Psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. These patches, also called lesions, may flare up on any part of the skin and are of various kinds. The clear message that has to be spread among everyone is that psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be contaminated through touching a person having psoriasis, in swimming pool or even by close contact.   It is believed that the cause of psoriasis is probably related to the immune system of the body and to some extent, genetic in nature. Psoriasis can be either moderate or severe when they become widespread. Psoriasis lesions can be painful and itchy once they crack and bleed. It has to be noticed with sympathy that psoriasis is a life long disease and as yet, there is no permanent cure to it.   Many people believe that Dead Sea salt, fish oil, grape seed oil are a cure to psoriasis, effectively. But they have not been proved so far. It has been estimated that around 125 million people suffer from psoriasis world wide, around 7.5 million in U.S. alone.   Since people who are affected by psoriasis undergo physical and emotional burden, there was a compelling need to bring all such people under one roof and thus, World Psoriasis Day was founded four years ago and observed on October 29th every year.   This global event is presented by International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA). The members meet regularly to discuss the vital issues that are related and affecting the psoriasis community.   Main aims of Psoriasis day:   The main objectives of World Psoriasis Day are to bring awareness among people that psoriasis is not contagious so that such people are not discarded by the society and are not given a step-motherly treatment. Secondly, even within among themselves, the psoriatic patients must be aware that they are not alone in this world and their brethren are there to offer support, emotionally.   Another aim is to improve access to treatment and encourage all those who are responsible for the care, allow the sufferers gain access to the best treatment. When an understanding is achieved and ignorance alleviated, the disease can be openly discussed with confidence. Also, it is crucial to build unity among the psoriasis community so that they can voice their concern in unison.   World Psoriasis Day is made a huge success by including a lot of events and a range of activities in their member countries. Some of them are distribution of leaflets and post cards and activities such as roller skating, TV programs and interviews on psoriasis, music events, street walks and other awareness activities.   Author: Chandra (Chennai) … [Read more...]