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- Every August
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Psoriasis Awareness Month unfolds every August, shining a spotlight on this chronic autoimmune disease. This month aims to educate the public about its causes, triggers, and treatment methods, while empowering patients with vital information. Join the movement by sharing facts, supporting research, and advocating for better care.
Want to sponsor Psoriasis Awareness Month? Learn how
Expected Psoriasis Awareness Month Deals
Psoriasis Awareness Month focuses on vital education and fundraising rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) partner with pharmaceutical companies such as AbbVie, Novartis, and Janssen to fund research initiatives and patient support programs. Many dermatology clinics and healthcare providers offer free educational webinars and screening events throughout August. Look for opportunities to donate to the NPF or participate in virtual walks and advocacy campaigns. We will update this page with confirmed live events and donation matching programs as August approaches.
Platform Guide for Psoriasis Awareness Month
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #PsoriasisAwarenessMonth. Share personal stories, educational infographics, or ‘day in the life’ content to raise awareness and reduce stigma.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #PsoriasisAwarenessMonth. Join or create community groups to share experiences, treatment tips, and support for those affected by psoriasis.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #PsoriasisAwarenessMonth. Participate in live Q&A sessions with dermatologists, share breaking research news, and advocate for policy changes related to access and affordability of care.
Psoriasis Awareness Month Hero
Dr. Eugene M. Farber
History of Psoriasis Awareness Month
National Psoriasis Awareness Month began in 1997 as an initiative of the National Psoriasis Foundation (N.P.F.). It was initially observed in October but was later moved to August because there were already numerous awareness days in October. Another important reason for the change was that August is a time of year that allows for activities, such as swimming and sunbathing, which expose the skin. Moreover, the sun has a positive effect on psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a condition characterized by scaly, red, and raised patches on the skin, especially on the elbows, knees, and scalp; however, it could also affect other areas in the body. Psoriasis often causes itching, burning, and stinging in affected areas. Though its etiology is unclear to medical experts, psoriasis occurs when the life cycle of skin cells increases, causing a buildup of excess skin cells that form red patches and scales. Scientists believe that genetics and the immune system are contributory factors to the development of psoriasis.
Psoriasis affects people differently, with varying levels of severity. For severe cases, 10% or more of the patient’s skin may be affected by the disease. In mild cases, less than 3% is affected by psoriasis; however, psoriasis affects between 3% to 10% of the skin in moderate cases. Because psoriasis is often cyclical, particular triggers, such as infections, skin injuries, heavy alcohol consumption, vitamin D deficiency, stress, emotional trauma, certain medications, and smoking, may lead to an episode. Thankfully, psoriasis has various treatment options — creams and ointments can clear skin patches in mild-to-moderate cases. Light therapy, including U.V.B. phototherapy, Goeckerman therapy, and psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA), can also be employed. For severe psoriasis, retinoids, methotrexate, and cyclosporine are the drugs of choice.
Psoriasis Awareness Month timeline
‘Psora,’ meaning ‘desquamative ailment,’ is first used by Galen.
Robert Willan, the ‘Grandfather of Dermatology,’ becomes the first to give a clearly-defined description of psoriasis.
Ferdinand von Hebra becomes the first to dissociate leprosy from psoriasis, leading to the ultimate separation of the two disease entities.
Psoriasis Awareness Month holds for the first time in October.
“Psoriasis Awareness Month” is renamed “Psoriasis Action Month” during the event’s 20th anniversary.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Psoriasis Awareness Month
Local businesses can support Psoriasis Awareness Month by hosting educational workshops or offering special discounts on skin-friendly products. Pharmacies and beauty supply stores can create dedicated displays featuring dermatologist-recommended skincare lines. Wellness centers might offer free consultations for managing stress, a known psoriasis trigger. Consider partnering with a local dermatology clinic for a joint awareness event or donating a portion of August sales to the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Psoriasis Awareness Month FAQs
When is Psoriasis Awareness Month?
Psoriasis Awareness Month runs throughout August 2026. The entire month is dedicated to raising public understanding and supporting those living with psoriasis.
How many people are affected by psoriasis?
Globally, psoriasis affects approximately 125 million people. In the United States, around 8 million individuals live with psoriasis, making it one of the most common autoimmune diseases.
What are the common types of psoriasis?
The most common type is plaque psoriasis, characterized by red, scaly patches. Other forms include guttate, inverse, pustular, and erythrodermic psoriasis, each with distinct symptoms and appearance.
Is psoriasis contagious?
No, psoriasis is not contagious. It is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing them to grow too quickly. You cannot catch it from another person.
How to Observe Psoriasis Awareness Month
Donate
Donate to a psoriasis-centered organization. Donations go a long way in funding more research on the disease and assisting individuals unable to afford proper treatment.
End misinformation
Join the campaign to end misinformation on psoriasis. Enlighten people using facts to dispel myths and encourage patients to seek proper treatment.
Create awareness
Let others know that August is Psoriasis Awareness Month. Paste a flier on your window or volunteer at a psoriasis organization to fight against psoriasis.
5 Important Facts About Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis
This is the most common type of psoriasis and manifests as raised, red patches covered by a white buildup of cells.
Guttate psoriasis
This type of psoriasis is common in children and young adults and usually appears as lesions.
Inverse psoriasis
This type of psoriasis usually appears as red lesions in skin folds, such as behind the knees, the breast folds, the armpits, and the groin.
Pustular psoriasis
It causes white skin eruptions and commonly occurs on the hands and feet.
Erythrodermic psoriasis
This type of psoriasis leads to painful and itchy redness over large areas of the skin.
Why Psoriasis Awareness Month is Important
Awareness is created
Continuous awareness of psoriasis is necessary as some people are unaware of its existence. This month provides ample time for circulating accurate information about psoriasis and tips to help patients.
Myths dismissed
People with psoriasis often get asked annoying and offensive questions about their disease because of false societal beliefs. Psoriasis Awareness Month helps dispel such false beliefs and information that people have about psoriasis.
Support for patients
Some patients with psoriasis are stigmatized and ostracized because of their skin condition, which should not be the case. Psoriasis Awareness Month helps tackle this bias.
Social Media Tips for Psoriasis Awareness Month
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