April Armstrong, MD, MPH, Highlights NPF’s Push for Psoriasis Awareness

For patients living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in the United States, the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) is the best resource for information, support networks and guidance. Their website offers a variety of tools, including a Patient Navigation Center that provides personalized assistance to individuals living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The NPF has been the leading advocate for the psoriasis community for many years, funding research, providing patient support, education and advocacy. It's described as a “one-stop shop” for all the information and resources patients may need.

In an interview with The Educated Patient, April Armstrong, MD, MPH, professor and chief of Dermatology at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), discusses the recent initiatives launched by the NPF, including their partnership with Amgen to highlight the systemic nature of psoriatic disease in the Beneath the Skin initiative.

The NPF, the largest patient advocacy organization in the United States, also has a campaign for Psoriasis Action Month aimed at raising public awareness about living with psoriasis. If you visit their website, you'll find stories from psoriasis patients sharing their experiences. A key takeaway from these stories is that the disease deeply impacts the daily lives of those who suffer from it, regardless of severity.

New data from the NPF’s Health Indicator Report shows the stigmatization psoriasis patients face today. For example, over half of Americans without psoriasis say they would feel uncomfortable dating someone with psoriasis, and one-third would be uneasy sharing a meal or carpooling with someone with the disease. Armstrong finds this heartbreaking because psoriasis is not contagious, and it highlights the need for public education about the condition and the stigma surrounding it.

For patients and families affected by psoriasis, it’s crucial to consult healthcare professionals because there are now therapies that can potentially change the course of the disease. Additionally, seeking out social support networks is important for emotional well-being. Armstrong emphasizes there is great hope for psoriasis patients today, with treatments available to achieve clear or nearly clear skin, and dermatologists and the NPF are here to help.