It’s Psoriasis Awareness Month. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the immune system. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 7.5 million people in the United States have psoriasis. Symptoms include joint inflammation and patches of reddish skin covered with silvery-white scales. It can appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet.
The treatment of psoriasis usually depends on how much skin is affected. Some treatment options are as follows:
- Topical treatments that include anthralin, coal tar, emollients, salicylic acid, and forms of Vitamin D
- Phototherapy or biological agents
- Change of diet
- Relaxation and stress reduction
As a Caregiver, keep an eye out for signs and symptoms of this disease. It’s important to know that it is not contagious and always wear gloves if you are helping apply topical treatments. If you have any questions, please reach out to JEVS at Home’s Nurse, Kim McIlhenny, at 267-298-1681.
If you think you or a loved one is showing signs of psoriasis, please contact a dermatologist for proper diagnoses.
