Today marks the 4th observance of World Psoriasis Day. The purpose is to increase awareness of this genetic immune system disease which affects 7.5 million people in the U.S. and 125 million people around the world. Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin condition that can lead to other serious conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, liver disease and psoriatic arthritis.

Another purpose is to push for increased funding and research into the disease and providing better access to medical care. In the United States, the Psoriasis Foundation has created the Psoriasis Action Network to publicize Senate bill 1459/House Resolution 1188, the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Research, Cure and Care Act of 2007. To learn more about volunteering in the effort you can visit the National Psoriasis Foundation

A third purpose of World Psoriasis Day is to get information to those who are afflicted. The more informed they are the better able they will be in dealing with this misunderstood condition.

I encourage you to take some time today to learn more about psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.