On World Psoriasis Day The IPC Hosts Latin American Dermatologists For Educational Symposium To Elevate Global Knowledge Of Psoriasis

Main Category: Eczema / Psoriasis
Article Date: 02 Nov 2009 - 3:00 PST

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

A first-of-its-kind symposium has convened today that brings together U.S. and Latin American dermatologists in an effort to elevate the global understanding of psoriasis and its treatment. Presented by the International Psoriasis Council (IPC), the symposium will be held at the Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas this week and will include sessions led by leading dermatologists and nurses involved in psoriasis management and research.

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease that affects more than 125 million people worldwide, including nearly 7.5 million Americans and over 8.5 million people in South America and Mexico. The condition results from inflammation in the skin and overproduction of skin cells that accumulate on the surface causing red, scaly plaques that may itch and bleed. In addition to being a painful and potentially debilitating condition, psoriasis often affects patients' everyday work and social life, as a result of the extreme discomfort and embarrassment associated with the skin plaques.

"Psoriasis can severely impact people both physically and emotionally," says Alan Menter, M.D., president of IPC and chief of dermatology at Baylor. "Members of IPC are very active in psoriasis research, which has significantly advanced the care of patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in the U.S. and in many parts of the world. We want to share our understanding and experiences with our Latin American colleagues so that they too can apply these learnings in their own clinical practices."

The visiting dermatologists will meet with the IPC faculty of experts to discuss a variety of topics including diagnosis and treatment, and comorbidities associated with the condition, which can include obesity, cardiovascular disease, lymphoma and depression. The faculty will be led by Dr. Menter with support from fellow scientists, clinicians and IPC members including Drs. Damien Chaussabel (Baylor), Jack Cush (University of Texas Southwestern Medical School), Craig Leonardi (St. Louis University Medical School) and Dan McCoy (Baylor), and Mary Wiatrowski, RN DNC (Baylor). Discussions will also highlight the use of a newer class of drugs called biologics, which are used in treating patients with moderate to severe cases of the psoriasis.

"Since its inception, members of the IPC, including dermatologists from more than 18 countries, have collaborated to foster an international environment of discussion among peers," says Karen Baxter Rodman, CEO and Executive Director of the IPC. "This symposium will support this goal and should be a valuable discussion among healthcare professionals about clinical experiences related to the treatment of patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis."

Financial support for the symposium has been provided by Johnson & Johnson, a company committed to the research and development of treatment options for dermatologic diseases.

About Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory disease that may affect up to 125 million people worldwide with an average age of onset between 20-35 years. Seventy-five percent of all cases occur for the first time before the age of 40 years. As an immune-mediated disease, psoriasis usually requires long-term treatment for control.

Source
International Psoriasis Council