|
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.
National Psoriasis Foundation issues call to psoriasis patients who have lost hope: 'Now is the time to try again'
Many psoriasis patients with substantial disease have dropped out of system
Portland, Ore., August 2, 2004 -- Faced with increasing signs that many psoriasis patients with substantial disease have abandoned treatments out of frustration over treatment shortcomings, the National Psoriasis Foundation is calling on psoriasis patients who have given up hope to check in with their health care provider and learn about all the new treatment options that are now available to help them. In recent years, significant advances have been made in psoriasis treatments, offering new hope to those living with the disease. The Psoriasis Foundation is using August, which is Psoriasis Awareness Month, to educate the public about these new options.
"We hear from too many patients with serious psoriasis who have gone years without seeing a dermatologist about their disease," said Gail M. Zimmerman, president and CEO of the Psoriasis Foundation. "These people might be helped from the promising new options that simply did not exist 5 years ago. Even some of the older treatments have been improved in recent years. We are reaching out to these patients to say 'It�s time to try again.' They may finally find some relief from their psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis symptoms."
In recent years, several new treatments have been FDA-approved for psoriasis treatment, and the first drug for psoriatic arthritis has been approved. Other, existing products have been improved. Among the new offerings are:
- Three biologic drugs that target portions of the immune system that have been implicated in psoriasis;
- A new method of administering ultraviolet light that uses a narrower range of light to maximize effectiveness;
- A new foam-based topical treatment that many patients prefer to creams or gels; and
- A laser that directs ultraviolet light to small, problematic patches of skin.
"Almost all dermatologists have witnessed psoriasis patients who have stopped treating their psoriasis due to disappointment and frustration with the choices before them," said Stacy R. Smith, M.D., a La Jolla, California-based dermatologist and clinical researcher who works with many psoriasis patients. "It�s important that these patients take a fresh look at the many treatments now available to help them. Not only do we have new, more effective options, but we are also more knowledgeable about how to use existing treatments to maximize efficacy and limit side-effects. Nothing can compare to the smiles of joy when a long-suffering psoriasis patient is clear of their disease for the first time in many years."
Some of these new treatments will be featured at the National Psoriasis Foundation® 2004 National Conference, from Aug. 6-8 in San Diego, Calif. The event will include more than 30 exhibits, highlighting everything from the new biologics to thousand-year-old treatments like sea salts imported directly from the Dead Sea. Numerous workshops will give participants a chance to explore the many facets of the disease, from its physical impact to the emotional toll it takes. Session topics will include: pregnancy and psoriasis, parenting a child with psoriasis, tai chi for psoriatic arthritis, intimacy and psoriasis, and using the Internet to locate cutting-edge treatment information. There will also be workshops covering treatments for mild, moderate and severe psoriasis as well as for psoriatic arthritis. This year's theme is Get on Board � and See Where We Can Go. To register or for more information, visit www.psoriasis.org or call 800.723.9166. The cost is $95 per person ($85 for members of the Foundation).
"Psoriasis patients must persevere to find a treatment plan that works for them," said Vickie Dowling, Psy.D., of Carlsbad, Calif., who has attended past conferences both as a psoriasis patient and a conference speaker. "I hope those who have despaired over their psoriasis learn all they can about the new options out there."
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 appears on 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 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. 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
|
