6 Ways to Keep Psoriasis at Bay

Elderly Care in Belgrade MN: 6 Ways to Keep Psoriasis at Bay

100 million people in the world have psoriasis. It’s a chronic skin disease that causes red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. The condition is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system makes skin cells grow more quickly than is normal, which results in the formation of the patches. There is no cure for the condition, but there are many ways you can help your aging relative to manage symptoms at home. Here are six things that may help.

#1 Keep Skin from Getting Too Dry

Use a humidifier in the senior’s home to keep the air from getting too dry. If the senior has difficulty filling and using the humidifier on their own, an elderly care provider can fill it and make sure it is turned on. Moisturizers can also keep skin from drying out. Talk to the doctor about which moisturizers are best and look for those that are formulated for sensitive skin. An elderly care provider can help apply moisturizers.

#2 Spend a Little Time in the Sun

For some people, exposing psoriasis patches to sunlight can improve the appearance of the skin. Elder care providers can take older adults outside to sit in the sun for five to ten minutes on sunny days. Healthy skin should be kept covered to avoid excess exposure to the sun’s rays. Also, make sure the person does not get sunburned since sunburn can make psoriasis symptoms worse.

#3 Apply Olive Oil

Olive oil can be soothing when it is rubbed directly on the skin. It can also help to soften psoriasis patches on the scalp, helping dead skin cells to wash away in the shower.

#4 Use a Fish Oil Supplement

The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil might help to reduce inflammation and lessen psoriasis symptoms. However, talk to the doctor before taking any supplements. An elderly care provider can remind the older adult to take daily supplements.

#5 Warm Baths

Soaking in a warm, not hot, bath can soothe itchy skin. Adding milk or Epsom salts to bath water can also help. Don’t use bath or mineral oils as they may make the tub too slippery for the senior, causing a fall. Elderly care providers can prepare a bath of the right temperature and assist older adults to safely enter and exit the bath.

#6 Eliminate Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages are a trigger for some people with psoriasis, so they should be avoided.

Sources

https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/treat-symptoms-home

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314525.php

http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/204417/1/9789241565189_eng.pdf

If you or an aging loved-one are considering elderly care in Belgrade, MN, please contact the caring staff at Alternative Senior Care today. Providing Home Care in Central Minnesota and Surrounding Communities. Call us Today (320) 352-3350.