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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Don't Be Fooled By Psoriasis: You Can't Catch It

(NAPSI)-A little knowledge and a bit of forethought can help protect many young-and not-so-young-Americans from a distressing form of discrimination.

The problem is that kids are getting kicked out of swimming pools and other play areas-not because of their behavior, but because of how their skin looks.

These children have psoriasis, a noncontagious, chronic disease of the immune system that appears on the skin causing red, scaly patches. Unfortunately, many of the 7.5 million Americans who have psoriasis face discrimination in public places such as hair salons, gyms and swimming pools because others believe the disease is contagious. And many avoid public situations altogether.

To help, the National Psoriasis Foundation works to break down barriers, raise awareness, dispel myths and educate the public about psoriasis. In a recent survey conducted by the Psoriasis Foundation, one in five people with psoriasis report being denied service at a pool in the past 12 months.

"I have gotten into a hot tub or pool and had adults get out once they saw the scales on my arms or legs," said Ellen Clements, an active volunteer with the National Psoriasis Foundation who was diagnosed with psoriasis in 2005 at age 57. "Even after I tell people they can't catch it, they still make up an excuse and leave."

"Many people assume psoriasis is contagious because of the way it looks, and because of that, people living with the disease often face discrimination," said Randy Beranek, president and CEO of the National Psoriasis Foundation.

Psoriasis Awareness packets, including a fact sheet, posters, postcards and tips, are available for those who would like to participate in raising awareness and educating the public about psoriasis.

To request a packet or for more information, visit www.freetogetinthepool.org or www.psoriasis.org or call (800) 723-9166.

There's no reason to avoid swimming with someone who has psoriasis. The condition is not contagious.

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