Foundation takes the "so what" out of psoriasis during Psoriasis Awareness Month
PORTLAND, Ore. (July 25, 2006)—For many Americans, summer is the highlight of the year, a time for swimming, sunning and skimpier clothing. For millions of people with psoriasis, though, summertime often means being turned away from swimming pools, hair salons and restaurants. "So what?" you might ask.
People with psoriasis often face discrimination and embarrassment in public places simply because others fear that psoriasis is contagious-psoriasis is not contagious. This is just one of the facts the National Psoriasis Foundation will emphasize during Psoriasis Awareness Month in August.
Other facts include:
- Psoriasis is not a rash.
- Ten percent to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis.
- There is no cure for psoriasis, but there are effective treatments.
"Awareness is an important tool for helping people to understand what psoriasis is, why people get it, and the physical and emotional toll that the disease takes on a person," says Gail M. Zimmerman, president and CEO of the National Psoriasis Foundation. "Greater awareness will help to break down the myths and misperceptions about psoriasis."
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.
Scott Smithhisler, 44, of Portland, Ore., is a senior manager with a Fortune 500 company. He developed psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in 2004. Embarrassment and depression have made it hard for Smithhisler to stay active, maintain his career and interact with people.
"I want people to understand what psoriasis is and how serious it can be for people - it's the fundamental thing I think about every single day," says Smithhisler. He often talks with others about psoriasis and finds everyday activities such as walking, sitting in meetings and sleeping to be difficult.
In conjunction with Psoriasis Awareness Month, the National Psoriasis Foundation® 2006 National Conference will take place Aug. 4-6, in Portland, Ore. The event attracts hundreds of psoriasis patients from across the United States and provides an opportunity to learn about treatment options, talk one-on-one with medical leaders, meet with exhibitors and socialize with other participants. During the conference, the Foundation will kick off a public fund-raiser, Finding a Cure: The Campaign for the National Psoriasis Foundation. Additional workshops focused on advocacy and research have been added to demonstrate how vital these initiatives are to finding a cure for psoriasis.
Psoriasis Awareness Month kits, including information about the national conference, are free and available by visiting www.psoriasis.org, or by calling 800.723.9166.
About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a noncontagious, genetic disease of the immune system 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. According to the National Institutes of Health, as many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis. Psoriasis can affect anyone at any age, including children. There is no cure yet for psoriasis.
About the National Psoriasis Foundation
The National Psoriasis Foundation is the leading patient-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people 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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