LeAnn Rimes Urges Psoriasis Sufferers To Stop Hiding And Start Living

"For years, my self-esteem suffered because of my psoriasis. I lost confidence in how I looked and I felt ashamed. Today, I have a new outlook. I no longer let psoriasis define who I am or how I feel about myself. I am now able to lead a more confident, fulfilling and healthy life."-LeAnn Rimes

(NAPSI)-LeAnn Rimes, psoriasis sufferer and Grammy Award-winning performing artist, remembers that, at one point, she had psoriatic scales on about 80 percent of her body-pretty much everywhere except her hands, face and feet. Because her disease was so visible, LeAnn also recalls how for many years her self-esteem suffered because of her condition. But LeAnn isn't the only one who has experienced the physical and emotional impact of this disease.

Nearly seven million Americans suffer from psoriasis-yet the public is often unaware that psoriasis is a chronic immune disorder that affects the skin and can present physical, emotional or social challenges. In addition to the physical symptoms associated with psoriasis, people with the condition may experience poor self-image, social isolation or depression. And, recent research suggested that severe psoriasis may occur with other serious medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes.

Because there is so little public awareness about the impact of psoriasis, the American Academy of Dermatology and the National Psoriasis Foundation have partnered together, funded with support from Abbott, to launch a public education program called "Stop Hiding from Psoriasis." The effort is designed to raise awareness of psoriasis as a chronic disease that can have a dramatic impact on sufferers' lives, and to empower people living with psoriasis to Stop Hiding and Start Living by talking with a dermatologist.

LeAnn Rimes is working closely with the American Academy of Dermatology and the National Psoriasis Foundation on "Stop Hiding from Psoriasis." By speaking out about her battle against the disease, which has affected her for much of her life, LeAnn is putting a well-known face on a condition that has long been misunderstood.

For additional information on psoriasis and the "Stop Hiding from Psoriasis" campaign, please visit www.StopHiding.org.

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