ST ALBANS, England, May 1 /PRNewswire/ --

On the 1st of May 2008, UK charity, the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance (PAPAA) is launching its new website http://www.papaa.org under the banner of The Principal Source of Information for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis. PAPAA is providing an up-to-date resource that will give people with the latest information about the condition along with what treatments are available and useful articles.

PAPAA is independently funded and doesn't receive financial support from the commercial or pharmaceutical industry. The site is managed by PAPAA with real input from people with or affected by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

David Chandler PAPAA CEO said "We've been working hard on the site for sometime and want to provide something different than the usual flat paged sites. We want the user to have a 'conversation', so the answers appear as links, just as though the site is anticipating the questions."

The site is free to use, has it own search facility, and all medical material has been written by, or approved by doctors. Users who register can add comments or suggest FAQs, there is even a facility to submit articles.

"We want this site to be a community based site that gives real people real input in the content. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can both be confusing and demoralising; we want to provide a positive approach to disease management. This site is the first part of that process. We won't be endorsing products but want to provide a comprehensive range of information to educate people affected by these conditions" added David.

Notes to editors:

Psoriasis affects 2% of the UK population and is a chronic skin disease which appears as red scaly patches, causing individuals to become socially embarrassed often suffering discrimination and lack of self confidence.

Psoriatic arthritis affects 10-20% of people with psoriasis and can in some cases cause permanent disability. There can sometimes be confusion in diagnosis as there is no specific test to determine the existence of the disease. Diagnosis relies on other factors to be present, such as skin involvement.

Pictures and images are available electronically.

About PAPAA:

PAPAA was founded in 2007, as a joint venture between the Psoriatic Arthropathy Alliance (PAA) (Reg Charity No: 3055414), and the Psoriasis Support Trust (PST) (Reg Charity No: 1088359), with the aim of merging the original charities into a single entity, becoming a principle resource of information and help for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in the UK.

The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance (PAPAA) is a Registered Charity No:11188192. A Company Limited by Guarantee, registered in England and Wales No: 6074887 Registered Office: Acre House 11-15 William Road London NW1 3ER.

David Chandler is available for interview, by contacting the PAPAA office on +44(0)870-7703212. The organisation can be contacted by the same number or via email at info@papaa.org or by post to PAPAA PO Box 111, St Albans, Herts AL2 3JQ.

David Chandler is available for interview, by contacting the PAPAA office on +44(0)870-7703212. The organisation can be contacted by the same number or via email at info@papaa.org or by post to PAPAA PO Box 111, St Albans, Herts AL2 3JQ. David Chandler: davidchandler@btconnect.com