3 Psoriasis Facts Seniors and Family Caregivers Need to Know
Psoriasis affects more than 8 million people in the U.S., primarily older adults. This painful, irritating skin condition usually develops in the first few decades of life. As our skin changes, it can be challenging to stay ahead of psoriasis flareups as we get older.
Uncontrolled psoriasis causes red, itchy, flaky, and scaly skin lesions. Individuals may feel embarrassed about their appearance, which can lead to social isolation for seniors. This can be especially tough for aging adults who may already feel lonely due to mobility challenges or cognitive deficits.
Family caregivers can support their loved ones by learning about psoriasis symptoms and what can cause flareups on an older adult’s skin.
Psoriasis Facts for Older Adults
When you know what to look for, you can help your senior stay on top of their skincare and reduce the impact of psoriasis symptoms.
Here are three essential facts about psoriasis that can help your aging adult support their health and comfort.
- Psoriasis Is an Autoimmune Disorder
With an autoimmune disorder, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its healthy cells. In patients with psoriasis, this causes new skin cells to grow rapidly. New skin cells pile on top of old cells, resulting in inflammation and thick, discolored patches known as plaques.
Plaques may appear red, purple, or silvery, depending on a person’s skin tone. While psoriasis can vary in severity, the discomfort and visibility of the plaques can make day-to-day life difficult, affecting self-esteem and sleep quality, especially in older adults.
- Flareups Can Be Triggered by Everyday Stressors
Psoriasis symptoms often occurs in cycles, triggered by external or internal stressors. For seniors, flareups can be especially frustrating or difficult to manage.
Common triggers include:
- Stress
- Infections such as strep throat or upper respiratory illness
- Cold, dry weather
- Skin injuries such as cuts, scrapes, or bug bites
- Certain medications, such as beta-blockers or lithium
- Shifts in body temperature
- Too much sunlight, especially with certain medications
Identifying personal triggers can help reduce the frequency and intensity of flareups. Keeping a symptom journal may be helpful, especially if your senior is working with a dermatologist to manage the condition.
- Medication Needs May Change With Age
Our skin becomes thinner and more prone to bruising, tearing, or infection as we age. Seniors who use topical corticosteroids for psoriasis may have side effects like increased skin fragility or more visible blood vessels. Decreased mobility can also make it difficult for seniors to apply topical medications.
In older adults, the liver and kidneys may not process oral or injectable medications efficiently. This can increase the risk of side effects or drug interactions, particularly for seniors who take medications for chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. In some cases, non-drug interventions or gentler treatment plans may be the best option.
How a Professional In-Home Caregiver Can Help
Managing psoriasis at home doesn’t have to be daunting. A professional caregiver from Visiting Angels can provide non-medical support in many ways, including:
- Assistance with bathing and skincare
- Medication reminders
- Supporting a healthy lifestyle, including nutritional meal prep and companionship
- Transportation to health care appointments
If your aging loved one needs extra support, Visiting Angels is here to help.
Contact your local home care office today, and let us provide the care they need to live safely and confidently at home.