Celebrated annually on October 29, World Psoriasis Day is an international event dedicated to raising public awareness, promoting medical education, and supporting people living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The initiative is coordinated by the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA), in collaboration with patient organizations and healthcare professionals.

The 2026 edition places young people living with psoriasis in the spotlight, promoting the message “Look Beyond My Skin.” The campaign aims to change society’s perception of this condition and draw attention to its physical, emotional, and social impact.

Approximately one-third of people with psoriasis develop their first symptoms before the age of 18. Adolescence and young adulthood are crucial stages in personality development and social integration. A chronic and visible condition can become a significant source of anxiety, low self-esteem, and social isolation. Stares, prejudice, and fear of rejection can affect interpersonal relationships, everyday activities, and overall quality of life.

Worldwide, more than 100 million people live with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. It is important to emphasize that psoriasis is not merely a skin condition, but a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease associated with numerous comorbidities, including psoriatic arthritis, obesity, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. Its impact on mental health is also a significant concern that requires medical attention.

Advances in modern dermatology, particularly the development of biologic therapies and targeted treatments addressing the underlying immunoinflammatory mechanisms, have considerably transformed the therapeutic landscape. Nevertheless, early diagnosis, access to modern treatments, and a multidisciplinary approach remain important priorities.

A key message of the campaign is the fight against stigma and discrimination. It is essential to reiterate that psoriasis is not contagious! Public education, empathy, and solidarity can contribute to the social inclusion of affected individuals and improve their quality of life.

Above all, World Psoriasis Day 2026 is a call for respect, understanding, and social responsibility. Dermatologists have a responsibility not only to diagnose and treat the disease but also to consider the patient as a whole, addressing both clinical manifestations and emotional distress.

“Look Beyond My Skin” is an invitation to understand that a disease may be part of a person’s life story, but it should never define their identity or limit their future.

For read the more information, click here:

https://www.spindermatology.org/

https://www.psoriasis.org/world-psoriasis-day/

https://www.ifpa-pso.com/global-actions-overview/world-psoriasis-day

Dr. Boris NEDELCIUC,

Associate Professor, MD-PhD at Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy,

Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

National Representative of the Skin Inflammation & Psoriasis International Network, France

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Scientific & Medical Events: World Psoriasis Day 2025 – https://e-dermatologie.md/scientific-medical-events-world-psoriasis-day-2025/

Scientific & Medical Events: World Psoriasis Day 2024 – https://e-dermatologie.md/scientific-medical-events-world-psoriasis-day-2024/

Scientific & Medical Events: World Psoriasis Day 2023 – https://e-dermatologie.md/scientific-medical-events-world-psoriasis-day-2023/

Scientific & Medical Events: World Psoriasis Day 2022 – https://e-dermatologie.md/scientific-medical-events-world-psoriasis-day-2022/

Scientific & Medical Events: World Psoriasis Day 2021 – https://e-dermatologie.md/scientific-medical-events-world-psoriasis-day-2021/

Scientific & Medical Events: World Psoriasis Day 2020 – https://e-dermatologie.md/scientific-medical-events-world-psoriasis-day-2020/

Scientific & Medical Events: World Psoriasis Day 2019 – https://e-dermatologie.md/scientific-medical-events-world-psoriasis-day-2019/

Scientific & Medical Events: World Psoriasis Day 2018 – https://e-dermatologie.md/scientific-medical-events-world-psoriasis-day-2018/

Scientific & Medical Events: World Psoriasis Day 2017 – https://e-dermatologie.md/scientific-medical-events-world-psoriasis-day-2017/

Scientific & Medical Events: World Psoriasis Day 2016 – https://e-dermatologie.md/scientific-medical-events-world-psoriasis-day-2016/

Scientific & Medical Events: World Psoriasis Day 2015 – https://e-dermatologie.md/scientific-medical-events-world-psoriasis-day-2015/

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