Psoriasis is a medical condition that affects millions of people around the U.S. The condition primarily affects the skin, and since it’s an autoimmune response by the body, it cannot be cured. It is often mistaken for a rash, and if left untreated it will leave a person vulnerable to worse outbreaks and continuing discomfort. It always helps when the disease is quickly recognized by the senior or the homecare professional. Here’s how you can help your senior loved one manage psoriasis.
Get to Know the Signs
Knowing the symptoms of psoriasis is imperative to obtaining the proper treatment. Symptoms may also appear on the fingernails, toenails, and scalp. Seek professional medical assistance if you or a loved one presents one or more of the following symptoms:
- reddened or pinkish bumps appearing on the skin
- itchiness, which can sometimes be fairly severe
- scaly or raised up the skin on some areas
- fungus appearing around the fingernails
- dandruff which comes and goes and is sometimes quite pronounced
Learn Their Triggers
While psoriatic flare-ups are possible at any time and are often not caused by any specific event, there are some common triggers known to bring on an episode. Some common triggers are, excessive use of tobacco and alcohol, skin injuries, some types of medication, weather that is cold or dry, infections, and the most common being stress.
Take Caution When Bathing
Excessively long and hot baths can cause the skin to dry out and worsen the symptoms. Since the skin is already in a sensitive state, the heat can agitate the skin even more than it is. Following each bath, an intense moisturizing agent should be administered, to help relieve dryness and itchiness.
Follow Treatment Plans
Once a medical professional has introduced a treatment plan it is best to follow it faithfully, in order to relieve their symptoms. Many seniors on their own might tend to ignore or forget to follow through with any of these recommendations, so it’s important for a caregiver to help them stick to the program.
