Free nationwide event educates Americans about triggers, treatments for most common autoimmune disease

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Feb 17, 2015, 08:18 ET

PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- If psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis affects you or someone you love, learn what makes psoriatic disease flare and how to best manage it at a free More than Skin Deep event presented around the country by the National Psoriasis Foundation.

At "Triggers, Treatments and You," hear from a leading dermatologist about the common psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis triggers; the latest research to help reduce itch, pain and swelling; and the best treatment options for you. Find an event near you: www.psoriasis.org/MTSD2015.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriasis is the most common autoimmune disease in the country, affecting roughly 7.5 million Americans. www.psoriasis.org.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriatic arthritis affects as many as one in three people with psoriasis - the most common autoimmune disease in the country. People with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) experience pain, joint stiffness and swelling, and extreme fatigue. If left untreated, PsA can be disabling. Learn more about PsA at www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriatic-arthritis (PRNewsFoto/National Psoriasis Foundation)

In addition to learning about psoriatic disease flares and treatment options, participants will have the opportunity to ask the dermatologist their questions, see exhibits and meet others in their area coping with psoriatic disease.

A chronic, noncontagious disease of the immune system, psoriasis affects up to 7.5 million Americans. Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory arthritis that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints and tendons. If left untreated, psoriatic arthritis can be disabling. Psoriasis increases people's risk for other serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity and stroke.

To register for one of the More than Skin Deep events near you, visit www.psoriasis.org/MTSD2015, email [email protected] or call 800-723-9166. This program is supported by AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Janssen BioTech and Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

About the National Psoriasis Foundation
National Psoriasis Foundation is the world's largest organization serving those with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Our priority is to provide the information people need to best manage their condition, while promoting research to find a cure. In addition to serving more than 2.1 million people annually, NPF has funded more than $11 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.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150213/175595

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150213/175594

SOURCE National Psoriasis Foundation