World Psoriasis Day Explanation and Participation Guide
World Psoriasis Day, observed annually on October 29, is a global event aimed at spreading accurate information about psoriasis and breaking the misconceptions and stigmas surrounding the condition. Hosted by the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA), this day is celebrated in more than 50 countries worldwide.
Psoriasis is a condition in which the body produces skin cells too quickly, causing scaly patches or "plaques" on the skin. It affects more than 3 in 100 adults in the United States, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF). People with psoriasis may experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and difficulty sleeping, and they are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems. Around 1 in 3 people with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory form of arthritis.
There are several ways to get involved with World Psoriasis Day and support those affected by psoriasis. One key approach is fundraising. You can organize or join fundraising events such as awareness campaigns, charity runs, or online donation drives during Psoriasis Awareness Month (August). These efforts support research, advocacy, and patient services offered by psoriasis organizations.
Another way to get involved is through volunteering. Engage with local or national psoriasis associations by helping organize educational seminars, support group meetings, or public awareness events. Volunteering opportunities may include outreach, event planning, or assisting with online community support platforms.
Sharing personal accounts is another crucial way to get involved. Contribute your story through social media, blogs, or official channels of psoriasis associations to raise public understanding and reduce stigma. Patient experiences help drive awareness about the impact of psoriasis and encourage others to learn more or seek support.
In addition to these approaches, you can join online studies and initiatives aiming to improve support for the psoriasis community, which helps shape better awareness and care strategies.
World Psoriasis Day also aims to raise funds to support ongoing research into psoriasis treatments and to support people and families living with psoriasis. Donating to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) is a way to recognize World Psoriasis Day. Recurring donations can be made, and appreciated stocks or charitable gifts from a personal IRA can be considered for larger donations.
People can also get involved through various fundraising activities such as raffles, silent auctions, sponsored activities, and door-to-door donations. Using hashtags such as #PsoriasisWarrior, #PsoriasisCommunity, #PsoriasisAwareness, and #WorldPsoriasisDay can draw attention to posts or stories.
It's important to note that psoriasis is not contagious. Offering to hold meetings in workplaces or other public venues, with permission, can help educate others about psoriasis. Making posters or educational pamphlets and leaving them in public places can also help spread information about psoriasis.
In 2020, the NPF awarded $3.28 million dollars to help fund research grants and fellowships focused on psoriasis research. Joining clinical trials can support psoriasis research as well.
The NPF provides a list of local and national events, and the IFPA has a generator to help people make their own posters. Local psoriasis charities may host events for World Psoriasis Day.
By getting involved in World Psoriasis Day, you can help strengthen support networks, influence policy, and promote early diagnosis and treatment. Together, we can make a difference for those affected by psoriasis.
- Psoriasis, a medical condition characterized by rapid skin cell production, affects more than 3 in 100 adults in the United States, and people with psoriasis may also experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and difficulty sleeping.
- In addition to fundraising, volunteering for local or national psoriasis associations by organizing educational seminars, support group meetings, or public awareness events is another way to get involved with World Psoriasis Day.
- Sharing personal accounts, such as stories on social media or blogs, can help reduce stigma and raise public understanding about the impact of psoriasis.
- Beyond fundraising and volunteering, joining clinical trials or research studies focused on psoriasis can support ongoing research into psoriasis treatments, and the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) provides a list of upcoming events for World Psoriasis Day.
