If your elderly loved one suffers from psoriasis, you probably have seen all of the symptoms. The most common symptoms of plaque psoriasis are inflamed patches of skin that are raised and often contain scales that flake off and can lead to bleeding and cracking. Your loved one may share with you or her home care team that her skin feels itchy or burns when she touches it. If the patch is located near a joint, it can cause the joint to swell and become painful as well.
Having the help and medications from a trained dermatologist will help manage and control the symptoms. But it doesn’t always relieve a person of all of them. Here are seven home tricks your loved one can try when her psoriasis flares.
Salt Soak
A nice soak in a tub that has some Epsom Salts or Dead Sea salts can provide some relief. The salts in the water will help shed some scales and provide relief from itching and soothe the skin. If your loved one needs help with the bath, have her home care provider draw a warm (but not too hot) bath for her so she can soak for at least 15 minutes.
Lotion
If your loved one has psoriasis on her hands or feet, cover them with a thick layer of lotion or petroleum jelly and then put gloves or socks on to lock it in. If the psoriasis is located on the arm or leg, she can wrap it in plastic wrap to help lock in that moisture.
Aloe Vera
The aloe vera plant is known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing qualities. Both of these can bring relief to the painful side effects of psoriasis. Some people keep aloe vera plants so they can cut off a leaf and place it directly on the affected area. Having some gel or cream with .5% aloe vera can do the trick as well.
Relax
That’s easier said than done, we know. Reducing stress is a great way to reduce or eliminate psoriasis breakouts because they often ramp up when a person is stressed. Have your home care provider bring your loved one to a yoga class or a stroll on the beach. Whatever she needs to reduce the amount of stress she is feeling.
Tea Tree Oil
Using shampoo with tea tree oil has been shown to provide relief for those who have psoriasis on the scalp.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Have a home care provider help by giving scalp treatments two or three times a week. The vinegar can be mixed with water and rubbed into the scalp. Then once it dries, it should be washed out. Apple Cider Vinegar will help with future attacks of itchiness.
Healthy Diet
Foods that are anti-inflammatory like turmeric and foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can help provide relief by reducing inflammation.
Try one, two, or all of these the next time your loved one has a breakout to see which ones provide some additional relief.
For more information about how caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare can help your aging parents stay in their own homes, call 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable Home Care in Coronado, CA, and the surrounding communities.
Today we are the oldest and most experienced private duty agency in San Diego County.She saw a need for quality private duty home health care and she worked diligently to build an agency that filled that need.I am proud to say, her vision is carried on today with our dedicated staff.
I believe our tenure in the community speaks well for us.We have had the opportunity to be of service to countless interesting individuals, including local and worldwide celebrities.It is the people we care for that makes this a fascinating industry.Whether high profile or a more ordinary citizen, we are proud that thousands have entrusted us with their care or the care of their loved ones.Our Mission is to provide high quality, very secure and the most compassionate home health care.We believe that patients heal faster and are happiest when they can stay in their homes.”
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