La Jolla Senior Care News

Psoriasis Treatment Options for the Elderly

Caregivers in La Jolla CA

Caregivers in La Jolla CA

Caregivers in La Jolla CAThe skin of older adults is constantly changing, resulting in the development of several different types of skin problems. One possible skin condition your loved one may go through is Psoriasis. Psoriasis currently does not have a cure, but there are treatment options available to lessen the symptoms that occur with this condition.

It is important that older adults take care of their skin to prevent this condition from happening to them. However, if your loved one does have the following symptoms, then their doctor can prescribe a treatment that works for them.

  • Small, scaling spots
  • Red patches of skin covered with silvery scales
  • Burning, sore, or itchy skin
  • Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
  • Stiff and swollen joints
  • Pitted, thickened, or ridged joints

Treatment Options

While treating the psoriasis symptoms will help lessen its noticeability, it can be difficult for older adults to apply the treatments to their own bodies. Caregivers may be needed to assist with this task. Here are just a few treatment options older adults should talk to their doctor about.

  • Phototherapy: Also known as PUVA therapy, this type of treatment can help elders, but should be used carefully. The reason for the heightened risk among seniors is the fact that those who have had psoriasis for a lengthy period of time may develop solar keratosis on their skin. Another reason PUVA therapy should be used with caution is because older adults are at a much higher risk of developing a number of skin diseases, including skin cancer. The elder and their home care provider should talk to their doctor about the risks and benefits of using this treatment.
  • Topical ointments: Topical ointments usually come in the form of a cream that can easily be smoothed onto the rough, itchy, dry skin in order to provide some relief from the uncomfortable symptoms. Using a topical ointment can be challenging for seniors, since many are unable to correctly apply it to the proper area. A family member or caregiver will be needed to assist.
  • Medications: Another treatment for psoriasis comes in the form of pills. When beginning a new medication, the doctor will most likely prescribe the elder a low dosage, like 5 mg per week. This will make it easier for them to find out if the elder is allergic to it before increasing the dosage.

There are risks to any treatment option, especially for older adults. This is because they are more prone to allergic reactions than younger adults and children. Talk to their doctor to determine which option is right for your loved one.

La Jolla Nurses Homecare can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, call 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Costa, CA, and the surrounding communities."}” data-sheets-userformat=”{"2":767,"3":{"1":0},"4":{"1":2,"2":10667209},"5":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"6":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"8":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":0}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"9":2,"10":2,"12":0}”>For more information about how the caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, call 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable caregivers in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.

Brittnei Salerno

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