You are on page 1of 13

psoriasis on

specific
skin sites
> Face
> Genitalia
> Skin folds

> Hands + feet


> Nails
> Scalp

table of contents

introduction to psoriasis

psoriasis on specific skin sites


Introduction to psoriasis

Face

Eyes

Ears

Mouth + nose

Genital area

what is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a noncontagious, genetic disease of
the immune system that affects the skin
and/or joints. According to the National
Institutes of Health, as many as 7.5 million
Americans have psoriasis. The most
common form, plaque psoriasis, results in raised,
red lesions covered by silvery white scales.
Psoriasis can be limited to a few lesions or can
involve moderate to large areas of skin.
Having 3 to 10 percent of the body affected by
psoriasis is generally considered to be a moderate
case. More than 10 percent is
considered severe. For most
individuals, the palm of the
hand is about the same as 1
percent of the skin surface.
However, the severity
of psoriasis can also be
measured by how psoriasis
affects a persons quality of
life. Psoriasis can have a serious
impact even if it involves a small
area, such as the palms of the
hands or soles of the feet.

Skin folds

14

Hands + feet

14

Pustular palms + soles

16

Up to 30 percent of individuals with


psoriasis also develop psoriatic
arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness and

Nails

17

swelling in and around the joints.

Scalp

20

To learn more about the types of psoriasis or


psoriatic arthritis, visit the National Psoriasis
Foundation Web site at www.psoriasis.org.

specific skin sites

PSORIASIS can show up anywhere


there is skin. It sometimes appears
on the eyelids, ears, mouth and lips,
as well as on skin folds, the hands
and feet, and nails. The type of skin
at each of these sites is different and
requires different treatments. For
example, the skin on the face is very
different from the thicker, rougher skin
of the elbow. In addition, psoriasis can
vary widely among individuals and in
its response to treatment. However,
effective treatments are available. It
is important to work with your doctor
to nd a treatment regimen that
works for you. Topical treatments
are often used when psoriasis is
limited to a specic part of the body.
However, doctors may prescribe oral or
injectable drugs if the psoriasis greatly
affects a persons quality of life, no
matter the size or location of lesions.

Non-irritating moisturizers and petroleum jelly


are often used for facial psoriasis. Occasionally,
mild topical corticosteroids are effective. Other
treatments include calcipotriene (a vitamin
D3 derivative, also known by its brand name
Dovonex), tazarotene (a topical vitamin A
derivative, also known by its brand name
Tazorac), scale removers and ultraviolet light.
Calcipotriene and tazarotene can be irritating.
Work with your doctor to find a way to address
this concern.
Tacrolimus (brand name Protopic) and
pimecrolimus (brand name Elidel) are
two topical drugs used for eczema. Many
dermatologists have found that both drugs work
well for treating psoriasis on the face or other
sensitive areas. Tacrolimus is being studied for
its use in treating psoriasis.

pply medications for facial psoriasis


carefully and sparingly. Creams and
ointments can irritate the eyes, and large
amounts offer no additional benefits. Because
facial skin is delicate, prolonged use of
corticosteroids may cause it to become thin,
shiny and/or prone to enlarged capillaries
(spider veins). Treatment with corticosteroids is
safe if a careful treatment schedule is followed.
Always follow your doctors directions.

psoriasis on the face


Your doctor will diagnose facial psoriasis by
examining your lesions and taking a personal
and family history. Facial psoriasis most often
affects the eyebrows, the skin between the nose
and upper lip, the upper forehead and the
hairline. You might need a biopsy to confirm
that it is psoriasis.

National Psoriasis Foundation

psoriasis around the eyes


When psoriasis affects the eyelids, scales may
cover lashes. The edges of the eyelids may
become red and crusty. If inflamed for long
periods, the rims of the lids may turn up or down.
If the rim turns down, lashes can rub against the
eyeball and cause irritation.

specific skin sites

You can treat eyelid inflammation by washing


the edges of the eyelids and eyelashes with a
solution of water and baby shampoo. Cottontip applicators or washcloths are useful for
carefully scrubbing the lids.
Ocusoft is an over-the-counter product that
can help with removing scales on the lids and
eye margins. Use a non-irritating moisturizer
after removing scales. In some cases, doctors
will treat scaling with a special corticosteroid
medication made for use around the eyes. Your
doctor must carefully supervise the treatment
because eyelid skin can be easily damaged. If
topical corticosteroids are overused in and
around your eyes, glaucoma and/or cataracts
may develop. This is why doctors suggest
having your eyes checked regularly by an
ophthalmologist (a doctor who specializes in
treating eye diseases).

Over-the-counter ear-cleaning kits that involve


squirting small amounts of fluid into the ear
and letting it drain may be used. Plain warm
water, followed by a thin layer of mineral oil
applied with a cotton swab, is also effective for
some people. Do not put objects into your ear to
scrape out the scale.
Psoriasis generally occurs in the external ear
canal, not inside the ear or behind the eardrum.
Prescription corticosteroid solutions can be
dripped into the ear canal or applied to the
outside portion of the ear canal. Calcipotriene
or tazarotene may cause irritation when used
alone and may be best used with a topical
corticosteroid. The eardrum is easily damaged.
Take care when inserting anything rigid into
the ear. In addition, scale can be pushed further
into the ear if medication is not properly applied
inside the ear canal.

acrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream


wont cause glaucoma. They are effective on
eyelids. However, they can sting during the first
few days of use. Using these drugs for eyelid
psoriasis may help you avoid the potential side
effects of topical corticosteroids.
Psoriasis of the eye is extremely rare. When it
does occur, it can cause inflammation, dryness
and discomfort. It may impair vision. Topical
antibiotics may be used to treat infection.

psoriasis in the ears


Psoriasis in the ears can cause scale buildup
that blocks the ear canal. This buildup may lead
to temporary hearing loss. A doctor should
remove this scale.

National Psoriasis Foundation

psoriasis in and around the mouth


and nose
For a very small number of people, psoriasis
lesions appear on the gums, the tongue, inside
the cheek, inside the nose or on the lips. The
lesions are usually white or gray. Psoriasis in
these areas can be relatively uncomfortable. It
can cause difficulty in chewing and swallowing
food.

ost psoriasis treatments for the mouth


and nose involve the use of specific
topical corticosteroids. These corticosteroids
are designed to treat moist areas. You can help
relieve oral discomfort by improving hygiene
and rinsing frequently with a saline solution of 1
teaspoon of salt per 8 ounces of water.

specific skin sites

Low-potency corticosteroids, such as


hydrocortisone 1% ointment, may be useful in
treating psoriasis on the lips. Tacrolimus and
pimecrolimus may also be effective treatment
options for psoriasis in and around the mouth.

The six regions of the genital area that


may be affected are illustrated below:
1. Pubis
2. Upper thighs next to the groin

psoriasis in the genital area

3. Creases between the thigh and the groin

Psoriasis can occur in the genital area at the


same time it occurs elsewhere on the body. It
also can appear in the genital area only. People
with genital psoriasis may have affected areas
that range from small, red spots to large patches.

4. Genitals themselves (the vulva for women,


the penis and scrotum for men)
5. Skin between the anus and vulva or anus
and scrotum, and the skin around the
anus

The most common type of psoriasis in the


genital region is inverse psoriasis. This type of
psoriasis first shows up as smooth, dry lesions
that are very red. It usually lacks the scale
associated with plaque psoriasis.

6. Crease between the buttocks

3
1
2

6
5

Pubis
The pubis is the region on males and females
above the genitals. This area can sometimes
be treated similarly to psoriasis on the scalp;
however, caution should be taken. Skin in the
pubic region tends to be more sensitive than the
skin on the scalp.

National Psoriasis Foundation

specific skin sites

Upper thighs

Anus and surrounding skin

Psoriasis of the upper thighs often consists of


many small, round patches that are red and
scaly. Psoriasis in between the thighs may be
more easily irritated if the thighs rub together
when you move, walk or run. Wearing spandex
shorts beneath clothes or using baby powder
can help to decrease the friction between your
legs and reduce irritation.

Psoriasis on or near the anus is red, non-scaly


and prone to itchiness. Psoriasis in this area
may be confused with yeast, fungal infections,
hemorrhoidal itching, strep infections and even
pinworm infestations. The presence of these
conditions can complicate the treatment of
psoriasis and make the psoriasis worse. Rectal
examinations, skin cultures and examinations
for pinworm can confirm these conditions so a
doctor can treat them appropriately. Symptoms
of anal psoriasis may include bleeding, pain
during bowel movement and excessive dryness
and itching.

Creases between thigh and groin


Psoriasis is generally non-scaly and reddishwhite in the creases between the thigh and
groin. The skin may have fissures (cracks).
People who are overweight or athletic may have
an infection called intertrigo in the skin folds.
Intertrigo looks similar to psoriasis but is a yeast
infection in the folds of the skin. Irritation from
the friction of skin-on- skin or from clothing can
cause this.

Buttocks crease
Psoriasis in the buttocks crease may be red and
non-scaly or red with very heavy scales. The skin
in this area is not as fragile as that of the groin.

Treatment
Genitals
In women, psoriasis of the vulva often appears
as a smooth, non-scaly redness. If this sensitive
area is irritated by scratching, it may become
infected. Scratching also can produce dryness,
thickening and further itching of the skin.
Genital psoriasis usually affects the outer skin
of the genitals. Psoriasis does not normally
affect mucous membranes such as the vagina,
though it does in a few cases. In general, genital
psoriasis does not affect the urethra, the canal
through which urine is expelled from the body.
In men, psoriasis of the penis may appear
as many small, red patches on the glans (the
tip of the penis) or shaft. The skin may be
red and scaly, or it may be smooth and shiny.
Genital psoriasis affects both circumcised and
uncircumcised males.

National Psoriasis Foundation

Genital psoriasis can be difficult and frustrating


to treat. However, it generally responds well
to treatment. Due to the sensitivity of genital
skin, treatment requires some special concerns.
It is important to remember that response
times to treatments vary among individuals. If
your treatment is not working, see your doctor
to discuss other treatment options. Topicals
and ultraviolet (UV) light are most often used.
Doctors generally dont prescribe systemic
medications for genital psoriasis alone. However,
they may if psoriasis is severe or resistant to
topical therapy, or also appears on other parts
of the body.
Topicals
Calcipotriene and tazarotene are generally
not used on the genitals. This is because of the
potential for irritation. However, some doctors
prescribe calcipotriene because it does not have

specific skin sites

any of the drawbacks of topical corticosteroids.


Mixing calcipotriene with petroleum jelly may
minimize irritation. On occasion, tazarotene
is used in the genital area. Using the cream
formulation of tazarotene may be less irritating
than the gel. Both medications are sometimes
rotated with a low-strength corticosteroid.

acrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream


can be effective for treating genital psoriasis.
Both of these drugs reduce skin inflammation
much as topical corticosteroids do, but they do
not cause thinning of the skin. They may cause
some irritation when they are first used. These
products also do not promote yeast or bacterial
growth, and so may further help relieve
inflammation and itching.

Use only low-strength topical corticosteroid


preparations in the genital area. Skin in the
genital area tends to be more sensitive and
thin. Use corticosteroids only with careful
direction from your doctor. Prolonged use of
topical corticosteroids can permanently thin
the skin and cause stretch marks. Since the
genital area can be warm and moist, this can
lead to increased corticosteroid absorption. This
increases the likelihood of the corticosteroids
negative side effects.
Over-the-counter moisturizers can be used
to keep the skin moisturized. Be cautious, as
ingredients in some lotions or creams may be
irritating to the genital areas sensitive skin.
Look for moisturizers without fragrance and
perfumes.

f you read the labels of various moisturizers,


you will find most of them contain a
combination of the same general ingredients.
However, they may differ in consistency. Facial

10

National Psoriasis Foundation

moisturizers tend to be thin, while hand


moisturizers are thicker. Body moisturizers fall
somewhere in between. The most important
thing is to find a moisturizer that provides the
skin with the softening that it needs.
UV light
Ultraviolet (UV) light can be used to treat
some genital psoriasis, but only in special
circumstances. The doses must be much lower
than are normally used to treat psoriasis on
other areas of the body. Overexposure to UV
light can burn the skin. There is an increased
risk of burning genital skin because it is thin. UV
exposure and burning may also increase the risk
of developing skin cancer.
Psoriasis in the pubic area may respond well to
UV light treatment if the pubic hair is cut short
or shaved.

or psoriasis in the crease between the thigh


and the groin, a doctor may prescribe
UV light treatment. Individuals must position
themselves carefully to expose the skin creases
to the light.

Men should shield the penis and scrotum with


clothing or sunscreen when undergoing UV light
therapy. Studies indicate that skin on the male
genitals should not be exposed to UV radiation,
particularly PUVA (the light-sensitizing drug
psoralen plus UVA light). This is because of the
possibility of an increased risk of skin cancer.

Itching
Genital psoriasis causes itching for some people.
Aloe vera gel is a mild, relatively inexpensive
product that can relieve itching for some
people. Colloidal oatmeal or apple cider vinegar
mixed in bath water also is useful for itch. Soak
affected areas two to three times a day for
20-minute periods.
specific skin sites

11

tching in the rectal area may be very


uncomfortable. Some doctors prescribe antiyeast and corticosteroid combinations, such as
Mycolog Cream or Lotrisone. These help, but
they can cause thinning of the skin if overused.

Oral antihistamines are occasionally prescribed


for itching, but may make you drowsy. Anti-itch
preparations containing pramoxine, menthol
or camphor can help relieve the itch. Diaper
rash products such as A & D Ointment, Desitin
and Bag Balm can also help ease itch. Chilled
Noxzema may relieve itching for some people.
These products can be found at your local
drugstore.

 Start treatment right away to get a quick


response and to avoid complications.
 Follow your physicians advice carefully.
 Use corticosteroids exactly as prescribed.
 Do not apply high-concentration coal tar
ointments to the penis, scrotum or vulva,
or to areas with cracked skin. They can
cause irritation.
 Use mild cleansers without scrubs or
perfumes that may irritate skin.

Using a 1-to-4 mixture of white vinegar and cool


water (1 part vinegar to 4 parts cool water) can
help with inflammation and itching. It can also
decrease bacterial and yeast colonization. Soak
a washcloth in the solution and applying it to the
affected area twice a day for five to 10 minutes.

 Let your partner know that psoriasis is not


contagious.

The type of underclothing you wear matters,


too. Cotton undergarments are preferable to
nylon. Tight underwear may aggravate psoriasis.
Formaldehyde, a chemical used in permanent
press fabrics, has been shown to irritate the
skin. Washing new clothes before wearing
them may help. Products with latex, including
some feminine hygiene products, may irritate
psoriasis in the genital area.

 Understand that genital psoriasis generally


does not cause sexual dysfunction.

 Acknowledge how genital psoriasis affects


your daily activities and make sure your
partner is aware of it.

 Men may nd it helpful to wear a lubricated


condom during intercourse, which can
keep skin from becoming more inamed.
 Wash all medications from the genital area
before sexual activity; certain medications
can be irritating.

Tips for dealing with genital psoriasis


 Keep the area clean.
 Tell your doctor that you have psoriasis
or a family history of psoriasis, so the
possibility of genital psoriasis can be
explored.

12

National Psoriasis Foundation

 Cleanse the area and reapply your


medications after being intimate with your
partner.

specific skin sites

13

psoriasis in skin folds


Inverse psoriasis can occur in skin folds such as
the armpits and under the breasts. This form of
psoriasis is frequently irritated by rubbing and
sweating due to its location.
Weaker corticosteroids are often used to treat
inverse psoriasis in skin folds. These areas can
be prone to yeast or fungal infections, so doctors
sometimes use corticosteroids in combination
with other medications. An example is 1% to 2%
hydrocortisone with anti-yeast or anti-fungal
agents. Use topical corticosteroids with caution
because skin folds are more susceptible to
thinning of the skin.

o not occlude (cover with an airtight plastic


or cloth wrap) skin folds unless directed
by a doctor. Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus
work well for treating psoriasis in skin folds.
Calcipotriene and tazarotene may also be used
in these areas. Be aware that these medications
may cause irritation to sensitive skin.

can be worn over creams or moisturizers on the


hands.

ocks or special occlusive foot covers can be


used on feet. An easy way to occlude feet is to
put each foot in a plastic bag, then place a sock
over the bag. Try occlusion while you sleep or
for an hour or two before going to bed. Soaking
hands or feet in warm water can reduce swelling.
Follow a soak with an application of medications
or moisturizers.

You may need to find additional ways to reduce


built-up layers of skin in order for medications
and phototherapy to be effective. Soaking in
warm water with oilated oatmeal powder or
bath oil for 20 to 30 minutes can be helpful.
After a soak, gently rub the affected skin with a
sponge to remove scales.
Calcipotriene can also be effective to treat
psoriasis on hands and feet. Wear cotton gloves
so the medicine doesnt get on sensitive skin
sites, such as the face or skin folds. A regimen
alternating calcipotriene and potent topical
corticosteroids may be helpful.

psoriasis of the hands and feet


Treat acute flares of psoriasis on the hands
and feet promptly and carefully. In some cases,
cracking, blisters and swelling accompany flares.
Traditional topical treatment of palm and
sole psoriasis includes tar, salicylic acid and
corticosteroids. Combinations of these three
agents may work better than using each
individually. Moisturizers, mild soaps and soap
substitutes also are often used.
Only occlude a topical medication when directed
by a doctor. Occlusion intensifies the effect of
the cream or ointment. Cotton or plastic gloves

14

National Psoriasis Foundation

Only occlude tazarotene when directed by a


doctor. It can be useful for palm or sole lesions.
You may also want to alternate tazarotene with a
topical corticosteroid.
If topical medications do not work, your doctor
may recommend PUVA, ultraviolet light B (UVB),
methotrexate, cyclosporine or acitretin (brand
name Soriatane). Special light therapy units for
palms and soles are available.

ystemic treatments taken by mouth or


injection for severe palm and sole psoriasis
may be helpful. In this case, the benefits of

specific skin sites

15

treatment may outweigh the risk of side effects.


Methotrexate can clear many cases of palm and
sole psoriasis within four to six weeks.
Methotrexate has the potential for side effects
to the liver and requires regular monitoring by
a doctor. Cyclosporine is similarly effective for
palm and sole psoriasis but has the potential for
kidney side effects. Biologics may be effective for
treating psoriasis on the palms and soles. As a
class of drugs, biologics were studied for chronic
plaque psoriasis. After approval, doctors have
seen success in treating all forms of psoriasis.
For people with scaling plaques of the palms and
soles, oral retinoids such as acitretin will result
in thinning of plaques over a period of weeks or
months. Thinning the scale on the palms or soles
may help topical treatments work better. Lower
dosages of oral retinoids are generally welltolerated. However, oral retinoids do cause birth
defects. Women planning a pregnancy within
three years should not take them.

he risks of side effects from phototherapy


are reduced by combining low doses of oral
retinoids with UVB or PUVA. The combination
of retinoids with phototherapy is one of the most
effective treatments available for palm and sole
psoriasis.

finger, and on the soles and sides of the heels.


Often, the lesions are painful and disabling.
Plaque psoriasis can appear elsewhere on the
body at the same time.
Doctors often prescribe topical treatments
such as corticosteroids and coal tar first.
However, phototherapy, oral retinoids and/or
methotrexate may have to be used in order to
clear this form. Oral retinoids, such as acitretin,
can be a helpful long-term solution for pustular
psoriasis.
For difficult cases, doctors may prescribe an
injectable biologic agent.

psoriasis of the nails


Nail changes occur in up to 50 percent of people
with psoriasis and at least 80 percent of people
with psoriatic arthritis. The nail problems most
commonly experienced by psoriasis patients are:

 Pittingshallow or deep holes in the nail


 Deformationalterations in the normal
shape of the nail
 Thickening of the nail

pustular psoriasis of the palms


and soles
This form of psoriasis is characterized by
white pustules (blisters of noninfectious
pus) surrounded by red skin. The pus is not
contagious. The lesions are most prominent
on the palm toward the base of the thumb, the
fleshy part of the palm toward the ring and little

16

National Psoriasis Foundation

 Onycholysisseparation of the nail from


the nail bed
 Discolorationunusual nail coloration,
such as yellow-brown

specific skin sites

17

Nail treatments
Because psoriasis affects the nail when the
nail is being formed, it is difficult to treat. The
matrix, where the nail is formed, is difficult to
penetrate with topical medications. Injections of
corticosteroids into the nail bed or matrix area
have been used with varying results. The pain
of the injections must be weighed against the
benefit of temporary relief.
The major treatments specifically for nail
psoriasis are:

 Topical treatmentsCalcipotriene,
tazarotene, corticosteroids, corticosteroid
tape, 5-uorouracil
 Intralesionalinjection of corticosteroids
into each affected nail
 PhototherapyPUVA (ultraviolet light A
with the light-sensitizing drug psoralen)
 Cosmetic repairremoving nails deformed
by psoriasis with surgery or by using a
strong urea compound. Long, thick nails
can be scraped and led down. Nail polish
can cover color changes. Pitted nails can
be buffed and polished. In some instances,
articial nails can be used.

In general, your doctor will not prescribe


systemic therapy for isolated nail psoriasis.
However, when people have severe, generalized
psoriasis, the nails may improve due to the
treatments they are already receiving for
other parts of the body. If a persons condition
requires methotrexate, for example, nails might
improve. Similar results may be expected from

18

National Psoriasis Foundation

other systemic treatments, including biologics.


Many times, however, although the skin
improves, the nails will not.
Oral retinoids, such as acitretin, can be helpful
for skin lesions of psoriasis. However, it usually
results in thin nails that are not normal in
appearance. The nail changes caused by
retinoids resolve several months after stopping
retinoids.

ails can improve with PUVA treatment.


As with systemic treatments, the nail
improvement may lag behind clearance of
plaques on the body by several months.

Onychomycosis, a fungal infection that causes


thickening of the nails, may be present with nail
psoriasis. It can be treated with systemic antifungal agents. About one-third of people who
have nail psoriasis also have a fungal infection.
This infection could be triggering the psoriasis
or making it worse. It is important to note that
treating the fungus may not cause the nail
psoriasis to clear. Tazarotene may reduce pitting
and the separation of the nail from the nail bed.

Nail care
In most cases, keep the nails trimmed back
with manicure scissors to the point of firm
attachments. Keep nails as short as possible.
Loose nails continue to be injured as they rub
against surfaces. It is important to protect your
nails from damage because trauma will often
trigger or worsen nail psoriasis.
One way to do this is to wear gloves while you
are working with your hands. Be gentle when
using instruments for cleaning under the nails.
Vigorous cleaning and scraping may break the
skin where the nail is attached.

specific skin sites

19

oaking your nails can help. Try three capfuls


of tar bath oil in a bowl of warm water.
Soak your fingers for 20 minutes and then
rub moisturizer into each nail. A variety of tar
bath oils and moisturizers is available at local
pharmacies.
If your nails are mostly intact, nail hardener or
artificial nails can improve they way they look.
However, sensitivity to glues and chemicals may
be a problem. Rule out any sensitivity reactions
before using artificial nails. Be aware that a
manicurist may be reluctant to apply the nails to
badly eroded fingernails.

Toenails can be improved by soaking your feet


for 10 minutes in a tub of warm water. Afterward,
gently file the thickened part of the toenail with
an emery board. Then use high-quality clippers
to cut off a small piece at a time. The aim is to
cut straight across the toenail to help keep it
from becoming ingrown. Wearing roomy shoes
helps avoid the friction that can cause toenails to
thicken.

psoriasis on the scalp


Scalp psoriasis is very common. In fact, at least
half of all people who have psoriasis have it
on their scalp. Scalp psoriasis can range from
slight, fine scaling to thick, crusted plaques
covering the entire scalp. It can extend beyond
the hairline onto the forehead, the back of the
neck and around the ears.
For a complete overview of scalp psoriasis
and effective treatments, please refer to the
educational booklet, Scalp Psoriasis, available by
contacting the National Psoriasis Foundation.

20

National Psoriasis Foundation

Take charge of your health


join today!
Whether youre newly diagnosed or have been
coping with psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis for
years, the National Psoriasis Foundation offers
something for everyone. Your donation of $35 or
more brings you these membership benefits:
 Psoriasis Advance: Keep up to date with the latest
psoriasis news in our award-winning magazine.
 Psoriasis skINSIGHTS: This twice-yearly
newsletter brings you the latest Foundation news
about our programs, events, volunteers and other
indispensable information.
 Money-saving coupons and discounts: Receive
exclusive coupons for skin care and other health
products.
 Treatment tips: Full access to It Works for Me, our
online database of tips from people with psoriasis
and psoriatic arthritis.
 Toll-free information line: Call between 8 a.m.
and 5 p.m. Pacic Time and talk to our health
educator.
 Opportunities to connect: Share information and
support with others who have the disease through
our online message board and afliated support
groups.
 Help in nding a doctor, special invitations to
educational events and more!

To join the National Psoriasis Foundation call


800.723.9166 or go to www.psoriasis.org.

Additional resources
The National Psoriasis Foundation maintains an
extensive library of information on psoriasis and
related topics. To learn more, visit our Web site
at www.psoriasis.org or e-mail
education@psoriasis.org.
specific skin sites

21

psoriasis on

specific
skin sites
mission statement
Our mission is to improve the quality of life
of people who have psoriasis and psoriatic
arthritis. Through education and advocacy,
we promote awareness and understanding,
ensure access to treatment, and support
research that will lead to effective
management and, ultimately, a cure.
The National Psoriasis Foundation, a charitable
501(c)(3) organization, depends on your tax-deductible
donations to support the millions of people diagnosed
with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis. The Psoriasis
Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of
Trustees and is advised on medical issues by a
volunteer Medical Board. For more information, or to
obtain a copy of the Foundations Annual Report, call
800.723.9166.
National Psoriasis Foundation educational materials
are reviewed by members of our Medical Board and
are not intended to replace the counsel of a physician.
The Psoriasis Foundation does not endorse any
medications, products or treatments for psoriasis
or psoriatic arthritis and advises you to consult a
physician before initiating any treatment.
2008 National Psoriasis Foundation

National Psoriasis Foundation


6600 SW 92nd Ave., Suite 300
Portland, OR 97223-7195
Toll Free 800.723.9166
www.psoriasis.org
December 2008

You might also like