Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition. This means the disease is not curable. Psoriasis is a common disease, especially among elderly people. It is an inflammatory disease that can be caused by the excessive production of skin cells. The cells are produced rapidly and pile on the skin leaving red, scaly patches. The patches can be painful or even itchy. They may occur on the feet, hands, joints, and even on the nails. The seniors need to manage it as it may worsen over time and cause serious health complications. Most of the symptoms of psoriasis are tangible and visible. These symptoms include fungus around the nails, red bumps on the skin, dandruff, and even itchiness. Statistics show that psoriasis in the elderly can be managed through various tips.

The inflammation on the skin as a result of psoriasis may interfere with one’s self-esteem. This is because most people will end up being stigmatized if they have this skin disease. In other instances, it may result in depression. Their different types of psoriasis it is possible for one to have more than one type at the same time. These types include:

1. Inverse psoriasis. It is caused by fungal infections on the skin. The armpits and the genitals are the common parts of the body affected by inverse psoriasis. It is characterized by red patches on the skin which sometimes may have a silver-white coating.
2. Pustular psoriasis. This type of psoriasis is rare and can cause itchiness and soreness on the skin. It appears as white pus-filled bumps on the skin. It may develop on the feet, fingers, and even the palms.
3. Erythrodermic psoriasis. This type of psoriasis covers the entire body. Patients suffering from this condition should get immediate care as it is life-threatening.
4. Plaque psoriasis. Statistics show the common type of psoriasis. It forms thick patches which appear raised on the skin. Silver-like scales tend to appear on top of the patches.
5. Psoriasis arthritis. This condition may occur later in life as a result of psoriasis. Elderly patients with this condition will tend to have red patches on the area affected. It commonly affects the joints. The elderly may experience morning stiffness but the stiffness can subside after taking a walk.

Hereby are the tips for seniors to check and manage symptoms of psoriasis.

1. Phototherapy /PUVA Therapy

This form of therapy greatly helps slow the growth of the skin cells. Psoriasis control becomes much easier with phototherapy. The UV rays entail a long wavelength making it easier to reach the deeper layers of the skin. The UV rays administered during this procedure help reduce the reproduction rate of the skin cells. The dermatologist will examine the

Examine the patient to ascertain whether they are safe enough to undertake the therapy. The therapy cannot be recommended if the patient has sun allergy, forms of skin cancer, lupus, and liver disease, is pregnant or nursing, or if one has pigmentosa. The phototherapy procedure duration depends on the size of the area of treatment. Recurrent treatments are advisable for perfect results. This form of therapy will also help minimize itchiness.

• Moisturizing the skin. 

Moisturizing the skin helps prevent the skin from cracking and drying out. It also helps reduce itchiness. Using unscented creams and lotions is the ideal thing to do as the chemical in scented moisturizers may worsen the condition. Greasy topicals like petroleum also help in hydrating the skin. The topicals are ideal for managing psoriasis among the elderly. They also help slow the rate of growth of the cells. They may require assistance when applying topicals and moisturizers. One can help them apply the ointments, especially on the feet and joints since these are delicate areas. Wearing sunscreen also helps prevent direct contact with the sun. Sunlight can make the psoriatic plaques worse.

• Taking healthy fats

Taking a healthy meal with plenty of healthy fats can greatly help manage psoriasis among the elderly. The fat helps reduce the inflammation of the skin. This is because psoriasis is an inflammatory condition and these fats can help manage the symptoms. The fats can also help protect one from heart disease which is another inflammatory condition. Psoriasis in some instances may increase the risk of having a heart attack. Sources of healthy fats include avocados, nuts, and seeds, olive, and fatty fish such as trout, mackerel, sardines, and even salmon. The omega-3 present in the healthy fats helps subside the inflammatory proteins which can worsen the psoriasis condition.

Wrapping up

In conclusion, there are several ways that seniors can adopt to manage psoriasis. The above article has illustrated some of these ways. Extensive research has been carried out but no cure has been established for psoriasis. However, the patients especially the elderly are given tips on how they can manage the symptoms of psoriasis. Tips help prevent the condition from worsening as it may result in heart attack and other life-threatening illnesses.