Hey PV Fans! August is National Psoriasis Awareness Month so today we wanted to spotlight our Psoriasis/Psoriatic Arthritis Awareness Bracelet! The organization that we donate to is the National Psoriasis Foundation.

Each August, the National Psoriasis Foundation sponsors Psoriasis Awareness Month to raise awareness, encourage research and advocate for better care for people with psoriasis.

National Psoriasis Foundation

“The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) is a non-profit, voluntary health agency dedicated to finding a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and eliminating their devastating effects through research, advocacy and education.

Founded in 1968, the Psoriasis Foundation has evolved to become the leading patient advocacy group for the 7.5 million Americans living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

As emerging research continues to demonstrate the serious, systemic effects of these chronic autoimmune diseases, our highest priority is to find a cure.” (National Psoriasis Foundation)

Psoriatic Arthritis

Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints.

Psoriatic arthritis can develop at any time, but it most commonly appears between the ages of 30 and 50. Genes, the immune system and environmental factors are all believed to play a role in the onset of the disease.

Early recognition, diagnosis and treatment of psoriatic arthritis are critical to relieve pain and inflammation and help prevent progressive joint damage.

More Psoriasis facts

Psoriasis is the most common autoimmune disease in the U.S., affecting as many as 7.5 million Americans.

Psoriasis occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells, resulting in painful red, scaly patches on the body that bleed and itch.

Psoriasis is not contagious.

Psoriasis frequently occurs with a range of other health concerns including diabetes, hypertension, heart attack and depression.

Psoriasis impacts the emotions. Nearly 70% of people with psoriasis say their disease makes them feel self-conscious, embarrassed and helpless.

Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, swelling and stiffness around the joints.

There currently is no cure for psoriasis.

Life with Psoriasis Photo Contest presented by National Psoriasis Contest

Picture this: If you have psoriasis or love someone who does, enter our Life with Psoriasis Photo Contest held during Psoriasis Awareness Month. This August, submit a photo to National Psoriasis Foundation that depicts your life with psoriasis—with its challenges, breakthroughs, frustrations and achievements.

“We want to see life with psoriasis through your lens. The winner of the Life with Psoriasis Photo Contest will receive a Canon EOS Rebel T3 DSLR camera. Second and third place winners get cool prizes, too.

Deadline for submission is Friday, Aug. 31.” (National Psoriasis Foundation)

To learn more about National Psoriasis Foundation and their contest click HERE. To shop our Psoriasis/Psoriatic Arthritis Awareness Bracelet click HERE.