World Psoriasis Day 2024: Celebrating the invaluable role of family

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.