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The latest news releases from the National Psoriasis Foundation on research developments into psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, National Psoriasis Foundation events for its members and the public and other relevant happenings.
Beware psoriasis "cures" being peddled on Internet
National Psoriasis Foundation notes proliferation of scams being advertised on Internet to "cure" an incurable autoimmune disease
Portland, Ore., Dec. 9, 2003 - The National Psoriasis Foundation cautioned health care consumers today to beware empty promises being peddled on the Internet and in newspaper advertisements to "cure" psoriasis, an incurable immune-mediated disease that affects 5 million Americans. The Psoriasis Foundation has detected a recent surge in exaggerated product claims designed to mislead people with psoriasis. For example, a leading Internet search engine is currently returning four advertisements promising a "cure," and a fifth claiming to "end" psoriasis, when someone searches the word "psoriasis."
"People must be on their guard when evaluating the dramatic claims made by some psoriasis product manufacturers," said Gail Zimmerman, president and CEO of the National Psoriasis Foundation. "Psoriasis is not curable, but there are many products that can help, some of which can even bring about a temporary remission in symptoms. Our Web site offers extensive information on psoriasis treatments, including prescription medications, over-the-counter remedies and alternative therapies. But with any advertisement, it's worth remembering the old adage: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
The Psoriasis Foundation is the leading nonprofit organization fighting to improve the quality of life of the more than 5 million Americans diagnosed with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis and their families. Its fact-filled Web site, at www.psoriasis.org, serves more than 1 million visitors annually, and its patient advisors educators answer tens of thousands of queries each year through mail, e-mail and over the phone (800.723.9166, M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. PT).
"Psoriasis patients and their doctors will celebrate the day this disease is cured. But despite recent major advances in understanding the genetic underpinnings of psoriasis and developing new treatment for it, we still need to live in the real world," said Craig Leonardi, M.D., clinical associate professor of dermatology at Saint Louis University in St. Louis and a member of the Psoriasis Foundation's Medical Board. "Psoriasis patients should do what makes sense. They should do their homework, consult with experts, and keep at it until they find a safe and effective treatment that works for them."
Information on psoriasis treatments can be found here: http://www.psoriasis.org/treatment and a special section on alternative therapies is here: http://www.psoriasis.org/treatment/psoriasis/alternatives.php.
"With more than 300 prescription and over-the-counter medications for psoriasis, as well as dozens of alternative therapies, it can be daunting for psoriasis patients to find what works best for them," added Zimmerman. "Fortunately, most patients do manage to find treatments that help, and more new products are headed to market."
About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a lifelong skin disease that occurs when faulty signals in the immune system cause skin cells to regenerate too quickly-every three to four days instead of the usual 30-day cycle. Extra skin cells build up on the skin's surface, forming red, flaky, scaly lesions that can itch, crack, bleed and be extremely painful. Psoriasis generally involves the joints, limbs and scalp but it can appear anywhere on the body, covering some people from head to toe. More than 5 million Americans have been diagnosed with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis, a degenerative disease of the joints and connective tissues associated with psoriasis. Psoriasis typically first strikes people between the ages of 15 and 35, but can affect anyone at any age, including children.
About the National Psoriasis Foundation
The National Psoriasis Foundation is the leading nonprofit organization fighting to improve the quality of life of the more than 5 million Americans diagnosed with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis and their families. Sustained by annual contributions from nearly 50,000 members as well as corporate and foundation grants, its mission is to educate people about these diseases and their treatments, raise public awareness, and support ongoing research. The organization is headquartered in Portland, Ore. For more information, please call the Psoriasis Foundation at 800.723.9166 or visit http://www.psoriasis.org.
Media inquiries:
Marketing and Communications Department
National Psoriasis Foundation
503.244.7404, ext. 413
pfasano@psoriasis.org
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