Celebrity Doctor Paul W. Wallace Speaks at NPF Psoriasis Skin of Color Congressional Briefing In Hopes of Bringing Awareness to a Global Concern
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) March 09, 2015 -- Beverly Hills’ celebrity cosmetic dermatologist and renowned expert on advanced skin treatments, Dr. Paul W. Wallace, was featured as a keynote speaker during the NPF Psoriasis Skin of Color Congressional Briefing held yesterday at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, DC. With an extensive 20-year background in dermatology, Dr. Wallace was chosen by NPF staff to best convey the urgency of a growing skincare epidemic that touches countless people around the globe.
The goal of the briefing was to highlight and educate Members of Congress via their staff on the unique challenges of understanding, diagnosing, and treating psoriasis in non-Caucasian populations specifically. Although it is a fairly common chronic inflammatory disorder, there isn’t much research or data relating to psoriasis in ethnicities other than Caucasians. “This makes it so much harder to accurately identify psoriasis in darker skin tones, and as a result it’s often misdiagnosed,” said Dr. Wallace. “Awareness, education, clinical evidence, and resources for treatment of psoriasis in people of color are desperately needed.”
In addition to his concerns over misdiagnoses, another major theme Dr. Wallace covered during the briefing emphasized the accompanying health risks that often are associated with those who suffer from psoriasis. People with psoriasis have reported higher rates of depression and anxiety, and it has been linked to an elevated risk for other serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Furthermore, Dr. Wallace outlined the apparent gaps these ethnicities face in a) understanding the programs and assistance that are available to them for covering medical costs, and b) having sufficient access to specialists in the area who can help.
“There is great disparity for those who are suffering,” said Wallace. “Some people have challenges accessing the treatment they need due to out of pocket expenses they can’t afford or lack of treatment availability, while others just believe they are undeserving of quality health care. I’m hoping that by speaking in front of Congress, I can help create change.”
Dr. Wallace added that the total estimated costs of managing psoriasis worldwide is somewhere around $135 billion per year. And for so many under served populations, this amount only pushes them further away from the treatment they so desperately need.
About Dr. Paul Wallace
Dr. Paul W. Wallace, M.D., M.P.A., is a Beverly Hills’ celebrity Cosmetic Dermatologist proudly serving all communities of southern California for over 20 years. Dr. Wallace is a master of his field and is a resource for patients around the world. He delivers superior patient service and believes in only using natural, innovative approaches to helping patients look and feel their very best.
Dr. Paul Wallace received his undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley. He then attended Harvard Medical, University of Oklahoma and University of Missouri Graduate Schools. His residency training in Dermatology and fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery was performed at the Charles Drew/Martin Luther King, Jr. Medical Center, in Los Angeles.
Dr. Wallace is a global resource, speaking on cutting edge procedures and techniques that address today’s healthcare concerns, specifically conditions common to the general population like psoriasis. He has lectured to celebrities, elected officials, athletic directors, physicians, trainers, coaches, and healthcare providers throughout North and South America, Asia-Mainland China, Macau, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Europe, East and West Africa.
About the National Psoriasis Foundation
The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) is a non-profit, voluntary health agency dedicated to curing psoriatic disease and improving the lives of those affected.
Founded in 1966 from a tiny classified ad in a Portland, Ore. newspaper, the Psoriasis Foundation has evolved to become the leading patient advocacy group for the 7.5 million Americans living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
As emerging research continues to demonstrate the serious, systemic effects of these chronic autoimmune diseases, our highest priority is to find a cure.
Paul Wall, [email protected], +1 6613133524, [email protected]
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