Mrs. Radhika was diagnosed to have psoariasis.
a) Explain the meaning and causes of psoariasis.
b) Discuss the various types of the skin disease in brief
c) Write the nursing care of a patient with psoariasis
Psoariasis
Definition
Psoriasis is a disease of the skin and joints.
It commonly causes red scaly patches on the skin called psoriatic plaques
They are areas of inflammation and excessive skin production.
Silvery-white appearance.
Plaques on the skin of the elbows and knees, the scalp and genitals.
Psoriasis - immune-mediated- not contagious.
Chronic, recurring
Fingernails and toenails
Inflammation of the joints - psoriatic arthritis.
Causes
Not known
Believed to have a genetic component.
Aggravating factors : stress, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking
Associated with depression and loss of self-esteem
Types of psoariasis
Plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris)
Most common form of psoriasis. It affects 80 to 90% of people with psoriasis.
Raised areas of inflamed skin covered with silvery white scaly skin, called plaques.
Flexural psoriasis (inverse psoriasis)
Smooth inflamed patches of skin.
In skin folds, particularly around the genitals, between the thigh and groin, the armpits, under the breasts
aggravated by friction and sweat.
Guttate psoriasis
Numerous small oval (teardrop-shaped) spots.
Over trunk, limbs, and scalp.
Associated with streptococcal throat infection.
Pustular psoriasis
Filled with non-infectious pus (pustules).
Surrounding red and tender.
Nail psoriasis
Changes the appearance of finger and toe nails.
Discolouration
Pitting of the nails, lines going across the nails,
Thickening of the skin under the nail
Loosening, crumbling of the nail.
Erythrodermic psoriasis
Widespread inflammation and exfoliation of the skin over most of the body surface.
Accompanied by severe itching, swelling and pain.
Following the abrupt withdrawal of systemic treatment.
May be fatal
Nursing Care
Promoting understanding
Aggravating factors like streptococcal throat infections, emotional stress, beta blockers, indomethacin etc. are informed.
Though not cured can be controlled
Increasing skin integrity
moisturise, apply emollients, apply oil after wash with warm water to keep skin moist.
Improving self concept and body image
Coping with stress is taught
Introduced to other psoariasis patients who cope with stress well
Taught to accept the altered body image and to have confidence of getting over the disease
Monitor and manage potential complications like arthritis
Promote home and community - based care - family members are asked to accept the patients with the knowledge that it is not infectious, it change, anthralin treatment which leaves a stain in the skin will go away within a few days.
