About The Inflammatory Skin Disease Institute (ISDI)

The ISDI is dedicated to promoting public awareness and understanding of inflammatory skin diseases through education, research, and patient advocacy.

The Inflammatory Skin Disease Institute (ISDI) is a not-for-profit 501c(3) that was founded in 2000. We are proud of our accomplishments. We are meeting goals, setting new ones, meeting the needs and improving the lives of people with inflammatory skin disorders. ISDInformation, our award-winning newsletter provides useful information as well as patient support, as do our patient conferences, videos and educational programs and brochures.

The Inflammatory Skin Disease Institute (ISDI) is a 9- time winner of the American Academy of Dermatology's prestigious Gold Triangle Award for "Excellence in Public Education of Dermatologic Issues."

ISDI is a member of the Coalition of Skin Diseases (CSD), a voluntary coalition of patient advocacy groups addressing the needs and concerns of millions of people whose lives are affected by skin diseases. For more information about the CSD call 202-243-0115 or visit: https://skincoalition.org/

LaDonna Finch, Executive Director of ISDI attended nursing school and specialized in pediatrics. She left clinical nursing to raise a family. She now has 3 children - 2 who suffer from inflammatory skin disorders. She has vast experience and understanding of the seriousness of skin disease and has become nationally recognized as a spokesperson on behalf of patients and families with skin disease. She has served on the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Advisory Council (NIAMS). LaDonna has worked directly with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the Society of Investigative Dermatology (SID) and works tirelessly on the hill to educate members of congress concerning issues faced by patients with skin diseases.

As a parent, LaDonna understands how long sleepless nights can lead to dysfunctional days. She is using her first-hand experience to educate and advocate for others. "Skin disease is something that affects the whole family, 24/7, including their school, work and even play."

Ruthann Newton started with the Inflammatory Skin Disease Institute as a volunteer and now serves as Assistant Director. Her dedication and concern for those with inflammatory skin disorders has taken her all the way to Washington, DC representing and advocating for increased funding for skin disease research.

She stays involved by attending the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) annual and summer meetings and the Society of Investigative Dermatology (SID) meetings. Ruthann serves on the editorial board for ISDInformation and developed the "Tasteless Comments" page.

Ruthann is the parent of a child with special needs and is always in tune to the importance of being involved.

Mission Statement

The Inflammatory Skin Disease Institute (ISDI) is dedicated to promoting public awareness and understanding of inflammatory skin diseases through education, research, and patient advocacy.

How the Inflammatory Skin Disease Institute Can Help

Inflammatory Skin Diseases affect men, women and children of all races. Inflammatory skin disease is a broad category ranging in severity and can be very distressing to those who have them, causing great discomfort and emotional stress. The Inflammatory Skin Disease Institute provides physicians, patients and caregivers with useful information about inflammatory skin diseases. Practical information on such topics as treatment options, research trends, and lifestyle issues is very important to people with skin disease.

Patient education and public awareness are provided through our brochures, fact sheets, videos, support groups and programs. Patient advocacy is accomplished by being a voice in Washington to enhance awareness and encourage Congress to increase funding for skin disease research. Patient support is offered with pen-pals, newsletters and a telephone support system.