'Cure' should raise alarms when surfing Net
Rick DeBruhl
Dec. 22, 2003 12:00 AM
You have to wonder about any cure that costs $19.95.
To someone with a chronic disease or condition, the word "cure" is a shining hope.
Unfortunately, to some companies trying to sell you their latest cream or herbal supplement, "cure" is little more than another pitch.
The National Psoriasis Foundation is especially bothered by that word. Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes itchy, scaly patches. It can be treated very successfully in a variety of ways, ranging from simple creams to light treatments to expensive immunosuppressive therapy.
None of those, however, will cure the disease.
But a quick search of the Internet will find a number of products that claim to do just that. Just type the word "psoriasis" into Google.com.
In addition to links to groups like the National Psoriasis Foundation, you'll find "sponsored links." These are companies that pay to have their ads pop up when certain words are searched.
Their ads state it bluntly: "Psoriasis can be cured" or just "psoriasis cure." Some continue to use the word "cure" when you get to their Web site. Others seem content to use it only as a lure.
The reality is they're lying.
The folks at the National Psoriasis Foundation make it very clear that there is no known cure for psoriasis. If there were, the organization would gladly spread the word.
The ads are nothing more than a cruel hoax to the 5 million people who endure psoriasis. It not only takes their money, it wastes time and energy that could be spent on legitimate medically proven treatments.
The National Psoriasis Foundation has decided not to challenge these companies in court. It figures the money would be better spent elsewhere. It's hoping the federal government will eventually crack down on the false ads.
In the meantime, it's up to you to use some common sense. Whether it's psoriasis or any other disease, the reality is you're not likely to buy a cure for $19.95 on the Internet.
The companies hope to use the word "cure" to hook you, but don't let them. In fact, you should make it work against them.
When you see the word "cure" touted in any advertisement, your automatic reaction should be to reject it.
Don't let your pain or desperation get in the way of common sense.
There may someday be a cure for diseases like psoriasis. But even when it arrives, you probably won't buy it for $19.95 on the Internet.
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