Expose Psoriasis features expert advice from a leading dermatologist and the personal story and tips from an award-winning writer and psoriasis patient advocate.

Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc. is launching an educational campaign designed to raise awareness about the physical and emotional impact of plaque psoriasis and empower those living with the disease to have open, honest conversations with their healthcare providers, family, and friends. 

The campaign, called Expose Psoriasis, features expert advice from a leading dermatologist and the personal story and tips from an award-winning writer and psoriasis patient advocate.

"Psoriasis can have a significant impact on all aspects of life, and can affect people in ways that may be unexpected, physically, mentally, and emotionally1," says Frank Watanabe, President and CEO of Arcutis, in a news release. "Unfortunately, those with psoriasis may have difficulty discussing the full impact of their disease with their loved ones, or even their dermatology specialists, due to stigma, embarrassment, or possibly not realizing how psoriasis may be affecting them. Through Expose Psoriasis, Arcutis hopes to encourage these conversations so people with psoriasis are able to receive the appropriate treatment, care, and support that they need."

Expose Psoriasis illuminates how plaque psoriasis may significantly impact many aspects of daily life, including day-to-day decisions such as what to wear, participation in social activities, and interpersonal relationships. The campaign also aims to raise awareness that symptoms may occur anywhere on the body, including knees, elbows, torso, and sensitive places like the face, genitals, and areas of skin-to-skin contact (intertriginous areas), such as armpits, under the breasts, stomach folds, between the buttocks, and in the groin area.

A recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll found that two in five survey respondents with psoriasis in intertriginous areas did not recognize they had intertriginous psoriasis until they saw pictures of intertriginous plaques.

"People who experience psoriasis in more private parts of the body, such as on the genitals or intertriginous areas, may feel reluctant or embarrassed to show their dermatology specialist these areas. Additionally, since most people typically think a dermatology visit is only for discussing the physical aspects of their skin, those with psoriasis may not realize that they should be sharing how the disease is impacting their emotional and mental wellbeing," explains Tina Bhutani, M.D., leading dermatologist and co-director of the UCSF Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center. "It's so important for people to tell their healthcare providers about all the ways psoriasis impacts them because there are many treatment options and resources available that can help. Understanding the full impact of the disease allows dermatology specialists to determine the best course of action to care for our patients."

Expose Psoriasis also addresses the value of having a support network and provides talking points that people can use to discuss their disease with their loved ones.

"Psoriasis can have an impact on your relationships with others and talking about your symptoms with loved ones can be difficult, but it's so important to do so," explains Sabrina Skiles, award-winning writer and psoriasis patient advocate. "Remember, your family and friends are there to support you, not judge you. By sharing your story with them and educating them about the disease, you are normalizing the topic and strengthening your support network."  

People interested in testing their knowledge about psoriasis can take this interactive quiz here. For more information about this initiative, visit www.ExposePsoriasis.com.