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:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.
  
  
• 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 for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

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:

• Do not drink alcohol: Some people should not drink alcohol. These people include those with certain medical conditions or who take medicine that interacts with alcohol. Alcohol includes beer, wine, and liquor. Tell your caregiver if you drink alcohol. Ask him to help you stop drinking.
  
  
• Do not smoke: Smoking causes lung cancer and other long-term lung diseases. It increases your risk of many cancer types. Smoking also increases your risk of blood vessel disease, heart attack, and vision disorders. Not smoking may help prevent such symptoms as headaches and dizziness for yourself and those around you. Smokers have shorter lifespans than nonsmokers.
  
  
• Rest: Rest when you feel it is needed. Slowly start to do more each day. Return to your daily activities as directed.
  
  
• Manage your stress: Stress may slow healing and lead to illness. Learn ways to control stress, such as relaxation, deep breathing, and music. Talk to someone about things that upset you.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• 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.

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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.

Learn more about Psoriasis (Aftercare Instructions)