Psoriasis Foundation breaks down myths during Psoriasis Awareness Month
Posted Aug. 2, 2005
For many Americans, summer is the high point of the year—a time for swimming, sunning and wearing skimpier clothing. For millions of people with psoriasis, though, summertime often means covering up their skin and staying away from pools to avoid stares and comments.
People often think psoriasis is contagious—and that is just one of many myths the National Psoriasis Foundation plans to break down as it dives into Psoriasis Awareness Month in August.
During special events and throughout the month, the Psoriasis Foundation will team up with members of the psoriasis community to educate the public about the facts of psoriasis. Among them:
- Psoriasis is a noncontagious skin disease—it cannot be caught or spread, and it is not related to personal hygiene.
- Psoriasis is triggered by both genetic and environmental factors. People with psoriasis inherited genes that overactivate the immune system, resulting in skin lesions that are itchy, unsightly and, for some, painfully debilitating. Some people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, a related joint disease.
- Psoriasis affects far more than the skin—it can have profound physical and emotional effects. Research shows that psoriasis can cause as much disability as other major diseases such as cancer, arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and depression.
“People need to know that psoriasis is a complex skin disease that can seriously diminish a person’s quality of life,” said Gail Zimmerman, president and CEO of the National Psoriasis Foundation. “We’ll raise awareness about psoriasis and the need for more federally funded psoriasis research.”
The Psoriasis Foundation works year-round to improve the lives of people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, but Psoriasis Awareness Month is a special opportunity to educate the public about these diseases.
Several events will mark Psoriasis Awareness Month, among them, the National Psoriasis Foundation® 2005 National Conference and the Foundation’s first-ever Local Lobby Week, focused on educating members of Congress about psoriasis.
Both events will have a special focus on advocacy, a key element of the Foundation mission. The national conference, scheduled Aug. 5-7 in Boston, Mass., will offer a comprehensive schedule of educational workshops, dynamic speakers, practical treatment advice and lunchtime table topic information. This year, advocacy trainings by grassroots productivity expert Amy Showalter will also be offered.
Local Lobby Week, slated for Aug. 15-19, will build on the momentum of the Psoriasis Foundation’s Capitol Hill Day event held in April of this year. Members of the psoriasis community are setting meetings with their federal lawmakers who are typically in their home states or districts during the month of August. Hundreds of people across the country are expected to visit the district offices of these representatives and senators, educating them about psoriasis and the importance of federal funding for psoriasis research. For registration and detailed conference information, visit www.psoriasis.org, or call toll free 800.723.9166. After Aug. 1, registration will only be available onsite at the conference hotel. Cost is $95 for Psoriasis Foundation members; $115 for nonmembers.
Leslie Kronish, of Portland, Ore., has psoriasis. She looks forward to the day when she won’t feel reluctant to wear sleeveless shirts or a bathing suit in summer.
“It’s a challenge when people stare and make assumptions, especially in a public place like a swimming pool,” said Kronish. “But my strength is in my voice … I speak out and explain that I have psoriasis, it’s not contagious, and you can ask me anything you want about it!”
For more information about Psoriasis Awareness Month, the special events held during the month, or to get your own psoriasis awareness packet, visit www.psoriasis.org or call 800.723.9166.
About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common, noncontagious, genetic skin disease that results when faulty signals in the immune system prompt skin cells to regenerate too quickly, causing red, scaly lesions that crack and bleed. It often affects the elbows, knees, scalp and torso but can appear anywhere on the body. 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 affect anyone at any age, including children. There is no cure yet for this lifelong disease.
About the National Psoriasis Foundation
The National Psoriasis Foundation is the leading patient-driven, 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. We focus on education, advocacy and research toward better treatments and a cure. For more information, please call the Psoriasis Foundation, headquartered in Portland, Ore., at 800-723-9166 or visit www.psoriasis.org
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