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Navigating the Maze of Plaque Psoriasis Treatments in the United States
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However, with the right care, control of symptoms is possible. This guide will explore the causes, signs, and both remedy and treatment options available to seniors with plaque psoriasis.
However, with the right care, control of symptoms is possible. This guide will explore the causes, signs, and both remedy and treatment options available to seniors with plaque psoriasis.
What Does Plaque Psoriasis Look Like in Seniors?
Plaque psoriasis causes dry, red lesions or plaques covered with silvery-white scales to form on the skin. These plaques most commonly appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, lower back, and genitals. In seniors, plaques may be fewer but larger and thicker. Nail changes like pitting, ridges, and discoloration are also common. Plaques can crack and bleed if severe. Itching, burning, stinging, and pain are frequently reported. Flare-ups may be triggered by stress, skin injuries, certain medications, and more. Remission periods may occur, but plaques often recur in the same areas.
Understanding the Causes of Plaque Psoriasis
Psoriasis results from an overactive immune system that accelerates skin cell growth. While the exact cause is unclear, genetics and environmental factors are known to play a role. Seniors may be prone to flare-ups due to weakened immune systems associated with aging. Triggers also accumulate over a lifetime. Genetic mutations, medications, chronic infections, smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, vitamin D deficiency, and stress can all contribute to the development and worsening of plaque psoriasis over time. Identifying and understanding personal triggers is an important part of managing the condition.
Lifestyle Remedies to Lessen Plaque Psoriasis Symptoms
While not a cure, lifestyle adjustments can decrease flare-ups. Stress reduction is key, as chronic stress stimulates inflammation. Relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices can help seniors manage stress. Avoiding triggers like skin irritants, scrapes, cuts, bug bites, severe sunburns, or injury to skin lesions is also beneficial. Moisturizing daily with a heavy, fragrance-free cream and taking lukewarm baths with moisturizing oils like olive oil, coconut oil, or Epsom salts can soothe irritated, itchy skin.
Adequate sleep and nutrition are vital—anti-inflammatory foods like oily fish, colorful fruits and vegetables loaded with antioxidants, and healthy fats like olive oil may help reduce inflammation. Obese seniors should work to safely lose weight to reduce psoriasis severity. Sun exposure in moderation can improve symptoms, but prolonged exposure and sunburns can worsen them. Always consult a doctor before making any major lifestyle changes.
Effective Medical Treatments for Seniors with Plaque Psoriasis
From topical creams to systemic medications, various medical treatments can relieve plaque psoriasis symptoms.
Topicals like corticosteroid creams and Vitamin D analogues can reduce inflammation and slow skin cell overgrowth when applied directly to plaques. Mild topicals may be used long-term with minimal risk, but stronger formulations are only recommended for short periods due to potential side effects like skin thinning.
Systemic oral medications like methotrexate, cyclosporine, Otezla, and Tremfya work throughout the body to suppress overactive immune responses. These can treat more severe psoriasis but may have risks like kidney problems or elevated blood pressure.
Biologic injections like Humira, Enbrel, Cosentyx, and Skyrizi specifically target parts of the immune system that trigger inflammation. While highly effective, they weaken immune function, so seniors must be monitored for infections.
Light therapy, also called phototherapy, uses UV light to slow down skin cell turnover. This can quickly improve plaques but requires several weekly clinic sessions. Home units are now available.
Seniors should be aware of potential side effects and discuss all benefits and risks with doctors to find the optimal treatment plan. Adherence can be difficult with daily or weekly treatments. Cost can also be prohibitive depending on insurance coverage.
Tips for Seniors to Improve the Management of Plaque Psoriasis
Coping with plaque psoriasis poses unique challenges for seniors. Here are some self-care tips:
See your doctor regularly to monitor disease severity and treatment effectiveness. Request referrals to specialists like dermatologists or rheumatologists for added expertise.
Follow treatment plans closely and keep up with necessary testing. Use reminders and get help from loved ones to manage complex regimens.
Watch for drug interactions and discuss all medications with doctors. Adjustments may be required.
Moisturize skin daily and avoid aggravating lesions. Handle skin gently.
Reduce stress through relaxation techniques and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Make time for enjoyable activities.
Join a support group to share experiences and advice with others managing psoriasis. This can help seniors feel less alone.
See a mental health professional if needed to handle emotional struggles related to coping with a chronic skin condition.
Connecting with Loved Ones
Plaque psoriasis can lead to self-consciousness and social withdrawal. Seniors may find it difficult to be intimate with a partner or reluctant to participate in social activities. It’s important that loved ones provide emotional support and gently encourage seniors to stay connected. Explain that the condition does not define them. Offer to attend appointments or help apply topicals. Providing a listening ear and words of affirmation go a long way.
The Outlook for Seniors with Well-Managed Plaque Psoriasis
While plaque psoriasis has no cure, the right treatment and self-care can successfully control symptoms and improve quality of life. Seniors who are proactive and utilize lifestyle remedies, medical treatment, stress management, and strong emotional support can achieve well-managed psoriasis. Periods of remission are more likely. Flare-ups when they occur can be shorter and milder. With proper care, seniors can conquer plaque psoriasis rather than allowing it to control them.
