Celebrated globally every October 29th, World Psoriasis Day is a day committed to boosting global understanding about psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. This special day is designed to inform, educate, and offer support to the 125 million people certainly affected by this frequently marginalized skin condition.
World Psoriasis Day presents an avenue to push for improved care, and potentially increased research funding to find a long-lasting remedy.
History of World Psoriasis Day
World Psoriasis Day is a globally recognized event, held annually on October 29. It is committed to shining a light on psoriasis, a skin condition which affects millions of individuals worldwide. This international event first took root in 2004, spearheaded by the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) that represents over 125 million people globally.
The birth of this globally significant day originally took place in Istanbul, Turkey during IFPA’s Annual General Meeting. Delegates highlighted the need for increased awareness of the condition and its accompanying societal burdens.
The objective was to designate a particular day for those afflicted with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. This would not only raise societal awareness of the physical and psychological struggles that come with these conditions, but also create a platform for people to lobby for improved healthcare provisions, educate the public about available treatments, and call for greater research efforts to ultimately find a cure.
Every year, an international conference about World Psoriasis Day is organized by the IFPA in various countries. This helps focus on specific psoriasis-related issues within those regions and to also provide a platform for presenting planned activities, projects and initiatives related to the day.
Through the organized efforts which have been laid down since its inception, World Psoriasis Day has played a monumental role in shifting public perceptions of psoriasis, inspiring initiatives to support affected individuals and stimulating research endeavors to find more effective treatments and, hopefully, a cure.
World Psoriasis Day Timeline
Earliest Mention of Psoriasis
Psoriasis was first mentioned during the Roman Empire. It was described asasimpetigo that can appear on the skin.
Psoriasis Recognized as its Own Disease
Robert Willan, an English doctor, described several skin conditions, including psoriasis.
Psoriasis Officially Named
Austrian dermatologist Ferdinand von Hebra coins the term 'Psoriasis' to describe the condition.
First Recognition of World Psoriasis Day
The International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) presents the first World Psoriasis Day to raise awareness of the disease.
World Health Assembly Resolution
The World Health Assembly recognized psoriasis as one of the world’s most serious noncommunicable diseases.
No Discrimination
World Psoriasis Day campaign focuses on eliminating discrimination, stigma and prejudice associated with the disease.
Ideas to Celebrate World Psoriasis Day
Psoriasis Awareness Walkathon
Organize a walkathon or marathon to spread awareness about psoriasis. Invite friends, family and community members to participate or cheer from the sidelines. The registration fee will go to a psoriasis research charity organization.
Education Workshop
Host an informative workshop on psoriasis. Bring in a doctor or health specialist who can explain the disease, its impact, and current treatments. This will provide an invaluable resource for sufferers and their families.
Fundraising Dinner
Hold a charity dinner with guests buying tickets to attend. Invite a guest speaker who can educate attendees about psoriasis or someone who is living with the condition to share their journey. Proceeds from the event can be donated to a psoriasis research foundation.
Social Media Campaign
Create a hashtag and encourage people to share their experiences or stories about living with psoriasis on social media. This will increase online awareness about the disease and provide a platform of support for those affected.
Support Group Gathering
Arrange a meeting or party for psoriasis support groups. This can provide a platform for people to exchange their personal experiences and coping strategies, and also create a sense of camaraderie among patients and families dealing with the condition.
7 Interesting Facts About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is Not Contagious
Despite its sometimes intense appearance, one cannot catch psoriasis from someone else. It's a genetic condition triggered by environmental factors, rather than a contagious infection.
Many Famous People Have Psoriasis
Several celebrities, including Kim Kardashian and LeAnn Rimes, have publicly acknowledged their struggles with psoriasis, helping to raise awareness about the condition.
Psoriasis Can Impact Emotional Health
The physical symptoms of psoriasis can lead to significant psychological distress. Many people with psoriasis also experience depression and anxiety.
Psoriasis Doesn't Just Affect Skin
In addition to skin, psoriasis can also affect the nails, causing them to become pitted or to separate from the nail bed. Some people also experience psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain and stiffness.
Stress Can Trigger Psoriasis Flare-Ups
Stressful life events are among the most common triggers for psoriasis flare-ups. Regular stress management strategies, such as exercise, meditation and getting enough sleep, can help manage these flare-ups.
Psoriasis Can Occur at Any Age
Although psoriasis most commonly begins between ages 15 and 25, it can start at any age. It's a lifelong condition, with severity and coverage that can change over time.
Psoriasis is More Than Skin Deep
People with severe psoriasis are more likely to suffer from other serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
World Psoriasis Day FAQs
Next World Psoriasis Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | October 29th | Sunday |
| 2024 | October 29th | Tuesday |
| 2025 | October 29th | Wednesday |
| 2026 | October 29th | Thursday |
| 2027 | October 29th | Friday |
| What is the pattern? | Every October 29th | |
World Psoriasis Day Word Search
- Psoriasis
- Awareness
- Dermatology
- Skin
- Support
- Treatment