World Psoriasis Day – October 29, 2024

U.S.

History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
Observe
Related

What is World Psoriasis Day?

World Psoriasis Day, observed on October 29, shines a light on challenges faced by those suffering from psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis is a disease that results from an overactive immune system and is evidenced by rashes on the skin. While most immune systems take 30 or so days to push new cells to the skin, those with psoriasis push new cells within two to three days. On World Psoriasis Day, psoriasis associations strive to spread information about the condition and improve access to treatment.

History of World Psoriasis Day

The International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) presents World Psoriasis Day to recognize those with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis. It has been celebrated on October 29 for more than a decade. On World Psoriasis Day, our member associations and their supporters organize activities around the world to raise awareness of psoriasis.

Both doctors and patients have misunderstood psoriasis or centuries. While able to isolate the symptoms, the most respected medical minds of ancient times still remained baffled. Hippocrates finally replaced superstition with knowledge in treating skin ailments by introducing tar into the mix. (However he also prescribed topical arsenic.)

The Greek physician Galen identified psoriasis as a skin disease through clinical observation and was the first to label it as psoriasis. But, along with arsenic, he suggested applying broth in which a viper had been boiled.

The condition, often mixed up with skin disorders believed contagious, led to confusion with leprosy (blame the Old Testament) and its accompanying social stigma. Officials in medieval Europe forced psoriasis sufferers to warn others of their arrival by ringing a clapper.

Per the National Psoriasis Foundation’s Ellen Seiden, “[Treatment] ideas included lubricating the skin and wrapping the body in sheets for days to create an occlusion (cover) to loosen scales. Popular applications sometimes included toxic ingredients such as nitrate, sulfur and mercury, causing side effects harmful enough to outweigh any benefits. Most solutions were smelly, irritating, and time-consuming.”

World Psoriasis Day timeline

1809

Disease recognized

Dr. Robert Willan of England identified psoriasis as its own separate entity.

1840

Not leprosy (whew)

The word "lepra" was removed from the definition of psoriasis, separating it from the disease of leprosy.

1970

Customized treatment

The first individual treatments for psoriasis were introduced, replacing mass treatments that relied on trial and error.

1998

New meds developed

Biologic medications, introduced in the latter part of the 20th century, became the new norm for psoriasis research and treatments. These agents stem from substances found in living cells and act on the body's immune system. They treat psoriasis by targeting overactive immune cells, which cause the disease.

2019

An ominous warning

A JAMA Dermatology study suggests that people with psoriasis might run a higher risk of developing cancer.

World Psoriasis Day FAQs

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells — causing them to build up rapidly on the surface. The extra skin cells form scales and red patches that are itchy and sometimes painful. Psoriasis is a chronic disease that often comes and goes.

Do I have psoriasis?

See a doctor to determine the cause of your symptoms. The good news? Health care providers are becoming more aware of the impact psoriasis can have on a person’s quality of life. Researchers are focused more now than ever on finding solutions.

How do I treat psoriasis itching?

Understand that stress is a common trigger. This makes managing stress a particularly important skill for people with psoriasis. Consider meditation, exercise, and asking your doctor for the right medicines.

How to Observe World Psoriasis Day

Take a walk
Check your local psoriasis association for runs or walks that take place on or around October 29. If there's no local association or event in your area, organize one!
Share your story
If you're a psoriasis sufferer and willing to share your story, do an interview or organize a Facebook group. Human stories are often the best way to spread awareness and help the public understand more about medical conditions.
Help educate
IFPA makes flyers and postcards available for those who want to get involved in its education efforts. Feel free to use the materials to spread the word to local schools, health clubs, and other places.

3 Diseases Associated With Psoriasis

Type 2 diabetes
Psoriasis is often associated with type 2 diabetes, a condition in which the blood retains high levels of sugar.
Heart disease
Heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States, can lead to psoriasis.
Bowel disease
Those who suffer from psoriasis may also suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, an often painful condition that affects the digestive tract.

Why World Psoriasis Day is Important

It is widespread
More than 125 million people around the world suffer from psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. World Psoriasis Day helps disseminate important information that can help ease the pain of those living with psoriasis.
You're not alone
Through events such as runs and walks, World Psoriasis Day brings together psoriasis sufferers and their friends and family to show support for expanding treatments. The day is also marked by educational seminars designed to share the latest scientific and medical research.
Funding for new research
Through outreach to potential supporters, World Psoriasis Day raises funds for new research and expanded treatment. For those already living with the disease — especially in countries with limited medical expertise — funding is critical to providing quality medical care.