July is National Psoriasis Awareness Month

ST. LOUIS: MediNurse, St. Louis’ premier provider of private duty nursing care and health related services for more than three decades, educates the public about psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a common chronic skin disease. As we age, so does our skin, making senior citizens more susceptible to psoriasis. Psoriasis occurs when extra skin cells build up rapidly on the surface of the skin, forming scales and red patches that become itchy and even painful.

The disease typically starts or worsens because of a trigger, such as: infections like strep throat or skin infections, injury to the skin (cut, scrape, bug bite or sever sunburn), stress, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, Vitamin D deficiency or certain medications. Always be sure to talk with your doctor before making any changes in medications or routines.

Psoriasis symptoms are different for everyone, cut typically include:

· Red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales

· Small scaling spots (most common in children)

· Dry, cracked skin that may bleed

· Itching, burning or soreness

· Thickened, pitted or ridged nails

· Swollen and stiff joints

The most common areas for psoriasis to appear include the knees, elbows and torso. However, psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, hands, feet, nails and skin folds. Because the skin is different depending on the body area, psoriasis may require different treatments.

Most people with psoriasis go through cycles where symptoms seem to disappear for a period, then flare up again. Although there is currently no cure, MediNurse advises that making lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy, not smoking, or changing medications, could positively impact your life with psoriasis.

MediNurse is St. Louis’ premier provider of private duty nursing services. MediNurse provides services that are customized to the individual needs of the client or patient and loved ones to ensure the best care possible. For more information, call 314-781-2800 or visit www.medinurse.com.