Actions speak louder than words – What the community is doing for psoriasis

Perhaps no one knows the challenges and complexity of psoriasis better than Alan Menter MD, President of the National Psoriasis Foundation1. Dr. Menter, a global expert on psoriasis, has devoted his career to improving the quality of life of patients with both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and was instrumental in identifying the first gene involved in the development of the disease. He was recently presented with the National Psoriasis Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for psoriasis research and patient care during the 2013 Gala held in Dallas, in recognition of his achievements and of his dedication to patients.

In the U.S. alone, there are approximately 7.5 million people who suffer from this auto-immune disease, which often appears between the ages of 15-20 or much later between 50 -60. The condition causes red, itchy patches and a build-up of scaly thick skin which can occur anywhere on the body, but are especially common on the knees, elbows, torso and scalp. In approximately 30% of cases, the outward symptoms can be accompanied by swelling and pain in the joints. Psoriasis is not contagious and this is one of the battles which have to be fought in order to dispel the myths surrounding the illness: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20091105/Bursting-common-myths-about-psoriasis.aspx.

There is currently no cure for psoriasis. Thanks to Dr. Menter’s guidance and tireless efforts to improve treatment options and standards of patient care, dermatology companies like Galderma are able to understand the condition better. This awareness of both the physical and psychological effects of the illness paves the way, so that they in turn can contribute, by providing effective and innovative products to significantly improve the quality of life and morale of the patients and their families.

Galderma’s commitment doesn’t end there. Proud supporter of the National Psoriasis Foundation for nearly 20 years, Galderma was the Premier sponsor for the 2013 Commit to Cure Gala, the National Psoriasis Foundation’s largest fundraising event, which took place on 26th October in Dallas. Galderma is also a sponsor at the NPF “Walk to Cure Psoriasis” nationwide program, supporting 18 walks in 2013, with the objective of creating further awareness of the illness. The last one takes take place in Dallas this coming 16th of November2. The funds raised from these events will go towards supporting ongoing research and treatment.

Psoriasis is serious. If we are to make a difference, we need to follow Dr Menter’s example and act now, so that future generations may be spared the ordeal of this devastating illness.

[youtube width=»495″ height=»335″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pV7M7wtPgA[/youtube]

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1 The National Psoriasis Foundation is the world’s largest nonprofit organization serving people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The Foundation’s mission is to find a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and to eliminate their devastating effects through research, advocacy and education.
2 walk.psoriasis.org/dallas