Psoriasis

Definition
Psoriasis  is a chronic noninfectious inflmmatory disease of the skin

Pathophysiology
Epidermal cells produced in excess and fast; the cells in the basal layer divide too quickly having no time for maturation.
 
Incidence
One of the most common diseases of the skin.
Affects 2 % of the population
15 - 50 yrs
Etiology
Primary cause is unknown
Immune-mediated- not contagious.
A combination of specific genetic makeup and environmental stimuli trigger the onset.
Periods of emotional stress, anxiety, trauma, infections, seasonal & hormonal changes aggravate.

Clinical Manifestations
It commonly causes red scaly patches on the skin called psoriatic plaques
Silvery-white appearance.
Plaques on the skin of the elbows and knees, the scalp and genitals.
Itching +
Chronic, recurring 
Fingernails and toenails may be involvede
Inflammation of the joints - psoriatic arthritis.

Types of psoariasis
Plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris) : Most common form 
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


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Nursing Care
Promoting understanding
Aggravating factors like streptococcal throat infections, emotional stress, beta blockers, indomethacin etc. are informed.
Though not cured can be controlled
Increase 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, 
With anthralin treatment leaves a stain in the skin which will go away within a few days.



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




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