4 Tips for Life with Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition caused by a malfunction of the immune system, called an autoimmune disorder.
It causes the skin to become itchy and inflamed. Psoriasis is a chronic condition for which there is no cure. Living with it can be a challenge because it can make your aging relative quite uncomfortable at times, especially during flare-ups when symptoms are worse. Below are 4 tips for making life with psoriasis a little more comfortable for your older family member.
Homecare in Media PA: Psoriasis
#1: Soak Up Some Sun
Ultraviolet (UV) light can make skin cells grow more slowly, which can help psoriasis lesions to heal a bit. However, seniors shouldn’t spend excessive time out in the sun since it can lead to skin cancer. Also, a sunburn can make psoriasis symptoms worse. Aim for a short time outside two or three times per week. Before going outside, older adults should apply sunscreen to the healthy parts of their skin but leave psoriasis lesions uncovered.
#2: Avoid Scratching
Scratching can make symptoms worse. It can also break the skin, opening it to germs and infections. Instead of scratching, soothe the itch by applying a cold compress or using medications recommended by the doctor.
#3: Moisturize
Keeping skin moisturized can help psoriasis to heal and prevent new patches from appearing. It also keeps the skin healthier overall. Which moisturized your aging relative should use depends on how dry their skin is, to begin with. Ointments are thicker and heavier, so they trap moisture in the skin. Lotions are lighter, allowing for absorption into the skin. Creams are between ointments and lotions in thickness. Some research suggests that using a moisturizer that contains liquid paraffin or petrolatum may be especially useful to people with psoriasis. The best time to apply a moisturizer is after a bath or shower while the skin is still damp. Also, seniors should put on more moisturizer throughout the day and when they change clothing.
#4: Take Warm Baths
Soaking in a warm bath every day for about 15 minutes can reduce itching caused by psoriasis. Some people get even better results if they add finely ground oatmeal, Epsom salt, or oil to the bath. Don’t make the water too hot as it can dry the skin and make symptoms worse. Also, use only mild soaps.
Elderly care can assist your aging relative to take steps to control psoriasis symptoms. Elderly care providers can help them to take a warm bath, making sure the temperature isn’t too hot and assisting them to step in and out of the tub safely. Elderly care providers can also remind the older adult to use psoriasis medications and not to scratch. Elderly care providers can even help with putting on moisturizers, covering areas of the body the senior cannot reach.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring HomeCare in Media, PA, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care.
Call today: (484) 206-4544
Sources
Aad.org
Webmd.com
Medicalnewstoday.com
Ibrahim recently completed a Professional Certificate in Management; He is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administrations (MBA) at a prestigious university in the UK.
With their passion for helping others and a strong background in customer services and clinical care, Ibrahim and his wife started assisting individuals in their homes.
Since started and operating Suma Home Care in 2010 in the basement of their home, Suma Home Care has provided professionals who work endlessly in providing clients with the highest quality of care, while enabling clients to maintain dignity, comfort and safety in their homes.
Suma Home Care, serves four counties in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia. Ibrahim is firmly connected to his local community and is always looking for ways to give back whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Ibrahim enjoys spending time with his wife and children, travelling and enjoys sports.
Mariama Suma-Keita BSN RN
Born in Sierra Leone west Africa, relocated to America in 1999 from a civil war and settled since in the U.S.A as a Naturalized citizen Graduated from National school of nursing with an associate , and completed BSN in Nursing from Immaculata University graduated with Honor roll Alpha Lambda sigma, After escaping the war served as a refugee nurse in Gambia and Guinea to other displaced refugees before coming to America.
In the states started in Homecare then then transition into hospital, worked in Jefferson hospital as a Registered nurse on Tele and general medsurg floor, also worked in Einstein hospital as an oncology transplant nurse , I realized that I enjoy working with patients so much and believe in quality and compassionate care one at a time dealing with an holistic approach in caring for patients and family in a familiar environment called home , I see the impact and progress when they’re home , it makes them feel relax and progress fast with recovering at home. As a nurse and entrepreneur I understand that dedication to meeting people and families needs is a priority, and able to foster relationships with family and patients that is professional and friendly to help them stay and settled home as a desire.
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