- Categories:
- Health
- Tags:
- Awareness
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every October 29
- Holiday emoji:
- 🩹
World Psoriasis Day shines a light on the challenges faced by those living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis every October 29. This global observance aims to spread information about the condition, improve access to treatment, and foster understanding. Join the movement to support research, advocate for better care, and break down stigmas.
Want to sponsor World Psoriasis Day? Learn how
Expected World Psoriasis Day Deals
On World Psoriasis Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to crucial fundraising and awareness initiatives. Organizations like the National Psoriasis Foundation and the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) lead campaigns, often partnering with pharmaceutical companies such as Amgen, Janssen, and AbbVie for donation matching programs or educational drives. Look for opportunities to contribute to research funds, participate in advocacy events, or purchase branded merchandise where proceeds benefit psoriasis support. Many pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs that may be highlighted. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as October 29 approaches.
Platform Guide for World Psoriasis Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #WorldPsoriasisDay. Share personal stories, educational infographics, or photos of awareness events to foster community.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #WorldPsoriasisDay. Participate in live discussions, share research updates, and amplify calls to action from advocacy groups.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #WorldPsoriasisDay. Create community events, share personal testimonials, and link to resources for support and treatment.
World Psoriasis Day Hero
Dr. John Pagano
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
Dr. Robert Willan of England identified psoriasis as its own separate entity.
The word "lepra" was removed from the definition of psoriasis, separating it from the disease of leprosy.
The first individual treatments for psoriasis were introduced, replacing mass treatments that relied on trial and error.
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.
A JAMA Dermatology study suggests that people with psoriasis might run a higher risk of developing cancer.
World Psoriasis Day FAQs
When is World Psoriasis Day?
World Psoriasis Day 2026 falls on Thursday, October 29. This global observance is a crucial time for advocacy and education, bringing together communities worldwide.
How many people are affected by psoriasis?
Globally, psoriasis affects approximately 125 million people, with around 8 million Americans living with the condition. It’s a widespread chronic autoimmune disease that impacts quality of life.
How does psoriasis impact daily life?
Psoriasis can significantly impact daily life, causing physical discomfort from itchy, painful skin lesions and emotional distress due to visible symptoms. It can affect sleep, work, social interactions, and mental health.
Is psoriasis contagious?
No, psoriasis is not contagious. It is an autoimmune disease, meaning it results from an overactive immune system, not from bacteria or viruses that can spread from person to person.
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.
World Psoriasis Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | October 29 | Thursday |
| 2027 | October 29 | Friday |
| 2028 | October 29 | Sunday |
| 2029 | October 29 | Monday |
| 2030 | October 29 | Tuesday |
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