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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.
Psoriasis Foundation Members more aware, satisfied with treatments
Portland, Ore., March 8, 2005 - Members of the National Psoriasis Foundation are more aware of treatment options and more satisfied with their treatments than others affected by psoriasis, according to a scientific paper published in the January 2005 issue of Archives of Dermatology.
In a random survey, using data gleaned from a 2001 National Psoriasis Foundation Benchmark Survey, researchers compared Psoriasis Foundation Members with psoriasis to patients with psoriasis in the general U.S. population.
Among the findings:
- Psoriasis Foundation Members had more extensive disease but were less burdened by it in their daily life;
- They consulted more physicians and were more likely to receive specialized care;
- They were more likely to use the Internet and consult organizations to obtain information about psoriasis than members of the general population, who tended to rely on family, friends, books and magazines.
A national patient advocacy organization, the Psoriasis Foundation provides education about psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, raises public awareness of the diseases and supports research toward better treatments and a cure. The Foundation also provides opportunities for people with these diseases to connect with each other through the Foundation's Web site message boards, support groups and other venues.
Prior studies have suggested that the efforts of patient advocacy groups-providing education and links for peer-to-peer support, for example-may lead to improved patient care and satisfaction, and reduce the burden of chronic disease.
"We always believed in the value of educating patients," said Steve Feldman, M.D., Ph.D., professor of dermatology, pathology and public health sciences at North Carolina's Wake Forest University. Dr. Feldman was an author of the published study. "This should encourage patients to make greater use of patient advocacy groups such as the National Psoriasis Foundation. This should also remind doctors to recommend the Foundation to their patients with psoriasis."
Psoriasis is a noncontagious, lifelong skin disease that results when faulty signals in the immune system prompt skin cells to regenerate too quickly, causing red, raised lesions that are itchy, flaky and sometimes painful. It often affects the elbows, knees, scalp and torso but can appear anywhere on the body. Psoriasis can affect anyone at any age, including children, and is thought to be a genetic disease. Ten percent to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints.
Psoriasis can have a serious impact on quality of life and emotional well-being. Research has shown that treatment can make a significant difference in the extent of the disease and quality of life. The National Psoriasis Foundation encourages psoriasis patients who have become frustrated with treatments to check in with their health care provider and learn about new options.
"A large part of our work is educating psoriasis patients about their options and risks and benefits of treatments," said Gail M. Zimmerman, president and CEO of the Psoriasis Foundation. "We believe that patients who are informed about treatments tend to have better outcomes."
The National Psoriasis Foundation offers the following tips for becoming more informed about psoriasis:
- See a specialist, such as a dermatologist, who works with skin disorders, and/or a rheumatologist if there is joint involvement;
- Visit www.psoriasis.org to read the latest news on psoriasis treatments; visit chat rooms and message boards to meet others dealing with psoriasis; and learn how to advocate for more awareness and research funding;
- Support the National Psoriasis Foundation, which serves nearly half a million people per year through education, advocacy and research efforts.
Headquartered in Portland, Ore., the National Psoriasis Foundation is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of more than 5 million Americans diagnosed with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis and their families. For more information, please call the Psoriasis Foundation at 800.723.9166 or visit www.psoriasis.org.
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