It was world Psoriasis day on the 29 October 2014 The exact number of people with this chronic condition is unknown, but it is estimated to affect up to about 3% of the world’s population – and approximately 1 to 2 million people in South Africa. All ages may be affected, but it most commonly begins in the teenage and early adult years, before the age of 40. What is World Psoriasis Day? World Psoriasis Day is an annual day specially dedicated to people with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis. Conceived by patients for patients, World Psoriasis Day is a truly global event that sets out to give an international voice to the more than125 million people with psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis around the world. Formed by a global consortium of patient associations from around the world, World Psoriasis Day aims to raise the profile of a condition which needs to be taken more seriously by national and international authorities. Aims of World Psoriasis Day  • Raising awareness: to let people with psoriasis know that they are not alone and to raise the profile of this devastating skin disease and the misery it can cause. To dispel myths about the condition, such as the mistaken view that psoriasis is contagious. • Improving access to treatment: to encourage healthcare systems, governments, doctors, carers and all those responsible for psoriasis care to allow psoriasis sufferers access to optimum therapy. For too long, psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis has been low priority. They are debilitating diseases and must move up the healthcare agenda. • Increasing understanding: to provide information to those who are affected by the condition as well as the general public in order to educate people about the condition so that they can discuss it more openly and confidently. • Building unity among the psoriasis community: to provide a platform from which patient voices from around the world can speak as one and be heard by key decision makers. Hope is available for a potentially devastating skin condition Adcock Ingram Healthcare (Pty) ltd. Reg.no. 2007/019928/07 Private Bag X69, Bryanston, 2021, South Africa. Te: +27 11 635 000 www.adcock.com