TORONTO, ONTARIO--(MARKET WIRE)--Oct 23, 2008 -- In recognition of World Psoriasis Day on October 29th, the Psoriasis Education Program (PEP) announces the launch of its enhanced website, www.psoriasisinfo.ca. Over 130,000 Canadians suffering with or interested in psoriasis have benefited from the site, and membership in PEP recently surpassed 4,000 Canadians. Those with psoriasis and their family and friends can visit www.psoriasisinfo.ca and explore the latest news, read exciting new guest editorials and access leading articles in dermatology.

A team comprised of Canadian dermatologists, nurses and people suffering with psoriasis contributed to enhancing the features of the PEP website. Visitors to www.psoriasisinfo.ca can benefit from:

- Updates on the latest psoriasis news

- Tips and advice from leading dermatology experts on how to better manage psoriasis

- Being part of a supportive network of Canadians with psoriasis

Guests to the site can also explore the celebrity blog from America's Next Top Model winner, and psoriasis sufferer, CariDee English, and:

- Read articles and access media footage of her 2007 and 2008 Canadian interviews

- View a presentation by CariDee and dermatologist Dr. Norman Wasel, during the Edmonton stop of the 2008 coast-to-coast LOUD & CLEAR Canadian Tour

Accessing all articles, forums and features of the PEP website, www.psoriasisinfo.ca is completely free.

Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious skin disease with currently no known cure. It is thought that psoriasis is caused by abnormalities of the immune system. Psoriasis affects approximately 1-3% of the world's population. There are over 125 million psoriasis sufferers worldwide, including approximately one million Canadians (1 in 30). Onset typically occurs during the prime of life, and frequently has a profound psychological impact on a person's quality of life. Characterized by thickened patches of dry, raised red inflamed skin covered with flaky silvery or white scales, psoriasis can be quite itchy and painful. Psoriasis sufferers often experience periods of remission; however, controlling the condition usually requires long-term therapy.

The Psoriasis Education Program is a national bilingual public awareness program that provides comprehensive, accurate and easy-to-access non-commercial psoriasis information to Canadians with psoriasis and their families, healthcare professionals and the general public. In 2006, PEP was awarded the Canadian Dermatology Association Public Education Award, for raising awareness and helping to change public perceptions of psoriasis issues.

World Psoriasis Day is an annual day specially dedicated to people with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis. Conceived by patients for patients, World Psoriasis Day on October 29th is a truly global event that sets out to give an international voice to the 125 million people with psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis around the world. Formed by a global consortium of patient associations from around the world, World Psoriasis Day aims to raise the profile of a condition which needs to be taken more seriously by national and international authorities.

     Contacts:
     Incipit Integrated Communications
     Karen Buitenwerf
     1-866-799-0600
     Email: k.buitenwerf@incipit.ca