Psoriasis Awareness Month, the NPF, and Upcoming Educational Opportunities
The month of August was psoriasis awareness month and I wanted to shed some light (not phototherapy) on this disease and an organization dedicated to promoting patient advocacy, education, and research of psoriatic diseases.
Psoriasis affects more than 3% of the US population according to a JAMA Derm article published in 2021, which is more than 7.5 million people. Approximately 30% of those with psoriasis will go on to develop psoriatic arthritis which may take up to 10 years to develop after psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis can develop at any age and may even affect children, however, most psoriatic arthritis appears between the ages of 30 -50. Some develop psoriatic arthritis without realizing they have or even develop psoriasis.
The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) is a leading non-profit organization supporting research on psoriasis and advocating for those suffering from psoriatic disease. The NPF began in Portland Oregon by Beverly Foster in 1967. Her husband placed an ad in the paper when she was 30 so she could talk to others living with psoriasis. In one week, she had more than 100 phone calls. She had her first gathering in their living room--which quickly expanded to restaurants, libraries, and other unused offices. In 1967 she started the Psoriasis Society of Oregon, which eventually became the NPF. For more than 50 years this non-profit continues to support research on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and advocating for those in the community.
The NFP Strategic Plan seeks to accomplish two equally important goals over the next five years: First, cure psoriatic disease through funding the expansion of psoriatic disease research infrastructure, growing the clinical workforce along all disciplines, and invest in passing the essential milestones along a path to a cure. Secondly, optimizing health for everyone living with psoriatic disease, now though ensuring access to life-changing therapies, expanding efforts with health care providers and policymakers to ensure the community can achieve clear skin and improved joint function, bridge better connections to qualified health care providers and focus special attention on those traditionally underserved populations. For further information on how to contribute to or be a part of the NPF, please visit www.NPF.org.
In an effort for ongoing education, the NPF is providing a comprehensive, live workshop at the upcoming Elevate Derm West conference. This pre-conference satellite CME symposia, November 6th from 3-6 pm, is entitled Advanced Practice Psoriasis Recognition Program. Space is limited so don’t forget to sign up for both pre-conference NPF symposia, on November 6th, and Elevate Derm West Conference November 7th-10th.
Source: www.psoriasis.org
Justin Love MPAS, PA-C resides in the blue zone of Loma Linda CA. He works for Loma Linda University Department of Dermatology. In his spare time, he enjoys any ocean-related activities and spending time with his family.