1. The client/caregiver can define psoriasis.
   1. It is a skin disease characterized by rapid growth of epidermal cells.
   2. Cells are replaced in four days instead of the normal 28 days.
   3. It is chronic with periods of remission and exacerbation.
   4. Psoriasis is not contagious.
2. The client/caregiver can recognize signs and symptoms of psoriasis.
   1. Red patches of skin covered with silvery scales
   2. Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
   3. Itching, burning, or soreness
   4. Thickened, pitted, or ridged nails
   5. Swollen and stiff joints
   6. Psoriasis patches that can range in size
3. The client/caregiver can list some triggers of psoriasis.
   1. Factors that may trigger psoriasis
      • Infections, such as strep throat
      • Injury to the skin, such as cuts, bug bites, or severe sunburn
      • Stress
      • Cold weather
      • Smoking
      • Heavy alcohol consumption
      • Certain medications
4. The client/caregiver can list factors that may increase risk of psoriasis.
   1. Familial history of psoriasis
   2. Depressed immune systems
   3. Trauma, burns, lacerations, or chemical injuries
   4. Anxiety and stress
   5. Certain systemic drugs such as steroids
   6. Low-humidity environment
5. The client/caregiver is aware of possible complications.
   1. Severe itching, which can lead to secondary infections
   2. Exfoliative psoriatic state (covers entire body)
   3. Arthritis
   4. Depression and low self-esteem
   5. Stress and anxiety
6. The client/caregiver can list measures to prevent or control psoriasis.
   1. Bathing
      1. Soak in warm tub baths to remove scales and promote cleanliness.
      2. Add bath oil, oiled oatmeal, and Epsom salts to water and soak for 15 minutes.
      3. Avoid hot water and harsh soaps.
      4. Use lukewarm water and mild soaps with added oils or fats.
      5. Blot the skin dry. Apply ointment-based moisturizer while skin is moist.
   2. Avoid or manage factors that may exacerbate condition.
      1. Obtain early treatment for any type of infection.
      2. Use safety precautions to avoid irritation or trauma.
      3. Use stress-management techniques.
      4. Avoid excessive sunlight. Small amounts of sunlight can improve lesions.
   3. Obtain adequate rest, nutrition, and exercise.
   4. Humidify the air in the winter.
   5. Apply treatments as ordered using precautions as directed (topical corticosteroids, anthralin preparations, salicylic acid, crude coal tar, occlusive wraps, photochemotherapy, etc.).
   6. Provide scalp care as ordered (tar shampoo, topical steroids, etc.).
   7. G. Avoid drinking alcohol.

Resources

National Psoriasis Foundation
www.psoriasis.org/home/

Support groups

References

Ackley, B. J., & Ladwig, G. B. (2006). Nursing diagnosis handbook: A guide to planning care.
Philadelphia: Mosby Inc.
Cohen, B. J., & Wood, D. L. (2000). Memmler’s the Human Body in Health and Disease (9th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Nutrition made incredibly easy. (2003). Springhouse: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
Portable RN: The all-in-one nursing reference. (2002). Springhouse: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.Taylor, C., Lillis, D., & LeMone, P. (2005). Fundamentals of nursing. Philadelphia: Lippincott
Williams & Wilkins. Timby, B. K., & Smith, N. C. (2003). Introductory medical-surgical nursing (8th ed.). Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Credits

Client Teaching Guides for Home Health Care, 2nd ed.
© 2008 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc.
www.jbpub.com