People who live with psoriasis often have itchy, splotchy, flaky patches of skin that can be very itchy, uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Not only do these skin lesions cause pain and discomfort physically, but they can also cause a number of issues such as emotional and psychological problems. People who have psoriasis may experience embarrassment, anxiety, social withdrawal, difficulty sleeping, depression and other issues.
World Psoriasis Day is here to increase public awareness and reduce the stigma so that people who have psoriasis can feel more comfortable and accepted in their communities. In addition, the day also acts as a call to action for medical professionals and communities to show support for individuals who live with psoriasis.
Each year, the organizers of World Psoriasis Day choose a theme that helps to bring focus to the different activities surrounding the event. Past themes for this day have included:
- Access for All (2023)
- Psoriatic Disease and Mental Health (2022)
- United Now Act (2021)
- Let’s Get Connected (2019)
History of World Psoriasis Day
The original observance of World Psoriasis Day started around 2010 when it was established through the efforts of the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA). Sometimes called Psoriasis Awareness Day, this event has grown significantly over the years and is now observed in more than 70 countries located all over the globe.
World Psoriasis Day stands as a reminder that people and communities all over the world need to be better educated and more aware about psoriasis and its impact
Another similar event takes place throughout the entire month of October. National Psoriasis Awareness Month was launched in 1997 by the National Psoriasis Foundation as its first full-blown public awareness campaign. This event eventually turned into Psoriasis Action Month which is still celebrated today.
How to Celebrate World Psoriasis Day
Check out some of these ideas to get started with observing World Psoriasis Day:
Attend World Psoriasis Day Events
One way that this event can be observed is that medical professionals, those who have psoriasis, and those who support them can choose to attend different public events such as seminars, educational activities and more. In addition, these types of events often need volunteers to help support and run them, so World Psoriasis Day would be a great time to choose to volunteer!
Bust Myths About Psoriasis
One of the important purposes behind World Psoriasis Day is to inform and educate more people about this rather common condition. To that end, it might be helpful to take a look at, and perhaps share, some of the myths (and their truths) that are associated with psoriasis. Get started with some of these myths:
Psoriasis is contagious – False. Psoriasis is a disease that cannot be transferred from person to person
Psoriasis is just dry skin – Not True. This condition is much more than that, affecting the immune system and also possibly the bones or joints
Psoriasis only happens to adults – False. Psoriasis is a genetic condition that children can inherit from their parents and can show up at any age
Psoriasis can’t be treated – Not True. While there is not yet a cure, there are many ways that medical professionals can help treat and minimize the impact of the condition
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