PORTLAND, Ore. — The National Psoriasis Foundation has launched a "seal of recognition" for over-the-counter products to treat psoriasis.
The foundation said Tuesday that OTC items deemed by dermatology experts as effective in relieving psoriasis symptoms will bear the National Psoriasis Foundation Seal of Recognition.
Five products for scalp psoriasis from Neutrogena Corp. and one product from Alva-Amco Pharmacal are the first to feature the seal.
According to the foundation, the program marks the first approval seal for nonprescription psoriasis products.
"Improving the quality of life for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis is the reason the Foundation has launched its seal program," stated Eric Kimble, a National Psoriasis Foundation board member and head of the corporate review committee for the seal. "The seal will help consumers identify, from a maze of available products, items that could provide a benefit for psoriatic diseases."
Available in stores nationwide, the seal products include the Neutrogena line of T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo in Original Formula, Extra Strength and Stubborn Itch formulations; T/Gel Therapeutic Conditioner; and T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo.
"Neutrogena is honored to continue to partner with the National Psoriasis Foundation and feature the foundation’s ‘Seal of Recognition’ on our T/Gel products," commented Lindsay Wade, Neutrogena brand manager. "We are committed to helping those with psoriasis and hope the seal helps drive psoriasis awareness and reinforce Neutrogena’s dedication to improve lives."
People with plaque psoriasis — the most prevalent form of the disease, affecting up to 80 percent of people with psoriasis — will find the foundation’s seal on Alva-Amco’s Psoriasin Gel in all major pharmacies.
"For patients new to nonprescription psoriasis care options, the NPF seal affirms that the Psoriasin Gel formula is recognized as one that can be expected to offer psoriasis symptom relief," according to Mike Reisner, vice president of marketing at Alva-Amco Pharmacal Companies Inc. "Furthermore, the seal will prompt people with psoriasis to seek out the foundation to learn more about psoriasis care."
Psoriasis is the nation’s most prevalent autoimmune disease, affecting as many as 7.5 million Americans. Typically appearing on the skin as red, scaly and itchy patches, psoriasis is chronic, painful, disfiguring and disabling. Up to 30% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, a related joint disease.
