Psoriasis Page

Psoriasis is a chronic, genetic, noncontagious skin disorder that appears in many different forms and can affect any part of the body, including the nails and scalp. Psoriasis is categorized as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the percentage of body surface involved and the impact on the sufferer's quality of life.

Friday, September 15, 2006

Senate Calls For Improvements In Psoriasis Treatment

The U.S. Senate passed Senate Resolution 420 (S. Res. 420), a bipartisan resolution calling for improvements in treatment and access to care for individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., lead sponsor of the resolution, is a dedicated champion for the psoriasis community and worked to ensure passage of the measure.
Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., joined Smith in leading the effort; they were supported by Sens. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., Robert Menendez, D-N.J., Rick Santorum, R-Pa., John Warner, R-Va., and Ron Wyden, D-Ore.
The resolution recognizes that psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can be painful, debilitating diseases that can significantly and adversely impact quality of life. Millions of people hold misconceptions about psoriasis, and it remains an often misunderstood disease. The resolution draws much-needed attention to the seriousness of psoriasis, the importance of early diagnosis and proper treatment, and the need for public awareness about psoriasis.
Through passage of the resolution, the U. S. Senate is encouraging the federal government to expand its psoriasis research efforts, including the psychological and physical effects of the disease. The Senate resolution also supports efforts to increase access to treatments for individuals living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The National Psoriasis Foundation will work with members of Congress and federal research agencies to ensure that the intent of the resolution is carried out.
"The National Psoriasis Foundation applauds today's Senate passage of an important resolution seeking to improve psoriasis research and access to care," said Gail M. Zimmerman, president and CEO of the National Psoriasis Foundation. "As many as 7.5 million Americans live with psoriasis, which is a serious disease. Thanks to the leadership of Senators Smith and Lautenberg, the need to boost psoriasis research and access to care has been elevated at the highest level of government."
Passage of S. Res. 420 is part of a comprehensive federal legislative agenda being pursued in Washington, D.C., by the Psoriasis Foundation. The Psoriasis Foundation is also advocating passage of a resolution in the House of Representatives that is similar to the Senate resolution. The House resolution (H. Con. Res. 340) urges expansion of genetic, clinical and basic research focused on increasing understanding of the causes of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It also calls for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to convene a special panel to study the availability of treatments for individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.