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NursingBulletin: Psoriasis
• A chronic non infectious, inflammatory skin disorder
involving keratin synthesis that results in psoriatic
patches.
• Formerly considered idiopathic, now thought to be
genetically linked and immune system modulated.
• Possible causes of the disorder include stress,
trauma, infection, and changes in climate.
• Condition tends to be lifelong, with flare-ups and
remissions. Maybe exacerbated by infection; drugs,
such as lithium,beta blockers,antimalarial drugs and
indomethacin.
NursingBulletin: Psoriasis
• It is a chronic skin disorder in which red or deep
pink raised patches covered by white scales
appear on the skin.
• It usually causes no discomfort but it can get
slightly itchy, especially on scalp or around the
anus.
• The main problem is the unsightly appearance of
the rash but fortunately it is usually covered by
clothing.
• You may have single patch or several large
ones.
• The cause of psoriasis is unknown and It shows
a tendency to run in families
• In psoriasis, areas of the
skin grow much faster
than normal and form red,
scaling patches.
INTRALESIONAL THERAPY:
• Injections into highly visible or isolated patches of psoriasis
that are resistant. Triamcinolone acetonide ( aristocort,
kenolog-10, trymex) is injected, and care is taken so that
normal skin is not injected
SYSTEMIC THERAPY
Methotrexate have been used in treating extensive psoriasis that fails to
respond to other forms of therapy. Should monitor hepatic,
haematopoietic and renal systems.
Reinforce women of childbearing age that retinoids and methotrexate
are teratogenic; women must be using birth control.
Oral retinoids (synthetic derivatives of Vitamin A and its metabolite,
Vitamin A acid)
Hydroxyurea (Hydrea). Monitor signs ands symptoms of bone marrow
depression.
PHOTOTHERAPY
A treatment for severely debilitating psoriasis is psoralen and
ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy, which involves taking a photosensitizing
drug (usually 8-methoxypsoralen) in a standard dose with subsequent
exposure to long-wave ultraviolet light when peak drug plasma levels
are obtained.
UVB light is also used to treat generalized plaque.
Advise patient to wear goggles to prevent cataracts and follow up with
periodic eye exams. Should wear sunscreen and sunglasses.
Contraceptives should be used since teratogenic effect has not been
established yet.
Nursingbulletin.com
One-stop Hub Philippine Nursing News and Resources,
Nursing Licensure Examinations, Nursing Board
Exams Results, Nursing Updates