Psoriasis is a skin condition in which the life cycle of skin cells is sped up. This causes a build-up of excess cells on the skin’s surface, forming scaly, red patches that may hurt and itch. Psoriasis is not curable, but it sometimes goes away for a time and then comes back. Certain things can cause a psoriasis flare-up. These things are called triggers. Knowing what can trigger psoriasis will help you to assist the older adult in your life with avoiding psoriasis flare-ups.
Home Care Services in Huntington Beach CA: Psoriasis TipsCommon Psoriasis Triggers
Psoriasis triggers can vary from one person to the next. So, what causes a flare up for one person may not be a trigger for the next.
Some things that have been known to trigger a psoriasis flare-up are:
Stress: Many people experience flare-ups in times of stress. Unfortunately, since the condition itself can be stressful, it can be a hard trigger to manage.
Infections: Some kinds of infections, like strep throat or a respiratory infection, can be triggers.
Skin Injury: A sunburn, vaccination, or even a scratch can cause what is called the Koebner phenomenon. This is when an injury to the skin causes a psoriasis flare-up.
Certain Medications: Some medications used for a variety of conditions, like beta blockers, can cause psoriasis symptoms to worsen.
Smoking.
Drinking Alcohol in Excess.
What Home Care Can Do to Help
Doctors have identified several lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help with psoriasis, and a home care provider can assist seniors with many of them. Some things a home care provider can do to help are:
Bathing: Taking a daily bath can help to slough off psoriasis scales and soften the skin. Adding Epsom salts or colloidal oatmeal to the bath can make it even more effective. A home care provider can help by preparing the bath and helping the older adult to safely enter and exit the bath.
Moisturizer: Using moisturizers after a bath and throughout the day can help. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for seniors to reach some parts of their bodies. Home care providers can apply moisturizers or remind older adults to use them several times a day, especially in the winter when the air is drier.
Sunlight: Spending small amounts of time in the sun can improve psoriasis. However, it’s important to limit the amount of time and to protect unaffected skin with sunscreen. A home care provider can sit outside with your aging family member and keep track of the time. They can also help apply sunscreen.
Dealing with psoriasis can be difficult, but avoiding psoriasis triggers can mean fewer flare-ups. If you’re not certain what triggers your family member’s psoriasis, try keeping a notebook of events and watch for patterns when flare-ups occur.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring home care services in Huntington Beach, CA, please contact the caring staff at Canaan Home Care today!
1-844-CANAAN-1 (1-844-226-2261)
Sources
https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/causes
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/7-psoriasis-triggers
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355845
- Follow These Four Steps and Create a Respite Plan - December 18, 2020
- End of the Year Holidays Can Cause Aging Veterans to Feel Lonely, but What About Home Care? - December 11, 2020
- Is Your Senior Battling Edema in Her Legs? - December 3, 2020
