World Psoriasis Day on 29 October: psoriasis facts and skin care tips

World Psoriasis Day falls on Wednesday, 29 October 2026. According to IFPA, the global federation of psoriasis patient associations, the day has been celebrated on 29 October for more than a decade and is now observed in over 70 countries. It is a moment to correct common myths about psoriasis and help people understand this skin disease.

This article sums up psoriasis facts from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), dermatologists' bathing tips to keep skin from getting drier and itchier, and a gentle routine for sensitive skin from Kira.

What is World Psoriasis Day?

World Psoriasis Day is presented by IFPA, the global organisation uniting national and regional patient associations that represent more than 100 million people. Each year the global community comes together to raise awareness and call for action in support of people living with psoriatic disease. This year IFPA is focusing on young people with psoriasis.

Psoriasis facts from dermatologists

• Psoriasis is not contagious. According to the AAD, you cannot catch psoriasis by touching someone, swimming in the same pool, or other close contact.
• The immune system plays a role. When someone has psoriasis, T-cells that normally fight germs also attack skin cells. The body then makes new skin cells more often, and the extra cells pile up on the surface.
• It runs in families. The risk is higher if a parent, grandparent, brother or sister has psoriasis.
• Plaques are most common. About 80% to 90% of people with psoriasis get plaques, raised patches with a silvery-white scale, most often on the knees, elbows, lower back and scalp.
• It can itch and sting. Plaques tend to itch, and some people say their skin stings, burns or feels tight.

Bathing tips to keep psoriasis from getting worse

Long, hot showers and baths can dry the skin and cause psoriasis to flare. AAD dermatologists recommend these eight steps:

1. 01Take only one bath or shower a day.
2. 02Keep it short: showers up to 5 minutes and baths up to 15 minutes.
3. 03Use warm water, not hot.
4. 04Choose a gentle, moisture-rich cleanser made for sensitive skin. Avoid deodorant soaps and scrubs.
5. 05Wash gently with your hands, without loofahs, buff puffs or washcloths.
6. 06Rinse off the cleanser gently but thoroughly.
7. 07Blot dry with a towel, leaving the skin slightly damp.
8. 08Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to all your skin within five minutes. A thick cream or ointment works best.

For itch, the AAD says the best way to get rid of it is to treat the psoriasis, along with limiting time in the water and applying moisturizer after every hand washing, bath and shower. Psoriasis treatment is decided by a doctor, so see one if you think you have symptoms.

Skin that reddens easily? Kira's result for sensitive skin

Kira does not diagnose psoriasis; that is a dermatologist's job. But if your skin reddens easily and feels sensitive, Kira can suggest a gentler routine. Here is Kira's real result for the question "my skin is sensitive and gets red easily, what should I use?":

• Low-pH cleanser to clean without irritating, look for Centella Asiatica.
• Light moisturizer to hydrate and soothe, look for Panthenol and Ceramide.
• Calming serum to help reduce redness, look for Allantoin and Madecassoside.
• To avoid: alcohol-based products, harsh facial scrubs and heavy moisturizers.

Kira's suggestions are AI advice, not a medical diagnosis. Severe, or no better within 4 weeks? See a dermatologist.

The full guide is in skin care for sensitive skin. Skin feeling dry too? Read how to care for dry skin in dry weather.

Ask Kira about your skin

Send Kira a selfie in natural light on WhatsApp and ask about your skin. Kira replies in 10 to 15 seconds with a routine, ingredients to look for and ones to avoid. See the sensitive skin example.