World Psoriasis Day 2025

Every year on October 29th, the global psoriasis community marks #WorldPsoriasisDay - a day of awareness, solidarity, and advocacy. This year’s theme is around co-morbidities, the ‘extra’ issues and complication, and helps to shine a light on something many of us living with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis know all too well: the condition rarely travels solo.

For many, psoriasis is still seen as “just a skin condition.” GPs can often identify and manage the day-to-day needs of Psoriasis. But those living with it learn to understand it’s much more complex. Psoriatic disease doesn’t always stay confined to the skin or joints — it can ripple through the whole body, bringing us into contact with an ever-growing list of medical specialties. Rheumatology is often the first stop when joint pain, stiffness, and fatigue point to psoriatic arthritis. But over the years, we may also find ourselves sitting in waiting rooms:

Dermatology, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Ophthalmology, Urology, Oncology,Endocrinology, Gynocology, Neurology….

(and, as I am currently discovering: Audiology — as I suspect some recent hearing issues are linked to the emerging evidence that links inflammation in psoriatic disease with hearing changes and tinnitus)

Each new referral can bring both relief and frustration — relief at being taken seriously, but frustration at the waiting lists and that the pieces that make up our health puzzle aren’t always joined up. Many of us have to become the connectors between these departments ourselves, explaining to one clinician what another has already explored. It’s a reminder that psoriatic disease isn’t linear — it’s systemic, layered, and unpredictable. And it’s a reminder that we need joined up care.

When you live with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, managing symptoms can sometimes feel like juggling plates — just as one symptom improves, another demands attention. Fatigue, pain, and flare-ups can appear without warning. There’s also the emotional layer: navigating a condition that affects both appearance, functional ability and mobility that can lead to feelings of frustration or self-consciousness. The stigma of visible skin symptoms or the invisible pain of arthritis can create isolation. It’s not just about managing physical symptoms — it’s about protecting our mental well-being too.

Over time, I’ve learned that living well with psoriatic disease means embracing a holistic approach to care. It’s about treating the whole person, not just the skin or joints — and recognising that mental health, cardiovascular health, and immune health are all part of the same story. Building a team that includes not just dermatologists and rheumatologists but also supportive GPs, nurses, and peers makes a huge difference. And just as importantly, practising self-compassion — accepting that some days will be slower, and that rest is not failure — helps protect energy and perspective. Connection also matters: talking with others who “get it” through peer networks, advocacy groups, or online communities reminds us that we’re not navigating this complex path alone.

World Psoriasis Day isn’t just about awareness — it’s a reminder of our shared experiences. Psoriasis doesn’t come alone, but neither do we. By acknowledging the full picture — body, mind, and community — we can move toward better understanding, care, and compassion for everyone living with these intertwined conditions.

Joined-Up Care: A Plea for Change

While individual specialists play crucial roles, and sometimes link up with others, it seems rare and what’s often missing is true coordination between all of them. For those living with psoriatic disease, joined-up care isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Too many of us are left bridging communication gaps between departments, repeating the same story to different professionals, and managing complex medication plans alone. Integrated, multidisciplinary care could transform not only clinical outcomes but also quality of life. It’s time for healthcare systems to recognise that psoriatic disease requires collaboration, not compartmentalisation.