Psoriasis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Psoriasis (so-RI-ah-sis) is a long-term skin disease. With psoriasis, skin cells grow faster and shed in just a few days, which is quicker than normal. This abnormal growth causes a buildup of skin cells and forms large plaques (patches of scales). Psoriasis most often forms on the elbows, knees, legs, scalp, back, face, palms, and soles of the feet. The blood supply in the skin may also be affected and cause redness and inflammation (swelling). It is more likely to occur if you have a weak immune system or another family member has psoriasis. Certain conditions, such as infections, certain medicines, stress, or skin damage may cause your psoriasis to flare-up.
  
  
• The signs and symptoms of psoriasis usually depend on the type of psoriasis you have. Most people have red, raised, patches covered with silvery scales on their skin that tends to bleed when removed. Skin biopsy and blood tests may be done to help diagnose psoriasis. Treatment is aimed at clearing the skin of plaques and scales and decreasing symptoms. You may be treated with phototherapy, medicines such as steroids, or surgery. With treatment, such as medicine and phototherapy, complications may be prevented and your psoriasis may be controlled.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take at home to take away or decrease pain. Your caregiver will tell you how much to take and how often to take it. Take the medicine exactly as directed by your caregiver. Do not wait until the pain is too bad before taking your medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Tell caregivers if the pain medicine does not help, or if your pain comes back too soon.
  
  
• Do not apply medicine on skin other than the skin being treated. If you do, wash it off right away with soap and water. If the medicine gets on your clothes, wash your clothes right away.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Skin care:

• Apply emollients (something that softens or soothes the skin), lubricants, or moisturizing creams to your skin regularly. Stop using them if they sting your skin. Ask your caregiver if he can suggest lotions that will keep your skin moist.
  
  
• Be careful with the medicines you are taking. New medicines, including natural medicines, may trigger a psoriasis flare-up. Always check for skin changes when taking your medicines.
  
  
• Protect your skin by avoiding too much sun exposure. Wear sunscreen that has a sun protectant factor (SPF) approved by your caregiver. Follow the directions on the label when using sunscreen.
  
  
• Try to avoid stress. Ask your caregiver about ways to relax, such as biofeedback, deep breathing exercises, or meditation. You may also talk to your family or friends about things that upset you.
  
  
• Use mild soaps and add bath oils to soothe your skin when bathing. You may also use a soft brush while bathing to scrape off the top layer of your skin. Ask your caregiver if it is OK to use oatmeal products that may be put in water to decrease skin dryness.

Preventing a psoriasis flare-up:

• Alcohol: Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol can damage your brain, heart, and liver. Almost every part of your body can be harmed by alcohol. Drinking alcohol can also make your illness worse. Talk to your caregiver if you drink alcohol, and ask for information about how to stop.
  
  
• Quit smoking: It is never too late to quit smoking. Smoking harms the heart, lungs, and the blood. You are more likely to have a heart attack, lung disease, and cancer if you smoke. You will help yourself and those around you by not smoking. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.
  
  
• Rest: You may feel like resting more. Slowly start to do more each day. Rest when you feel it is needed.
  
  
• Stress: Stress may slow healing and cause illness later. Since it is hard to avoid stress, learn to control it. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing, meditation, relaxing muscles, music, or biofeedback. Talk to someone about things that upset you.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You cannot sleep because your skin itches very badly.
  
  
• Your psoriasis flares up after you have been stressed or had a sore throat.
  
  
• Your skin plaques have pus coming from it or soft yellow scabs on it.
  
  
• You have any questions or concerns about your skin disease, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Areas of psoriasis suddenly get bigger, redder, or become painful.
  
  
• You feel nauseated (upset stomach) or vomit (throw up).
  
  
• You get pregnant.
  
  
• Your skin plaques are not getting better or are getting worse.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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