World Psoriasis Day

Join us in raising awareness for Psoriasis on 29 October for World Psoriasis Day!

World Psoriasis Day takes place on 29 October 2026.

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that leads to itchy, painful areas of dry, flaky skin. While some people experience only a small number of patches, others may have psoriasis across larger areas of the body. It can also appear as numerous smaller, scaly patches, or as small brown and yellow spots on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Psoriasis can develop at any age, though symptoms often first appear between the ages of 15 and 25, or between 50 and 60. Around one third of people with psoriasis develop the condition before the age of 18, and it affects 2–4% of both males and females. As people with psoriasis get older, some may also develop psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory condition affecting the joints. People living with psoriasis are also more likely to have other associated health conditions, including but not limited to Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Coeliac Disease and Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Each year, the global community unites to raise awareness and call for action in support of people living with psoriatic disease. The theme for World Psoriasis Day 2026 is “Look Beyond My Skin,” this year’s campaign calls for greater understanding - recognising the person behind the disease, listening to their experiences, and embracing them for who they are. This year's theme, Look Beyond My Skin, encourages greater understanding of their experiences, recognising the person behind the disease and empowering young people to speak openly about living with psoriasis.

Many young people living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis say they often feel alone, isolated and misunderstood. People around them, including wider society and sometimes even their own families, may not fully understand what they are going through or be able to support them. As a result, young people are facing the disease and its challenges alone.

Through a collaboration between the ILDS, the International Federation of Psoriatic Disease Associations (IFPA) and the International Psoriasis Council (IPC), the Global Psoriasis Atlas (GPA) was established to improve understanding of psoriasis and its impact.

The GPA is a long-term project that seeks to drive continuous improvement in the understanding of psoriasis and to uncover how it affects both the individual and society at large.  

Join us in raising awareness for Psoriasis for World Psoriasis Day this October! #LookBeyondMySkin