Psoriasis In the Elderly – Complications And Treatment

If you or a loved one is over 65 and suffering from psoriasis, you may be wondering how it will affect your health. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that has symptoms such as red, scaly patches on the skin. It can be uncomfortable and even painful for elderly patients, but there are treatments available to help manage the condition. Let’s take a closer look at psoriasis in the elderly and explore some of the potential complications and treatments that may help.

What Is Psoriasis And What Are The Symptoms In Elderly Patients?

The symptoms of psoriasis vary from person to person but typically include red, scaly patches on the skin that can be itchy and painful. These patches often develop on elbows and knees, but they can also appear on other parts of the body. In some cases, psoriasis can cause blisters or sores to develop on the skin which can become swollen or infected if left untreated.

Elderly patients often have moderate or severe symptoms due to their weakened immune systems. This makes them more prone to infections and other complications from the condition such as psoriatic arthritis or psoriatic nail disease. Additionally, elderly patients may be less likely to respond to conventional treatments such as topical creams or oral medications. This can make managing their symptoms more difficult and lead to further complications if not treated properly.

How Does Psoriasis Affect The Elderly And What Are The Potential Complications

Fig. 1. Psoriasis in elderly can lead to certain complications

Psoriasis can have a significant impact on elderly patients’ quality of life due to its painful and visible symptoms. It can also lead to other health-related issues such as depression, anxiety, joint pain/swelling/stiffness, as well as an increased risk of infection due to weakened immune systems in older individuals. In addition, it may also cause more frequent flare-ups due to changes in hormone levels with age or medications used for other conditions.

Certain complications can occur if psoriasis is left untreated or mistreated in elderly individuals. These include increased risk of infection due to open sores on the skin; joint damage; depression; sleep disturbances; skin cancer; diabetes; heart disease; stroke; and osteoporosis. It’s important for elderly individuals with psoriasis to be aware of these potential risks so they can take action accordingly.

In addition to joint pain and increased risk of infection, one of the most serious complications of psoriasis in the elderly is depression. Many older adults struggle with feelings of isolation or loneliness due to limited mobility or changes in their social circles; this can be exacerbated by painful plaques or embarrassing flare-ups from psoriatic lesions. Depression is a very real risk for any patient with chronic illness – especially those who already struggle with mental health issues – so it’s important for caregivers to monitor for signs of depression or anxiety in elderly patients with psoriasis.

Treatment Options For Psoriasis In Elderly Patients

Fig. 2. Oral medications may be given to reduce inflammation

The good news is that there are many effective options to treat psoriasis in elderly patients. Those that don’t respond to topical therapy need to be open to systemic therapy. Younger patients with milder psoriasis symptoms are more responsive to topical creams compared to older patients.

Topical creams containing corticosteroids are often used to reduce inflammation and itchiness associated with plaque psoriasis. Oral medications such as methotrexate can also be prescribed to reduce inflammation on a systemic level when topical medications alone do not provide relief. Phototherapy (UV light therapy) may also be recommended if other treatments are unsuccessful or contraindicated due to age-related health concerns such as cataracts or sensitivity to sunlight exposure.

Treating psoriasis in elderly patients often requires a multi-pronged approach that takes into account both physical and emotional needs. In addition to physical treatments, supportive psychosocial services such as individual or group therapy can be helpful in managing stress levels which can worsen symptoms of psoriasis.

When it comes to treating psoriasis in the elderly, it’s important to find an individualized approach that takes into account all potential factors such as existing medical conditions and lifestyle choices. Some of the discussed treatments may not be ideal for elderly patients due to potential side effects or drug interactions with other medications they may already be taking. Consulting with the doctor is always an important first step when deciding which treatment option is right for the condition.

How To Manage Psoriasis In Elderly Patients For The Best Possible Outcome

Fig. 3. Managing psoriasis in elderly patients needs a holistic approach

When it comes to managing psoriasis in elderly patients, a collaboration between healthcare providers is key. Healthcare providers should work together to identify what types of treatments will work best for each patient based on their medical history, lifestyle habits, preferences, age-related comorbidities (such as heart disease), etc. This collaborative approach helps ensure that treatment plans are tailored specifically for each patient’s needs so they can enjoy the best possible outcome from their treatments.

In addition to traditional treatment options, there are several things that can be done at home to help manage geriatric psoriasis symptoms:

• avoiding triggers like stress and smoking
• using moisturizers regularly
• wearing loose clothing
• using lukewarm water instead of hot water when bathing
• limiting sun exposure
• eating a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids
• drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day
• exercising regularly if approved by a healthcare professional.

Taking these simple steps can help reduce flare-ups associated with psoriatic symptoms while making daily living easier for older adults with this condition.

It’s important for caregivers of elderly psoriasis patients to pay close attention to their condition and try to identify triggers that may worsen symptoms.

Stress can exacerbate symptoms so care should be taken to ensure that elderly patients are managing stress levels properly through relaxation techniques or talking with a therapist if necessary. Diet is also important; certain foods like alcohol, sugar, caffeine, and processed foods have been known to trigger flare-ups so avoiding these foods is recommended whenever possible. Additionally, proper skin care is essential in order to keep skin moisturized and irritation-free; using gentle cleansers and moisturizers specifically designed for sensitive skin will help keep flare-ups at bay. 

Medovie Products For All Ages

Psoriasis is a common autoimmune condition that affects millions of people, including many older adults over 65 years old. It can cause physical discomfort along with mental distress which can significantly impact the quality of life if left untreated or inadequately treated. The good news is there are several options available – before you resort to systemic therapies – when it comes to managing this condition in elderly patients. Among them, the best and safest ones are from Medovie.

Medovie products are designed for the sensitive skin of adults suffering from chronic skin problems like psoriasis and eczema. We are devoted to upholding standards of excellence in every aspect of product development. We always stay ahead of the latest industry regulations and cosmetic studies, maintaining rigorous safety measures for each ingredient and process that goes into our formulations. We also carry the Seal of Recognition from the National Psoriasis Foundation which means our products are guaranteed safe on sensitive and thinning skin.

Our 3HX™ Formula has long been renowned for its groundbreaking effects on skin health due to the decade-long meticulous extraction processes used to get the essential ingredients from herbs. As a result, we can offer trusted quality products with proven benefits you can rely on.

Medovie has revolutionized the skincare industry with its 3HX™ Formula, which harnesses powerful plant-based active ingredients to nourish and support healthy skin cell production. Give our products a try and experience a soothing feeling that lasts.