Page 83 - LECTURE NOTES
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- Advise that the disease may persist for life with remission and
exacerbation.
- Control the problem:
Remove precipitating or aggravating factors
Reduce stress
Teach patient that treatment of severe psoriasis can be time
consuming
Treatment topical systemic
1. Topical – slows down the over active epidermis: i.e act by suppressing the
epidermal turnover epidermopoiesis
Eg. Tar preparations, salicylic acid, and corticosteroids.
2. Systemic therapy
• Systemic cytotoxic preparations such as methotrexate, have been used
in treating extensive psoriasis that fails to respond to other forms of
therapy in specialized center
Nursing management
¾ Teach patient to avoid picking or scratching the psoriatic area
¾ Teach patient to avoid any topical irritant or allergy- producing Substance
¾ Teach patient to report to physician for any infection that appears to
aggravate the psoriasis
¾ Caution patient about medication because some drugs may worsen
psoriasis.
¾ Patents need a balanced life, including recreation, exercise & rest
¾ Prevent drying of the skin
Avoid frequent washing
Water should not be too hot,
Avoid vigorous rubbing by towel after bath
Use skin emollients
- Help patient move toward self-acceptance
- Advice to be exposed to the sun
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