[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23881]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          WORLD PSORIASIS DAY

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                        HON. TODD RUSSELL PLATTS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 2, 2008

  Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize October 29, 2008, as 
World Psoriasis Day.
  Madam Speaker, over 125 million individuals across the globe have 
been diagnosed with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis is a 
lifelong skin disorder that causes thick, red lesions to appear on the 
skin. These lesions are often painful and itchy for the diagnosed 
individual.
  Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for psoriasis. A number of 
treatments have been developed and are often effective in controlling 
the disease. However, continual therapy is usually essential.
  I became aware of World Psoriasis Day through a constituent of mine, 
Nicholas Stem, who was diagnosed with psoriasis when he was just 7 
years old. Fortunately, Nicholas has been able to control his psoriasis 
by taking a biologic drug in the form of an injection every week.
  I am honored to represent the Stem family, who have made advocacy on 
behalf of Nicholas and the millions of other individuals affected by 
psoriasis a family mission. At 9 years of age, Nicholas has already 
given educational presentations in front of his classmates, Cub Scout 
pack, and Members of Congress and their staffs. I commend the Stem 
family for their efforts.
  World Psoriasis Day aims to bring global awareness to the disease and 
increase the understanding of psoriasis within the general public. A 
long-standing myth is that psoriasis is contagious. This myth is 
perhaps one of the most damaging psychologically to individuals with 
psoriasis and is simply untrue.
  It is my hope that someday a cure for psoriasis will be discovered. 
Until that time, Madam Speaker, it is important for efforts such as 
World Psoriasis Day to bring awareness around the globe regarding the 
prevalence of the disease and the need for effective treatments.

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