World Psoriasis Day is annually observed on 29th October, this day aims to raise awareness and also shows light on the challenges faced by the people suffering from the psoriasis disease or psoriasis 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 all over the world and improve access to treatment. As it is mostly seen that still many people are actually unaware of it and hence the importance of this day increases even more.
| Event | World Psoriasis Day |
|---|---|
| Date | October 29, 2022 |
| Day | Saturday |
| Significance | The day is celebrated with the aim of raising awareness about the disease Psoriasis |
| Observed by | World wide |
World Psoriasis Day History:
Psoriasis has probably been around for as long as modern man and has also been reported in non-human primates. Skin diseases were well known to the physicians (known as ašipu) of Ancient Mesopotamia more than 3,000 years ago. There is also a description of a skin condition called khusta in the religious Ayurvedic tradition in India, though this may have been leprosy rather than psoriasis. Although psoriasis is probably as old as mankind, the roots of the identification of psoriasis lies in Ancient Greece. The Greeks divided skin disease into the categories of psora, lepra and leichen. Psora referred to itch, while lepra was derived from the Greek words lopos (epidermis) and lepo (to scale).
The Renaissance, a cultural movement that spanned the 14th to the 17th centuries, began in Florence and later spread to the rest of Europe. During this period, by far the most important work on skin disease was De Morbis Cutaneis (Diseases of the Skin) which was written by Girolamo Mercuriale (1530-1606). In this book, widely regarded as the first scientific treatise on skin conditions, he divided cutaneous diseases into those of the scalp and those of the body, referring to psoriasis under the name of lepra grecorum.
One of the great figures in 19th century dermatology was Ferdinand von Hebra (1816-1880), an Austrian physician working at the Vienna General Hospital. He founded the Vienna School of Dermatology and, while still a young man, wrote one of the most influential books on skin diseases of all time - Atlas der Hautkrankeiten (Atlas of Skin Diseases). Another 19th century milestone was the recognition of the association between psoriasis and a particular form of arthritis. Although this was first discovered by the French dermatologist, Jean Louis Alibert, in 1818, it was not until 1860 that Ernest Bazin (another Frenchman) coined the term "psoriasis arthritique" or "arthritic psoriasis."
The start of the 20th century ushered in further, detailed descriptions of the various types and sub-types of psoriasis. In 1910, Leo von Zumbusch first described generalised pustular psoriasis. Then in 1926, Dr D. L. Woronoff, a dermatologist at the clinic for skin diseases of Moscow University, described a pale (hypopigmented) zone of skin which appeared around healing psoriasis lesions. Another landmark event came in 1973, with the publication of a paper by John M. Moll and Verna Wright from Leeds, in the UK, on psoriatic arthritis, which proved to be a milestone in the history of psoriasis.
World Psoriasis Day Significance:
Today, psoriasis is no longer regarded simply as a skin condition, but as a chronic autoimmune disease, characterised by systemic inflammation. This inflammatory process affects not just the skin, but also joints and other bodily systems. Over the last decade, developments in molecular science and genetics have provided a deeper scientific understanding of the disease mechanisms involved, leading to exciting new treatments.
There are many types of psoriasis as well although plaque psoriasis is the most common type occurring in 90% of all the cases. It causes thick, scaly areas of skin. While there isn't a cure, psoriasis treatment can keep your symptoms under control. Your provider may prescribe special creams or ointments for psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition, which means it can flare up unexpectedly and there's no cure. Symptoms of psoriasis include thick areas of discolored skin covered with scales. These thick, scaly areas are called plaques.
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that causes joint pain and swelling. Similar to psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes your immune system to function abnormally and cause symptoms. About 1 in 3 people diagnosed with psoriasis will also develop arthritis due to inflammation. Early treatment of psoriatic arthritis can reduce damage to your joints. People of any age, sex or race can get psoriasis amd it affects millions of people worldwide like 3% of the US population is estimated to have psoriasis so it is a major issue worldwide.
An early sign of psoriasis is small bumps. The bumps grow, and scales form on top. The surface of the plaque might shed, but the scales beneath them will stick together. If you scratch your rash, the scales may tear away from your skin. This can cause bleeding and which then leads to infection in your body and infections are dangerous. Several treatment options can relieve psoriasis symptoms. Common psoriasis treatments include Steroid creams, moisturizers for dry skin, medication to slow skin cell production (anthralin), medicated lotions or shampoos, vitamin D3 ointment, vitamin A or retinoid creams. There isn't a cure for psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic condition, which means that symptoms may come and go throughout your life. Treatment can relieve symptoms so you can look and feel your best.
World Psoriasis Day Theme:
The theme for World Psoriasis Day 2022 is "Uniting for action." Since the first World Psoriasis Day, we have won many great victories for our psoriatic disease community. Still, people with psoriatic disease continue to face many unmet needs. United, we seize the opportunity of World Psoriasis Day to take action.
IFPA(International Federation of Psoriasis Association) presents World Psoriasis Day. Each year, the global community unites to raise awareness and call for action in support of people with living with psoriatic disease. World Psoriasis Day has been celebrated on October 29th for more than a decade. Today, World Psoriasis Day is observed in over 50 countries.
For World Psoriasis Day 2022, the organization is unloading psoriatic disease. By unpacking the causes of mental health complications, we can start to find solutions. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. Whether you choose to ease your own burden, help a friend, or even advocate for everyone in your country, you can take steps today to improve wellbeing for someone living with psoriatic disease.
Most Searched FAQs on World Psoriasis Day:
1. When is World Psoriasis Day observed?
World Psoriasis Day is annually observed on 29th October.
2. How to 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.
3. What is theme of World Psoriasis Day 2022?
The theme of World Psoriasis Day 2022 is "Uniting for action."