly assume they are infectious, impacting their self-esteem and social life.”
Goedert understands this well. “As a child, when I started developing spots on my skin, I would go to school, and teachers and friends would often ask, ‘What is that? Is it contagious?’ It was tough to deal with,” he recalled.
“Feeling embarrassed and facing those questions was never easy.”
As a professional athlete, Goedert still encounters similar inquiries. In the early stages of his NFL career, he attempted to conceal his condition.
“When it would show on my arms, I opted for long sleeves to cover up. During outdoor workouts in the sun, I kept my shirt on while others were shedding theirs to catch some rays,” Goedert reminisced.
Now, he embraces these moments to educate others about plaque psoriasis.
“It’s crucial to raise awareness; I want my teammates to know I have plaque psoriasis — it’s not contagious. It originates from within the body and manifests externally,” he explained.
Finding Solutions and Hope
When Goedert first exhibited symptoms of plaque psoriasis, his mother recognized it, having several family members with the same condition.
“She played a vital role and took me to see a doctor,” he recalled. “Since I was 10, I’ve been experimenting with various topical treatments to manage my plaque psoriasis.”
Topical treatments are often prescribed for mild cases. “Corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and newer nonsteroidal agents such as tapinarof or roflumilast can be effective in controlling localized plaques,” Dr. Friedman noted.
However, Goedert found that topical treatments weren’t the best fit for him.
“As a football player, I sweat a lot and spend time in cold tubs and shower after practices — it’s challenging to apply topical medications multiple times daily and keep them effective,” he shared.
His doctor suggested trying the oral medication apremilast (Otezla), which has proven beneficial for him. Other oral options include TYK2 inhibitors like deucravacitinib.
“I encourage anyone facing similar challenges to consult their doctor; there are numerous ways to manage it, and everyone can find a treatment that suits their lifestyle,” advised Goedert.
Dr. Friedman highlighted additional treatments for psoriasis:
Recent advancements in psoriasis treatment have been notable, with targeted UV light and biologics leading the way. Treatments like risankizumab, guselkumab, secukinumab, and bimekizumab have demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in clearing skin and reducing inflammation by focusing on specific immune pathways.
Dr. Friedman emphasizes the effectiveness of these therapies, noting a shift toward clear skin as the new standard in care. With ongoing research and the development of personalized medicine approaches, the future for psoriasis patients looks increasingly promising.
Goedert has teamed up with Amgen to share his experience with psoriasis at DallasGStory.com. He recognizes the significance of using his platform to raise awareness and support those facing similar challenges. For him, the most fulfilling aspect is inspiring young fans and positively impacting their lives.
In summary, the advancements in psoriasis treatment provide hope and new possibilities for patients, demonstrating that clear skin can transition from a distant dream to a tangible reality with the right treatment and support.
