Managing Psoriasis Flare-Ups: Tips for Seniors

Psoriasis impacts around 7.5 million adults in the U.S., including many seniors. As we grow older, managing this chronic autoimmune condition can become more difficult due to changes in skin health, immune function, and lifestyle. Flare-ups can bring discomfort and emotional stress, but with the right strategies, seniors can manage their symptoms and enjoy a good quality of life. This guide offers practical tips tailored to seniors for managing psoriasis flare-ups and promoting better skin health and overall well-being.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, speeding up their lifecycle. This rapid turnover causes a build-up of cells on the skin’s surface, leading to scales and red patches that can be itchy and sometimes painful.

Symptoms and Triggers

Psoriasis symptoms typically include red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales, dry and cracked skin that may bleed, and itching, burning, or soreness. Joint pain and stiffness are also common, especially in psoriatic arthritis.

While the exact causes of psoriasis are not fully understood, several factors contribute to flare-ups. These include:

• Genetics: A family history of psoriasis can increase the risk.
• Immune System Dysfunction: The body’s immune response mistakenly targets healthy skin cells.
• Environmental Triggers: Certain factors like stress, infections, medications, and skin injuries can provoke symptoms.

Common Triggers and How to Avoid Them

Understanding and avoiding common triggers is crucial for managing psoriasis effectively. While some triggers are easier to identify, others may require more careful observation and lifestyle adjustments. By recognizing and mitigating these triggers, seniors can reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups, leading to improved skin health and overall well-being.

Stress

• Relaxation activities: Incorporate meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or journaling into your daily routine.
• Take breaks: If you start to feel stressed, take a moment to do something relaxing.
• Surround yourself with calm influences: Spend time with people who help you feel relaxed and avoid those who cause agitation and stress.

Illness

• Prevent exposure: Avoid close contact with sick individuals and practice frequent hand washing.
• Clean high-contact surfaces: Regularly disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
• Boost your immune system: Include immune-boosting foods in your diet to enhance your body’s natural defenses.
• Proactive treatment: If you feel unwell, address it promptly to prevent worsening of symptoms.

Skin Injury

• Protect against sun damage: Use sunscreen and wear light layers when outdoors to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
• Prevent bug bites: Apply bug repellent and use natural deterrents like citronella candles or fans in outdoor areas.
• Minimize cuts and scrapes: Be mindful of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid skin injuries.

Weather

• Combat dry indoor air: Use a humidifier during winter to add moisture to the air inside your home.
• Keep your skin hydrated: Regularly apply lotion to prevent dryness.
• Protect against cold weather: Wear warm clothing and layer up to keep your skin protected when you’re outside.

Managing Psoriasis Flare-Ups

Managing psoriasis flare-ups as we age can be particularly challenging due to changes in skin health and immune function. However, with the right approach, seniors can effectively control their symptoms and maintain a high quality of life.

Here are some tips to help manage psoriasis flare-ups:

Topical Treatments

• Use prescribed ointments: Apply any topical ointments prescribed by your doctor to alleviate itching and reduce skin cell build-up. These ointments often contain steroids, vitamin D, or salicylic acid.
• Follow the prescribed routine: Given the sensitivity of aging skin, follow the prescribed application routine and avoid overuse to prevent thinning of the skin or other side effects.

Moisturizing

• Keep skin hydrated: Use a nourishing lotion designed explicitly for psoriatic disease. Apply it whenever your skin feels dry or cracked to maintain moisture and prevent further irritation.
• Use thicker creams: Seniors might benefit from thicker, emollient-rich creams that provide longer-lasting hydration than lighter lotions. Incorporate a moisturizing routine in the morning and evening to keep the skin supple and reduce the frequency of flare-ups.

Bathing and Showering

• Opt for warm water: Use warm instead of hot water when showering or bathing, and limit your time to 10 minutes or less.
• Choose gentle cleansers: Use cleansers that are gentle on your skin and won’t cause dryness. Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free cleansers are often the best choice for seniors.
• Moisturize after bathing: Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing to lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated.

Avoid Scratching

• Avoid scratching: Scratching can worsen the condition. Keep your skin well-hydrated to reduce itching, and apply a cold compress to provide relief.
• Distract yourself: Engage in activities that distract you from the urge to scratch, helping you manage the discomfort more effectively.
• Wear soft fabrics: Seniors might find relief in wearing soft, breathable fabrics that do not irritate the skin. Maintaining short nails can reduce the damage caused by accidental scratching.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

• Regular exercise: Regular exercise can help reduce stress, improve overall health, and boost the immune system. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga can be beneficial for seniors.
• Balanced diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can support skin health. Seniors should consider incorporating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, which have been shown to help reduce inflammation.

Support from Always Best Care

At Always Best Care, we understand the unique challenges that seniors face in managing psoriasis. Our team of compassionate and professional caregivers is dedicated to providing personalized support to help you maintain your health and well-being. Whether you need assistance with daily skincare routines, help with medication management, or simply a friendly face to offer emotional support, we’re here to help.Partnering with an in-home care provider can help you stay on top of caring for your psoriasis and handling flare-ups. A caregiver can help you work to avoid triggers, take good care of your skin, and follow your physician’s orders for managing your condition. They can also assist with a variety of tasks when you’re experiencing a flare-up and might not be feeling your best. Contact Always Best Care of Denver at (720) 310-6998 to learn more and schedule your free consultation.