October 29 is designated in the international calendar as World Psoriasis Day. The initiator of its establishment in 2004 was the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations – IFPA.
This date primarily affects those people who suffer from this disease, as well as dermatologists who help people treat it. It is, however, addressed to the entire world community, since statistical data indicate that about 3% of the world's population suffers from psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis – disease associated with damage not only to the skin, but also to human joints.
The establishment, organization and annual holding of events within the framework of World Psoriasis Day is aimed at attracting the attention of people, international medical and charitable organizations, foundations, public and private medical institutions of all countries to the issue of prevention, methods of diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
In addition, the tasks that IFPA sets for itself include educational activities aimed at explaining to people how to prevent this disease, knowing their attitude towards the so-called risk group, that is, understanding whether there is a predisposition to the disease.
An important focus in the work of the Federation is that which touches on the issue of the psychological state of those suffering from psoriasis. Achieve knowledge and, more importantly, understanding among patients and others that psoriasis is not one of the infectious diseases – important tasks that help solve the problem of psychological discomfort experienced by both the patient and the people around him.
Psoriasis, although one of the diseases that is completely incurable, can be controlled, and with proper treatment, its external manifestation can be insignificant and even go away. This is one of the most common skin diseases and can manifest itself at any age in the form of rashes, redness and peeling of the skin in certain areas of the body. Open areas of the body affected by rashes often cause certain psychological complexes that can become a barrier in the patient’s communication with others. Moreover, this discomfort for the patient can become a factor aggravating the manifestation of the disease.
Genetically determined predisposition, as well as a number of factors contributing to the manifestation of psoriasis, play a large role in the appearance of psoriasis in the patient. Such factors include impaired functioning of the immune system, solar and X-ray irradiation, hormonal disorders, etc.
Correct treatment contributes to the fact that the period of remission, when external manifestations of the disease become subtle or disappear altogether, can be quite long and last up to several years. In some cases, psoriasis develops into a more complex and severe form, expressed in damage to human joints – psoriatic arthritis.
Every year on October 29, the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations holds events under a specific theme. On this day, lectures, seminars with the involvement of medical specialists, drawing and postcard competitions, photo exhibitions, distribution of leaflets and information brochures, consultations in medical institutions and other events are held around the world. In some countries, open yoga classes are held with patients with psoriasis.
And the most important thing to remember is not only on October 29, and what all medical specialists are talking about: prevention is better than treatment! Therefore, take care of the nervous system, strive for positive emotions, do not neglect rest, walks in the open air and sane physical activity.
Postcard «October 29 — World Psoriasis Day»