World Psoriasis Day 2025: Understanding the Domino Effect of Psoriatic Disease

Every year, October 29 is observed globally as World Psoriasis Day, dedicated to raising awareness about psoriasis, a chronic, inflammatory, and non-communicable disease that affects the skin, nails, joints, and even internal organs. It is far more than a cosmetic condition — it is a systemic disease with profound effects on both physical and mental health.

The theme for World Psoriasis Day 2025, “Psoriatic Disease and Comorbidities – Understanding the Domino Effect,” emphasizes the deep interconnection between psoriasis and serious conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (Metabolic Associated liver Disease - MALD), metabolic syndrome, and mental health disorders. It calls for early diagnosis, screening, and a holistic, integrated treatment approach that goes beyond skin-deep care.

Psoriasis affects 0.44% to 2.8% of the Indian population, but the prevalence in parts of the subcontinent, including Kashmir, is reported to be up to four times higher. Yet, the disease remains under-recognized and misunderstood.

Psoriasis can manifest in many forms — from scaly plaques on the skin and scalp to life-threatening erythroderma and pustular psoriasis. Complications such as psoriatic arthritis, NAFLD, metabolic syndrome, and depression only add to the disease burden. Pregnant women, children, and those in lower socioeconomic groups are particularly vulnerable.

Behind the statistics are lives deeply affected by this disease:

Asma, a bright young girl from North Kashmir studying in Class 10, has battled pustular psoriasis since early childhood. Her frequent hospitalizations have disrupted her education and taken a toll on her emotional well-being.

Rashid, a daily-wage labourer, suffers from chronic plaque psoriasis. With frequent flare-ups and limited access to advanced treatments, he struggles to work consistently, facing both financial hardship and emotional exhaustion.

Sara, who had a history of intrauterine death, presented again with pustular psoriasis of pregnancy. Despite being hospitalized and receiving appropriate care, she tragically lost her unborn child due to placental insufficiency, a known complication of this rare but severe form of psoriasis.

A teenage boy, misinformed and stigmatized, resorted to self-medicating his chronic plaque psoriasis with topical steroids for months. He now faces skin atrophy, ulcers, and systemic side effects of steroid misuse — highlighting the dangers of unsupervised treatment.

These are just a few among hundreds of similar cases seen across the region, underscoring the urgent need for awareness, education, and accessible care.

The Department of Dermatology at SKIMS Medical College, Bemina has been proactive in both treatment and advocacy. A dedicated Psoriasis Clinic runs every Saturday, along with daily OPD and IPD services. Ongoing research projects include:

Nailfold capillaroscopy to detect early joint involvement,

Screening for fungal infections in psoriatic patients,

NAFLD screening to monitor liver health in chronic cases of psoriasis

Equipped with a  high -end phototherapy unit, the department also uses advanced biological therapies like secukinumab and ixekizumab, which have brought remarkable relief to patients previously unresponsive to conventional treatments.

Seminars and CME programs are regularly conducted to sensitize healthcare professionals to the complex nature of this disease. Despite the high prevalence, psoriasis continues to be underdiagnosed and poorly understood, especially in rural areas.

Public awareness is the first step toward better care. Dispelling myths — such as the false belief that psoriasis is contagious — and discouraging self-medication can go a long way in preventing complications.

More importantly, policy-makers must recognize the socioeconomic burden of this chronic condition and support practical solutions in terms of healthcare funding, medication access, and patient education, especially in resource-limited settings like ours.

On this World Psoriasis Day 2025, let us reaffirm:

Psoriasis is not just a skin disease — it is a systemic condition that deserves attention, empathy, and comprehensive care.

By: Prof (Dr) Seema Qayoom

Author is Professor and H.O.D Post Graduate Department of Dermatology SKIMS MC , Bemina