Today, October 29th, is World Psoriasis Day, sponsored by the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations.  Here in the US, the National Psoriasis Foundation has created a special website – WorldofPsoriasis.com – for the occasion that illustrates the global nature of this chronic autoimmune disease, which affects 125 million people worldwide or nearly three percent of the world’s population.

Now those living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can “get on the map” by adding a clickable pin for their location that shares their personal stories and photos.  The goal is to get psoriasis patients everywhere to proclaim “I have psoriasis” while also learning about others like them around the globe, such as Arvin O. Ravalo from the Phillipines, Saraswati Gautham from Nepal and Dr. Andres Felipe Jiminez Morales from Columbia.

What are the physical and emotional challenges of psoriasis?  Earlier this year, PatientsLikeMe interviewed four members who are blogging about life with psoriasis in order to shed light on this highly visible and often misunderstood disease, which affects as many as 7.5 million Americans and is the most common autoimmune condition in the US.  Check out our insightful interviews with:

• Lissa of “Psoriasis Girl’s Point of View”
• Alisha of “Being Me in My Own Skin”
• Jessica of “Jessica and Psoriasis”
• Joni of “Just a Girl with Spots”

These four brave ladies are just the tip of the iceberg, however.  2,470+ patients are sharing their experiences with psoriasis at PatientsLikeMe – including how it affects their quality of life and what percentage of their body is affected – while 840+ patients are sharing about their psoriatic arthritis as well.  Get to know our growing psoriasis community and check out the results of our recent psoriasis patient survey about the impact of summer weather.  Also, don’t miss our upcoming blog post about the five different types of psoriasis!

Did you know that psoriasis cannot be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact – or any other type of interaction?

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, an annual event dedicated to highlighting the life-altering impact of psoriasis and dispelling the many myths surrounding it.  Beyond the misperception that it may be contagious, another major misunderstanding is that psoriasis is “just a skin condition.”  In fact, up 30% of people with this serious autoimmune disease will develop psoriatic arthritis, which can cause chronic pain and swelling in the joints.

Throughout 2012, PatientsLikeMe has been interviewing members who are blogging about life with psoriasis in order to shed light on this highly visible and often stigmatized disease, which affects as many as 7.5 million Americans and is the most common autoimmune condition in the US.  How have they managed both the physical and emotional challenges?  Check out our inspiring interviews with:

• Lissa of “Psoriasis Girl’s Point of View”
• Alisha of “Being Me in My Own Skin”
• Jessica of “Jessica and Psoriasis”
• Joni of “Just a Girl with Spots”

These four brave ladies are just the tip of the iceberg, however.  1,820 patients are sharing their experiences with psoriasis at PatientsLikeMe, while 730 patients are sharing about their psoriatic arthritis as well.  Get to know our growing psoriasis community and stay tuned for more psoriasis coverage – including the results of our new psoriasis patient survey and a recap of our exhibition at the American Academy of Dermatology Summer Meeting.

Last August, we recognized Psoriasis Awareness Month on our blog and shared some little-known facts about this autoimmune disease, which affects 7.5 million Americans.  Today we learn more about 2011 research highlights – as well as upcoming initiatives – surrounding psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in our interview with Bruce F. Bebo, PhD, the Director of Research and Medical Programs at the National Psoriasis Foundation.

1.  What did the National Psoriasis Foundation learn from its various research projects this year?

One of the biggest things that the National Psoriasis Foundation learned from its research projects this year is that a large number of people with psoriasis may also have undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis. Our new survey, conducted in April and May 2011, revealed that psoriatic arthritis may be more common than currently thought. The data shows that nearly one in four people with psoriasis, which affects 7.5 million Americans, may have undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis—a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the joints and tendons and is reported to occur in as many as 2 million Americans.

We also found from this research project that people with confirmed diagnoses of psoriatic arthritis were not diagnosed in a timely manner. Forty-four (44) percent of the respondents said they had symptoms for one year or more before being diagnosed, and 29 percent of people had a delay of two years or more for a diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment of psoriatic arthritis is vital to prevent or slow joint damage.

2.  Why are your guidelines for pregnant and lactating women with psoriasis important?

These guidelines are important because treating psoriasis in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding presents special challenges due to the potential risks and side effects of certain medications. Also, because of the ethical concerns of placing this patient population in clinical trials, there is just not that much data to guide treatment choices. Many of the currently approved psoriasis medications could have adverse effects on the developing fetus, so care must be taken when choosing a treatment approach. There is also a lack of research to determine the effects of medications on infants who are breastfeeding.

3.  Tell us what research initiatives and plans the Psoriasis Foundation has for 2012.

In 2012, the National Psoriasis Foundation will continue to make finding a cure for psoriatic diseases its highest priority by increasing our investment in biomedical research.

This year, we will invest $1.7 million in research grants to scientists studying psoriatic diseases. We focus our investment on projects that have the highest likelihood to advance our understanding of psoriatic diseases and find a cure. The Foundation also awards Fellowship grants that provide resources for the best and brightest clinical scientists to study psoriasis under the guidance of an established research mentor. By doing this, the Foundation hopes to promote more young, promising clinical scientists to pursue a career in psoriasis research and patient care.

Other research initiatives of the Foundation include the National Psoriasis Victor Henschel BioBank, a collection of biological samples and clinical information used by qualified scientists to further the field of psoriasis genetics. In 2011, we received our 2,000th DNA sample and were able to begin releasing these biological samples to three researchers who are studying psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. We will expand this project in 2012.

4.  How do the holidays affect psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis?  Any tips?

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can often be exacerbated by stress, and many people even report that stress is a trigger for their psoriasis flares. The stress and excitement of the holidays could worsen these diseases for some people. Additionally, the cold, dry air and winter weather during the holiday season can worsen many people’s psoriasis.

During the holidays, try and keep stress at bay by practicing stress reduction and relaxation. Some people benefit from participating in activities that help reduce stress, including: breathing techniques, meditation, yoga, relaxation techniques and regular exercise. Also, try and get enough sleep and eat well to keep yourself healthy during the holidays. Experts suggest that during the winter it is best to moisturize constantly and use lukewarm showers, rather than hot ones, to keep skin hydrated.

In August, we recognized Psoriasis Awareness Month on our blog and shared some facts and figures about this autoimmune disease, which affects 7.5 million Americans. One of the statistics we shared is that psoriasis often occurs in conjunction with other serious health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, heart attack and obesity.

What these conditions share is that they can often be improved by reaching an ideal body weight. But losing weight – and maintaining it – is easier said than done. That’s why the National Psoriasis Foundation has launched the Healthy for Good campaign. Here’s what Catie Coman, Director of Communications at the National Psoriasis Foundation, tells us about this new online program.

1. What is Healthy for Good, and why should patients join in?

Healthy for Good (www.healthyforgood.org) is program designed to help people lose weight, while raising funds for a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It’s unique in that is uses a public platform and the fundraising tactic of “friends asking friends” to help people reach their goals.

Forty percent of people with psoriasis have metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and abdominal obesity. By joining Healthy for Good, they’ll get tools to stay motivated, lose weight and reduce their risk factors for these associated conditions. They’ll also be able to support research to find a cure for psoriatic diseases.

2. How will Healthy for Good reduce the risk factors for these conditions?

Healthy for Good may reduce the risk factors for these other serious conditions by providing participants with a platform to lose weight safely and set achievable goals. Healthy for Good supports a weight loss goal of up to two pounds per week. Participants will make a commitment to eat right and exercise—and reduce their risk for other serious diseases while they get healthy.

3. How is this program different from other health and fitness campaigns?

First, it gives people a chance to go public. Research shows that people are far more likely to achieve a goal when they put their reputation on the line—by publicly announcing their intentions. Healthy for Good helps people be accountable by giving them a platform to broadcast their commitment.

Also, it will help people stick to their resolution by asking others to support their efforts. For every pound that someone commits to lose, they will ask loved ones to donate $1, $5, $10 or more to help the National Psoriasis Foundation find a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Participants will track their progress each week, and the Healthy for Good tracker will calculate their overall progress toward their goal. In order to help people stay motivated, each person who meets their weight-loss and fundraising goals will be entered to win prizes.

4.  Is Healthy for Good only available to psoriasis patients or can anyone join?

Anyone can join Healthy for Good. People without psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can use this program to overcome weight loss obstacles and lose the pounds, while helping others at the same time. And it’s a great way for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis to get healthy, reduce their risk of other serious associated diseases and raise funds to find a cure.

Last week, we told you about the Spotlight on Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Online Film Festival and how you could participate. But for those of you who don’t have psoriasis and don’t know much about it, we wanted to tell you a little more about this chronic condition as August is Psoriasis Awareness Month.

An autoimmune disease affecting as many as 7.5 million Americans, psoriasis was recently in the headlines when reality star Kim Kardashian was diagnosed with the condition after developing red patches on her legs and torso. As she soon learned from her doctor during an episode of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” the disease is a lifelong one, and there is no cure. Her story also demonstrated the tendency for psoriasis to run in families, as her mother Kris Jenner also has the condition.

Like many people, Kardashian’s first reaction to the diagnosis was one of embarrassment and self-consciousness. Many people with psoriasis report that they have limited social activities, dating and the use of public swimming pools due to the often highly visible condition. In fact, a 2009 survey by the National Psoriasis Foundation found that nearly three-fourths of respondents say that psoriasis has had a negative impact on their quality of life.

The goal of Psoriasis Awareness Month is to highlight the life-altering impact of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and dispel the many myths surrounding it. With that objective in mind, here are a few quick facts to raise your knowledge.

Did you know that…

• …psoriasis is a serious autoimmune disease that causes the skin to crack, itch and bleed?
• …up to 30% of people with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain and swelling of the joints?
• …psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact?
• …psoriasis often occurs with other serious health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, heart attack, obesity and depression?

One of the best ways to better understand psoriasis is to get to know someone with the condition. Here at PatientsLikeMe, 318 patients report psoriasis, and 176 patients report psoriatic arthritis. Women are disproportionately affected, representing 69% of our psoriasis members and 82% of our psoriatic arthritis members. Across both conditions, one of the most commonly reported treatments is methotrexate (Trexall).

Learn more by checking out the profile of one of our psoriasis members today. Also, don’t forget about the Spotlight on Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Online Film Festival. Starting Tuesday, August 30th, anyone can watch and vote on submitted videos at www.psoriasis.org/pam.

The most common autoimmune disease in the US, psoriasis affects as many as 7.5 million Americans. Yet many people think it’s just “a skin thing.” To help debunk this misunderstanding and show all the ways psoriasis impacts one’s life, the National Psoriasis Foundation is holding the first-ever film festival for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, a painful joint condition that up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop.

The Spotlight on Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Online Film Festival invites you to show what life is really like with psoriatic disease, including all the ups and downs, frustrations and realizations. Not sure how to get started? You may want to think of a genre for presenting your story first. The festival invites submissions in seven different categories: action, youth, animation, horror, comedy, documentary and music video.

All videos submissions are due on August 28, 2011. Two semi-finalists will be chosen in each category for online voting by the public, beginning on August 30, 2011. Anyone with any condition can watch the videos and vote on their favorites. Then on September 6, 2011, the video with the most online votes across all seven categories will be named the Festival Grand Prize winner and take home a $500 Visa gift card.

For festival FAQs, rules and regulations, and to submit your video, visit www.psoriasis.org/pam.