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Honoring World Psoriasis Day

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By Editorial Team

2 min read

Each year, millions of people recognize World Psoriasis Day as a way to raise awareness and help support those living with psoriatic diseases, including plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) has held World Psoriasis Day on October 29 for more than a decade, and more than 70 countries now honor this annual observation.1

Having a chronic condition like psoriasis can feel like a heavy burden, but World Psoriasis Day offers you a chance to join forces and share your voice with the more than 60 million people living with psoriatic disease.1

World Psoriasis Day 2023

This year, the theme of World Psoriasis Day is "Access for All." This theme aims to highlight the fact that all people with psoriasis should have equal, affordable access to quality care and treatment, no matter where they live or their financial status.1

Advances in psoriasis treatments and research mean that more options are available to the community than ever before. However, the next step is ensuring that these treatments and research can help more people living with psoriasis, especially those in rural and underserved areas.

While the main goal of this year's World Psoriasis Day is to fight for access to care, advocates will also use this day as an opportunity to:1,2

  • Change the perception of psoriatic disease
  • Stop stigma
  • Advance holistic care
  • Prepare the health workforce

The invisible side of psoriasis

While World Psoriasis Day is an important step toward recognizing and raising awareness about the far-reaching impact of psoriatic diseases, it's just one day. Those living with psoriasis often spend years battling both physical and emotional symptoms.

On one hand, the inflamed, scaly skin plaques that are a key feature of psoriasis can itch, burn, and feel painful. But it's so much more than that. Those same plaques can also make you embarrassed, self-conscious, and worried. Those "invisible" symptoms beyond your skin can have a devastating impact on your emotional well-being.

Research clearly shows that psoriasis impacts the mental health of those living with the condition:3

  • 86 percent are embarrassed by the disease
  • 81 percent suffer from depression or emotional impact
  • 66 percent feel isolated or alone

Psoriasis also carries social stigma, since it is often highly visible and many people mistakenly believe it is a contagious skin disease. This stigma may make you feel like you want to avoid going out in public or developing close relationships with others.

Finding validation and support

The community here at PlaquePsoriasis.com is always available as a safe place for sharing, support, validation, and kindness – well beyond just World Psoriasis Day. We welcome you to join us and others in brining awareness to the many realities of managing this invisible visible condition.

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This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The PlaquePsoriasis.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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