National Psoriasis Foundation Launches "Seal of Recognition" for Psoriasis Products

PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For the first time, consumers shopping for over-the-counter products to treat psoriasis—a disease of the immune system that appears on the skin, affecting as many as 7.5 million Americans—and psoriatic arthritis—an inflammatory joint and tendon disease—will find a National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition on items that dermatology experts deem effective in relieving disease symptoms. Learn about the program at www.psoriasis.org/licensing.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120228/DC61286-a)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120228/DC61286-b)

Five products for scalp psoriasis made by Neutrogena Corp. and one product by Alva-Amco Pharmacal are the first to feature the seal. Available on store shelves nationwide, the seal products include the Neutrogena line of T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo in three formulations: "Original Formula," "Extra Strength" and "Stubborn Itch"; T/Gel Therapeutic Conditioner; and T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo.

People with plaque psoriasis—the most prevalent form of the disease, affecting up to 80 percent of people with psoriasis—will find the Foundation seal on Alva-Amco's Psoriasin Gel in all major pharmacies.

"Improving the quality of life for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis is the reason the Foundation has launched its seal program," said Eric Kimble, National Psoriasis Foundation Board of Trustees member and head of the corporate review committee for the seal. "The seal will help consumers identify, from a maze of available products, items that could provide a benefit for psoriatic diseases."

To qualify for Foundation recognition, products are reviewed by a panel of dermatology experts who make sure the items meet the following criteria, including:

• Products that hydrate the skin, reduce redness, reduce joint pain and/or provide aid for people with psoriatic arthritis;
• Nonprescription products;
• Non-irritating products;
• Products that can be used along with prescription remedies.

The panel also reviews the products' ingredients and safety, toxicity and formulation data.

"Neutrogena is honored to continue to partner with the National Psoriasis Foundation and feature the Foundation's 'Seal of Recognition' on our T/Gel products," said Lindsay Wade, Neutrogena brand manager. "We are committed to helping those with psoriasis and hope the seal helps drive psoriasis awareness and reinforce Neutrogena's dedication to improve lives."

"For patients new to non-prescription psoriasis care options, the NPF Seal affirms that the Psoriasin Gel formula is recognized as one that can be expected to offer psoriasis symptom relief.  Furthermore, the seal will prompt people with psoriasis to seek out the Foundation to learn more about psoriasis care," notes Mike Reisner, vice-president of marketing at Alva-Amco Pharmacal Companies, Inc.

The National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition is a consumer education program intended to improve the quality of life for millions of Americans living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The seal program is available for the following product categories: personal care products, household products, fabrics and devices.

To learn more about the Seal of Recognition, visit www.psoriasis.org/licensing.

About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is the most prevalent autoimmune disease in the country, affecting as many as 7.5 million Americans. Appearing on the skin most often as red scaly patches that itch and bleed, psoriasis is chronic, painful, disfiguring and disabling. Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, a related joint disease. There is no cure for psoriasis.  

About the National Psoriasis Foundation
National Psoriasis Foundation is the world's largest nonprofit organization serving people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Our mission is to find a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and to eliminate their devastating effects through research, advocacy and education. For more information, call the Psoriasis Foundation, headquartered in Portland, Ore., at 800.723.9166, or visit www.psoriasis.org. Follow the Psoriasis Foundation on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE National Psoriasis Foundation