Psoriasis Isn't Contagious - Awareness Is! August is Psoriasis Awareness Month

PORTLAND, Ore., July 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, and the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) is embarking on a campaign that aims to empower patients to take control of their health while raising awareness for the 7.5 million Americans affected by psoriatic disease.

On Monday, August 1, the campaign will begin with a virtual kick off on psoriasisawarenessmonth.org, a website designed to educate patients, caregivers and professionals about psoriatic disease, while encouraging them to get involved with the NPF in raising awareness. Each week, a new theme will be unlocked featuring educational articles, blogs, webcasts, and engaging social media content.  Individuals will be encouraged to participate each week through interactive challenges with the opportunity to win prizes.  The top prize for the final week's challenge is a trip to the NPF 2017 National Volunteer Conference in Chicago, including roundtrip airfare for two and a two-night hotel stay. Challenges run through September, so there is plenty of time to get involved and raise awareness. Winners will be announced on World Psoriasis Day, October 29, 2016.

Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic disease of the immune system that most often appears on the skin as painful, raised, red, itchy patches. Men and women develop psoriasis at equal rates, and the disease occurs in all racial groups, however at varying rates. Psoriasis is not contagious. It is not something one can "catch" from another person as psoriasis lesions are not infectious.

Living with psoriatic disease can be an everyday battle—from aches and pains, exhaustion, risk of comorbid conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, to dealing with the stigma associated with such a visual disease. The best way for patients to fight this battle is to fully understand the physical and emotional impact and the various treatment options available for managing psoriatic disease.

NPF is committed to forming a coalition of Psoriatic Psuperheroes made up of patients, their families, caregivers, providers and supporters, to help spread the word that psoriasis isn't contagious—awareness is!

Ways to Participate in Psoriasis Awareness Month

Starting Monday Aug.1, go to psoriasisawarenessmonth.org to learn the weekly theme and participate in the challenge. Come back every Monday for new information and the release of another challenge.

Follow the National Psoriasis Foundation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to find tips, information, memes and other resources to help everyone understand what it's like living with psoriatic disease.

Show support by sharing NPF social posts and updates with friends; use the hashtag #PsAM16

Assist in spreading awareness by participating in social challenges, such as the Selfie-sign, Citizen Pscientist, and Photo/Video sharing challenges.

Donate to NPF to help support advancements in psoriatic disease research and NPF programs and services.

Check out TeamNPF to find a Walk, Run or Cycle event in your area. Not into sports? Host a DIY event and turn your hobby or passion into a fund raising and awareness event for psoriatic disease.

If you believe you may have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, consult a dermatologist for a formal diagnosis and get started on a treatment plan. To answer questions, or for help in finding a dermatologist in your area, contact the National Psoriasis Foundation Patient Navigation Center at: www.psoriasis.org/navigationcenter

About the National Psoriasis Foundation
National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) is the world's largest nonprofit dedicated to people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Our priority is to provide the services people need to take control of their condition, while increasing research to find a cure. In addition to serving more than 2.1 million people annually through our health education and advocacy initiatives, NPF has funded more than $13 million in research grants and fellowships. Learn more about the Psoriasis Foundation at www.psoriasis.org or call 800-723-9166. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE National Psoriasis Foundation

Related Links

http://www.psoriasis.org