October 29 is celebrated as World Psoriasis Day  |  Photo Credit: Thinkstock

New Delhi: Every year, October 29 is celebrated as World Psoriasis Day, a day dedicated to the people living with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. According to the International Federation of Psoriasis Association (IFPA)’, which sponsors the event, psoriasis affects more than 125 million people around the world. Psoriasis is a severe, chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes itchy or dry patches of thick, red, flaky skin with silvery scales. The theme for this year’s event is “Treat Psoriasis Seriously”.

For many, psoriasis is still a relatively unknown disease. Hence, this condition not only affects the sufferers physically, but also socially, emotionally and financially, mainly due to lack of awareness about the condition among the public. It is reported that majority of patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis complain of being subjected to discrimination, humiliation and being stared at in public. World Psoriasis Day seeks to spread information about psoriasis, dispel common myths and answer questions. Read: Follow these tips to make your skin glow and avoid allergies

Whether or not you know someone with psoriasis, learning about this common skin problem can be beneficial as well as help the sufferers face less stigma and misunderstanding about their condition. Here‘s what people with psoriasis would like the rest of us to know:

Psoriasis is not contagious

Many people think psoriasis is contagious, but it isn't - which means you can’t catch it from kissing, touching, hugging, sharing food, etc. Scientists still don’t know what exactly causes psoriasis, but they believe the immune system and genes play important roles. ​ Also Read: Five best home remedies for acne, pimples

Psoriasis can be triggered by certain things

Anyone can get psoriasis, but certain factors can increase your risk of developing the disease, including family history, stress, excess weight or obesity, smoking, viral and bacterial infections.

Psoriasis is not just a skin condition

Although psoriasis occurs in the epidermis - the top five layers of the skin – it is not really a skin disease or a cosmetic issue. It's an autoimmune disease, which means a person’s immune system has turned against his/her body. And that’s why it often affects other parts of the body as well. People with psoriasis have a higher risk for diabetes, stroke, and heart attacks. Also Read: 8 warning signs you’re having a heart attack

Psoriasis affects every part of life

According to the findings of the 'Clear About Psoriasis' global survey, 48% of patients said that psoriasis impacted their professional life and 30% stated that psoriasis affected their past or current personal relationships.

In India, findings show that 18% of people with psoriasis have been asked if they are contagious, whereas 36% of them admitted to feeling ashamed of their skin and the way they look.

The effects of psoriasis go far beyond physical pain - many with the condition say they experience anxiety attacks because people stare at them. A 2010 study published in the journal Archives of Dermatology found that those living with psoriasis have a 39 percent increased risk of being diagnosed with depression than those without the disease.

Psoriasis isn’t curable

Unfortunately, psoriasis can't be cured, but there are a range of treatments that can improve symptoms and the appearance of skin patches. Also, making healthier lifestyle choices, such as moisturising, quitting smoking and managing stress, may help.