World Psoriasis Day

World Psoriasis Day 2024: Celebrating the invaluable role of family

Borysiuk Viktor (External) — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 13:07:51 +0000

World Psoriasis Day 2024: Celebrating the invaluable role of family

Snauwaert Adriaan, Immuno Global Communication

Borysiuk Vikto… Tue 29/10/2024 - 14:07

Today, Tuesday, 29th October, marks World Psoriasis Day. For more than a decade, the global community has come together on this day to raise awareness and unite in their support of people living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Each year, the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) selects a theme for World Psoriasis Day. This year’s theme, ‘Psoriatic Disease and the Family’, aims to raise awareness of the impact living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can have on both people living with these diseases and their family members.

To mark World Psoriasis Day and this year’s theme, we had the honor of an insightful conversation with Caroline, who lives with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Diagnosed with plaque psoriasis at age 9, Caroline initially received creams for symptom relief. At 19, she was also diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. For over twenty years, Caroline struggled to manage both her psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, which sometimes resulted in extended hospital stays. Caroline’s journey was transformed by the support and encouragement of her dermatologist. This dedication and care made a world of difference in her life. Additionally, by connecting with others who faced similar challenges and actively engaging with patient advocacy groups, Caroline discovered a wealth of knowledge and support. These connections and the community supported her to live well with psoriatic disease.

Our conversation with Caroline emphasized the important role family members can play in helping their loved ones thrive while living with psoriatic disease, offering valuable insights into the power of support and understanding.

From a day-to-day perspective, what have been the main challenges of living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriasis affects everything. The constant itching, the bleeding, the ugliness of it. Psoriasis dictates everything, and I had to learn to cover it up quite cleverly. I couldn’t wear nice dresses and shorts and would avoid dark jackets.
For a while, I had a futile feeling that nothing could be done. It is only when I look back now that I realize how deeply psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis affected me – I can’t believe that it is only in the last couple of years that I have been able to wear shorts and short sleeves.

What practical or emotional support can family members provide to someone living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis?

Family support is really important, particularly the practical support they provide. The itch with psoriasis is terrible, so buying or helping to apply creams and lotions that will tackle this is a really simple way family members can support someone living with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. It is also very easy for someone living with these conditions to get despondent with the thought that their psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis is never going to go away; encouragement from family members to see a dermatologist and keep pushing to get the right care can be hugely important in not giving up hope. Outside of the family, I have personally found that having a strong support network of people who have shared experiences of living with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis has taught me so much – from simply picking up tips to being surrounded by people who know exactly what you are going through.

What support or resources do family members need to deepen their awareness and understanding of the conditions?

Education is empowerment – there is not much family members can do without first educating themselves with the facts. By reading information provided by support groups, family members can arm themselves with knowledge around what psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis is. Additionally, to help family members empathize with their loved ones, I think it is important they hear the realities of living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis through patient testimonials.

On World Psoriasis Day 2024, do you have a message to share with families of people living with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis?

I often hear from people living with chronic psoriasis ‘what is the point of even trying anymore’ – they lose hope when their psoriasis keeps coming back. It gives you comfort to talk to people who know how you’re feeling or have similar experiences, it can be a lifeline. Getting the right doctor, the right diagnosis, the right treatment for you and the right information is so important. Don’t give up. Remember, your support and understanding can make a world of difference providing the strength and hope that family members need to live well with their condition and advocate for themselves.

This World Psoriasis Day, we celebrate the invaluable role of family. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Caroline for sharing her perspective. Her insights into the potential practical and emotional support that can be provided by family and friends highlight the importance of a strong support network. Together, we aim to raise awareness and deepen understanding of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

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World Psoriasis Day 2023: Let’s Unite for Action

Vanco Vlastimil (��ֳ� S.A.) — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 10:51:16 +0000

World Psoriasis Day 2023: Let’s Unite for Action

Rajesh Gupta, Patient Value Immunology & US Solutions

Vanco Vlastimi… Fri 27/10/2023 - 12:51

On October 29th, World Psoriasis Day, ��ֳ� will proudly unite with the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) and the global community to show our support for people living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. This annual awareness day is presented by IFPA and is observed in over 70 countries across the world. The theme for World Psoriasis Day 2023, set by IFPA, is "Access for All” which advocates that everyone living with psoriatic disease has access to quality care regardless of their income or geography.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects over 125 million people worldwide. An estimated 30% of people living with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, a progressive inflammatory disease that can cause joint swelling, pain, and stiffness, potentially leading to irreversible joint damage if not properly managed. These diseases are multifaceted with significant physical, emotional and psychological burdens on all aspects of daily life.

At ��ֳ�, we are steadfast in our commitment to enhancing the lives of those living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. We unite a diverse range of perspectives and scientific expertise, fostering collaborations with stakeholders, healthcare providers, and patient organizations to advance solutions. Our collective goal is to dismantle and eliminate the barriers to a better quality of life for individuals living with these diseases.

This World Psoriasis Day and every day, we are proud to stand alongside the global community to work towards our common goal for a healthier and more inclusive future for all those living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. On this day, we take the opportunity to thank the community for their collaboration, dedication and unwavering support to alleviate the burden caused by the challenges and uncertainties of these diseases.

The mission for World Psoriasis Day is multifold. We must continue to raise awareness and help build a wider understanding of these diseases and their impact. This year, join us in uniting for action and showing solidarity to people living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Follow our social channels to learn more.

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World Psoriasis Day IFPA psoriasis Psoriatic arthritis

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Uniting with the Community for World Psoriasis Day 2022

Vanco Vlastimil (��ֳ� S.A.) — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 08:40:23 +0000

Uniting with the Community for World Psoriasis Day 2022

Rajesh Gupta, Patient Value Immunology & US Solutions

Vanco Vlastimi… Thu 27/10/2022 - 10:40

Each year on October 29, the global community unites for World Psoriasis Day to raise awareness, spread information and increase knowledge about psoriatic disease. ��ֳ� is proud to support this day, led by the International Federation of Psoriatic Disease Associations (IFPA). Each year, World Psoriasis Day, takes a different theme to highlight the many aspects of this disease, with this year’s focus being on mental health.

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are multifaceted conditions affecting multiple parts of the body, like the skin, joints, or both. People living with these conditions can come at an increased risk of developing co-morbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Living with these physical symptoms and risks can be debilitating and can cause a significant social and emotional burden, impacting mental health and quality of life. Approximately 125 million people worldwide are living with psoriasis. An estimated 30% of people with psoriasis go on to develop psoriatic arthritis.

Mental health is recognized as an integral part of health and well-being. Raising awareness and educating on the wider impact of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can increase understanding and help ease the stigma associated with these conditions. At ��ֳ�, we have a long-term commitment to help improve the lives of people living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. By uniting with the community to address unmet needs, support clinical research and build strong, collaborative advocacy partnerships, we aim to make a meaningful difference.

We look forward to a future where the people living with these conditions can unload the burden caused by the challenges and uncertainties of disease.

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World Psoriasis Day IFPA psoriasis psoriatic arthritis

Comment:

Posted by Leah Howard, JD, 28 October 2022

As CEO of the National Psoriasis Foundation, I want to thank you for highlighting the significant burden of living with psoriatic disease. We share your optimism for the future and invite anyone living with or caring for someone living impacted by psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis to take advantage of NPF's free resources and support at psoriasis.org. Together, we will achieve our vision of a life free of psoriatic disease and their burdens.

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Award-winning writer and community advocate, Alisha Bridges, shares her psoriasis journey and the importance of World Psoriasis Day

eCMSadmin — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 08:30:00 +0000

Award-winning writer and community advocate, Alisha Bridges, shares her psoriasis journey and the importance of World Psoriasis Day

Andrea Christopher, Global Communications & Company Reputation

eCMSadmin Thu 29/10/2020 - 09:30

Today is World Psoriasis Day, an important time to not only rally

awareness about psoriasis among those living with it, but also to inform and educate others to better understand and help ease the burden of stigma that still surrounds this disease. Sharing her personal psoriasis journey with ��ֳ� and the global psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis community is patient advocate, Alisha Bridges.

As an award-winning writer and community advocate, Alisha has inspired so many to open up about their shared and unique experiences living with a chronic inflammatory disease like psoriasis.

At ��ֳ�, we’re honored to work closely with patients like Alisha, and the global community to understand the underlying nature of the disease as well as the complex ways they affect quality of life.

How long have you been living with psoriasis and how has it affected your life?
I've lived with severe plaque psoriasis for over two decades now. Psoriasis has affected every part of my life since childhood, from work to social, to dating and my overall quality of life. I've dealt with psoriasis in every capacity: mentally, emotionally and physically. Living with a visible condition, I've had to deal with a lot of misconceptions and stigma surrounding my psoriasis.
You mentioned that there are a lot of misconceptions and stigma related to psoriasis. How do we address such misperceptions and the negative impact they have?
When it comes to ending misconceptions and stigma, I think one of the most important factors is education. People can be very rude and unwilling to understand what psoriasis is, especially if they're not affected by it. That's why World Psoriasis Day is such an important day for those of us living with this disease, because not only are you teaching others living with psoriasis that they are not alone in this fight, but also teaching those who don't have psoriasis about what this condition is and its impact on daily life. I think awareness days like World Psoriasis Day are imperative to educating and dismantling some of the stigma and misconceptions that are alive and well among those who aren't familiar with psoriasis.
Tell us about your work as a patient advocate and the impact it has had on you.
When I became a psoriasis advocate, my life changed in so many ways. It was very unexpected as not only did I start advocating for myself and begin telling my story, I started connecting with other people living with psoriasis. I started learning how psoriasis can affect everyone differently, helped others to tell their personal stories, and even told some stories on their behalf. My goal as a psoriasis advocate is to speak for the voiceless. There are so many people living in fear and isolation with this disease who don't want to talk about it, who don't want people to know that they're dealing with it. I hope by sharing my story and being a psoriasis advocate, I will not only encourage those who are afraid to speak out, but also provide and teach compassion and empathy among those who aren't familiar with a visible condition like psoriasis.
What is your message to other psoriasis patients this World Psoriasis Day and beyond?
Do not let your psoriasis dictate your life and do not be afraid to speak out about your condition. Advocate for yourself, get to know others in the community and share your story. I always tell patients to expect more from their doctors and that when they're working with their doctors, it's not a dictatorship. It's a relationship, and you have to work with one another in order to find the best plan for you.
What would ‘being free from psoriasis’ mean to you?
Being free from psoriasis would mean peace on my emotional and mental health. I wouldn't have to stress and worry as much as I do now living with this condition. When you're living with a visible condition, so much of your self-esteem is affected by it because of the beauty standards that we live by. Our society tells us that we have to be flawless and that we have to have perfect skin. When you don't fit into that mold, it can weigh very heavy on you. You can also feel less than, as if you're not good enough compared to other people who are psoriasis-free. It would definitely have a positive impact on my life if I could wake up one morning and be 100% psoriasis-free.

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World Psoriasis Day Alisha Bridges

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World Psoriasis Day

World Psoriasis Day 2024: Celebrating the invaluable role of family

From a day-to-day perspective, what have been the main challenges of living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis?

What practical or emotional support can family members provide to someone living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis?

What support or resources do family members need to deepen their awareness and understanding of the conditions?

On World Psoriasis Day 2024, do you have a message to share with families of people living with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis?

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World Psoriasis Day 2023: Let’s Unite for Action

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Uniting with the Community for World Psoriasis Day 2022

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Award-winning writer and community advocate, Alisha Bridges, shares her psoriasis journey and the importance of World Psoriasis Day

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