New Website Helps Children with Psoriasis Live Better with Their Condition

PsoMe.org is the first to connect kids with psoriatic disease

PORTLAND, Ore., July 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hundreds of children around the country living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis have a new resource to help them cope with the psychological and social effects of these illnesses with the launch of the first website for kids with psoriatic disease -- www.PsoMe.org.  

Studies show that children with psoriasis are more likely to be alienated, called names, teased and bullied than their peers. To help reduce discrimination, the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) developed this website to connect children and their families, and teach them about psoriasis and its treatments with relevant, accurate information targeted for a youth population.

Psoriasis is a chronic, genetic disease of the immune system that appears on the skin, often as red, scaly patches that itch, crack and bleed. The most prevalent autoimmune disease in the country, psoriasis affects as many as 7.5 million Americans. Every year, roughly 20,000 children under age 10 are diagnosed with psoriasis.

"Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can be very tough, both physically and psychologically, on children and adolescents with the disease. This new website will give kids with psoriasis an opportunity to connect with each other and create a real sense of community," said Krista Kellogg, chair of the Outreach Committee of the National Psoriasis Foundation Board of Trustees. "It will help them open up, become more self-confident and advocate for themselves and each other."  

Some of the kid-friendly features of the new NPF website are:

• Educational pages that explain their disease in easy-to-understand terms;
• Activities to help children express their feelings and educate others;
• Opportunities to find a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis;
• Programs and pages that help them connect with other kids, including a kids-only bulletin board, art gallery and Pen Pal program.

Parents of children with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis will also find useful information, including tips from other parents, and ideas for getting their entire family involved in raising awareness and helping to find a cure for their child.

To learn more, visit www.psome.org.

About the National Psoriasis Foundation

The 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.

SOURCE National Psoriasis Foundation