Raising Awareness for a Rare Autoinflammatory Disease: Sarcoidosis

World Sarcoidosis Day was first declared on April 13, 2019, by the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research in conjunction with Sarcoidosis Awareness Month, which was established in April 2008.

World Sarcoidosis Day

Every year on April 13th, the world comes together to observe World Sarcoidosis Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about sarcoidosis. This rare inflammatory disease affects thousands of people worldwide. This day encourages those living with sarcoidosis to support one another and educate others about the challenges of living with this condition. 

Sarcoidosis Awareness Month

April is recognized as Sarcoidosis Awareness Month in the United States, a time dedicated to raising awareness about sarcoidosis, a rare inflammatory disease that affects thousands of individuals. This month-long observance aims to educate the public about the condition, promote research efforts, and provide support to those living with sarcoidosis. Organizations like the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) and the International Foundation of Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Arthritis play a crucial role in spreading awareness and providing resources for patients and healthcare professionals.

The 2025 Theme Show how you Stand Up for Sarc!

Join the FSR community and show how you Stand Up for Sarc! Post a photo of yourself on social during the month of April wearing purple showing how you are a super hero for sarcoidosis awareness or write down how you are taking action for sarcoidosis. Make sure to tag @stopsarcoidosis and use #StandUpForSarc! Be sure to also tag us at AiArthritis!

Discover more ways to get involved on the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research page.

AiArthritis diseases share common features such as flares, where symptoms worsen for hours to months, and improvements with physical activity, while rest can make symptoms worse. Genetic predisposition or mutations can lead to these conditions running in families, and uncontrolled inflammation often results in comorbidities, affecting 70% of patients.

Key symptoms include:

• Severe fatigue that persists despite rest or stimulants
• Brain fog, making concentration difficult
• Flu-like sensations like nausea and muscle weakness
• Low-grade fevers (higher in autoinflammatory diseases)
• Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after long periods of inactivity
• Sudden, shifting joint pain that starts and stops abruptly

Symptoms of Sarcoidosis

The symptoms of sarcoidosis vary depending on which organs are affected. Common symptoms include:

• Lung involvement: shortness of breath, wheezing, chronic cough
• Night sweats
• Irregular heartbeat
• Swollen legs
• Vision and eye issues (pain, redness, burning)
• Discoloration and rash 
• Sensitivity to light
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Erythema nodosum: raised, red, and tender bumps form on the skin, usually on the front of the legs

If the condition affects the eyes, symptoms may include dryness, redness, and pain. When granulomas grow in the lungs, they can cause shortness of breath or wheezing. In some cases, symptoms may go into remission without requiring treatment, while others may experience persistent and debilitating symptoms.

Discover The Early Symptoms of AiArthritis Study: This study has advanced understanding of key early indicators, helping researchers and healthcare providers improve timely diagnosis and care for autoimmune arthritis patients. Learn more.

There are several ways to get involved and support World Sarcoidosis Day:

• Wear Purple: Purple is the color associated with sarcoidosis awareness. Wearing purple clothing or accessories can help spread awareness and show support for those affected by the disease.
• Share Your Story: Patients with sarcoidosis are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using hashtags like #WorldSarcDay and #StopSarcoidosis. Personal stories can help educate others and provide support to those going through similar challenges. Consider using #AiArthritis and tagging us on social media so we can support your content!
• Participate in Events: Join or organize events such as patient conferences, walk-a-thons, and fundraisers to raise awareness and funds for sarcoidosis research.
• Educate Others: Use this day to educate friends, family, and colleagues about sarcoidosis. Share information about the disease, its symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

World Sarcoidosis Day is an important opportunity to shine a light on this rare inflammatory disease and support those affected by it. By raising awareness, promoting research, and building a supportive community, we can work towards better outcomes for patients with sarcoidosis. Let's come together on April 13th to make a difference and show our support for the sarcoidosis community.

Discover more ways to get involved on the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research page.