Managing Psoriasis Flare-Ups: Tips for Seniors

Psoriasis affects around 7.5 million adults in the U.S., including many seniors. As we age, managing this chronic autoimmune condition can become more challenging due to changes in skin health, immune function, and lifestyle. While flare-ups can cause discomfort and emotional stress, seniors can manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life with the right strategies. This guide offers practical tips for seniors to manage psoriasis flare-ups and promote better skin health and overall well-being.

Understanding Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, accelerating 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.

Common Symptoms of Psoriasis

Psoriasis typically presents with several distinct symptoms:

• Red Patches with Silvery Scales: These patches can appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. The scales are typically thick and silvery.
• Dry, Cracked Skin: The affected skin can become extremely dry, often leading to cracks and sometimes bleeding.
• Itching, Burning, and Soreness: Many individuals experience significant itching, along with burning and soreness in the affected areas.
• Joint Pain and Stiffness: Psoriatic arthritis can cause joint pain and stiffness, significantly impacting daily activities and mobility.

Factors Contributing to Flare-Ups

The exact causes of psoriasis are not fully understood, but several factors are known to contribute to flare-ups:

• Genetics: Having a family history of psoriasis increases the risk of developing the condition.
• Immune System Dysfunction: Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, leading to rapid skin cell production and inflammation.

Environmental Triggers

Environmental factors can significantly influence the severity and frequency of psoriasis symptoms:

• Stress: Emotional or physical stress is a well-known trigger for psoriasis flare-ups.
• Infections: Bacterial or viral infections, especially streptococcal throat infections, can trigger or worsen psoriasis.
• Medications: Certain medications, including beta-blockers, lithium, and antimalarial drugs, can exacerbate symptoms in some individuals.
• Skin Injuries: Cuts, scrapes, and severe sunburn can lead to new psoriasis lesions at the site of trauma, a phenomenon known as the Koebner response.

By understanding these symptoms and triggers, individuals with psoriasis can better manage their condition and work with healthcare providers to develop effective treatment plans.

Identifying and Avoiding Common Triggers

Understanding and avoiding common triggers is crucial for managing psoriasis effectively. By recognizing and mitigating these triggers, seniors can reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.

Stress Management:

• 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 Prevention:

• Prevent Exposure: Avoid close contact with sick individuals and practice frequent hand washing.
• Clean High-Contact Surfaces: Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Boost Your Immune System: Include immune-boosting foods in your diet.
• Proactive Treatment: Address any illness promptly to prevent worsening symptoms.

Protecting Your Skin:

• Sun Protection: Use sunscreen and wear light layers when outdoors.
• Bug Bite Prevention: Apply bug repellent and use natural deterrents like citronella candles or fans.
• Minimize Cuts and Scrapes: Be mindful of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid skin injuries.

Weather Considerations:

• Combat Dry Indoor Air: Use a humidifier during winter to add moisture to the air inside your home.
• Keep 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.

Effective Strategies for Managing Flare-Ups

Managing psoriasis flare-ups as we age can be particularly challenging, but with the right approach, seniors can effectively control their symptoms and maintain a high quality of life.

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 to prevent skin thinning or other side effects.

Moisturizing:

• Keep Skin Hydrated: Use a nourishing lotion designed 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 compared to 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.

Avoiding 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 Irvine at (949) 403-6099 to learn more and schedule your free consultation.