Managing Psoriasis Flare-Ups: Tips for Seniors

Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition, affects around 7.5 million adults in the United States, including many seniors. As we age, managing psoriasis can become more challenging due to changes in skin health, immune function, and overall lifestyle. Flare-ups can lead to itching, pain, and emotional distress. However, with the right strategies, seniors can effectively manage their symptoms and maintain a high quality of life. This guide provides practical tips for seniors to navigate and minimize psoriasis flare-ups, ensuring better skin health and overall well-being.

Understanding 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, forming scales and red patches that can be itchy and sometimes painful.

Symptoms and Triggers

Understanding the symptoms and identifying psoriasis triggers are crucial in managing this chronic condition, especially for seniors. Recognizing the signs early and avoiding known triggers can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Here are the common symptoms and potential triggers to watch out for:

Symptoms of Psoriasis

Psoriasis symptoms vary depending on the type but generally include:

• Red Patches of Skin: These patches are often covered with thick, silvery scales. They can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
• Dry and Cracked Skin: Affected areas of the skin may become dry and cracked, sometimes leading to bleeding.
• Itching, Burning, or Soreness: Psoriasis can cause intense itching and discomfort, leading to a burning sensation or soreness in the affected areas.
• Nail Changes: Psoriasis can also affect the nails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth, and discoloration.
• Joint Pain and Stiffness: In cases of psoriatic arthritis, patients may experience joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. This can affect any joint but is most commonly seen in the fingers, toes, and lower back.

Common Triggers for Psoriasis Flare-Ups

The exact causes of psoriasis are not fully understood, but several factors play a role. Genetic predisposition and immune system dysfunction are significant contributors. Environmental triggers can also cause flare-ups, which may include:

Stress

Physical or emotional stress is one of the most common triggers for psoriasis flare-ups. When the body is under stress, it can cause the immune system to react in ways that exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. Stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and maintaining a regular routine can help mitigate this trigger.

Infections

Certain infections, particularly those that affect the respiratory system, can trigger psoriasis. For example, strep throat precipitates guttate psoriasis, a type characterized by small, drop-shaped lesions. It’s crucial for individuals with psoriasis to manage infections promptly and maintain good hygiene to prevent illness.

Medications

Several medications can trigger or worsen psoriasis symptoms. These include:

• Lithium: Often used to treat bipolar disorder, lithium can exacerbate psoriasis in some individuals.
• Antimalarials: Drugs like chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine can trigger psoriasis flare-ups.
• Beta-Blockers: Commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, beta-blockers can aggravate psoriasis in certain patients.

If a medication worsens psoriasis, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider to discuss alternative treatments.

Skin Injury

Skin injuries such as cuts, scrapes, insect bites, or severe sunburn can trigger a psoriasis outbreak, known as the Koebner response. Taking precautions to protect the skin, such as using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and being cautious to avoid injuries, can help reduce this risk.

Weather

Weather conditions can significantly impact psoriasis. Cold, dry weather often leads to skin dryness and can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. Conversely, warm, humid weather may help improve symptoms for some individuals. Using a humidifier during winter months and regularly moisturizing the skin can help combat the drying effects of cold weather.

Lifestyle Factors

Certain lifestyle factors can also influence psoriasis:

• Diet: A diet high in inflammatory foods such as processed foods, red meat, and dairy can worsen psoriasis. Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial.
• Alcohol and Smoking: Both alcohol consumption and smoking have been linked to an increased risk of psoriasis flare-ups. Reducing or eliminating these habits can help manage symptoms.

Avoiding Common Triggers

Identifying and avoiding common triggers can significantly help in managing psoriasis flare-ups. Paying close attention to your activities, emotional state, and any skin injuries before a flare-up can help you pinpoint potential triggers. Here are some common triggers and tips on how to avoid them:

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 calm 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 protect your skin when you’re outside.

Managing Psoriasis Flare-Ups

Managing psoriasis can become increasingly challenging as we age due to changes in skin health, immune function, and overall lifestyle. However, with the right strategies, seniors can effectively manage 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 gentle cleansers on your skin that 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 benefit seniors.
• Balanced diet: 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.

How Always Best Care Can Help

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 Nashville at (615) 678-0293 to learn more and schedule your free consultation.