Integumentary Function
Triggers for Psoriasis
The most common triggers for Psoriasis are environmental and lifestyle factors, including stress, infections, skin injury, and certain medications. Stress, for example, can cause the release of certain hormones that aggravate psoriasis, while certain infections and medications can trigger flare-ups (Kamiya et al., 2019). Psoriasis can also be triggered by diet, such as eating certain foods that may irritate the skin or changes in weather.
Clinical types of psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can be divided into several clinical types. Plaque psoriasis, which is the most common form, is characterized by raised patches of red, scaly, and itchy skin. Guttate psoriasis is characterized by small, red, scaly spots on the body, an is usually triggered by a bacterial infection (Kamiya et al., 2019). Inverse psoriasis is characterized by red, shiny lesions in skin folds, such as the armpit or groin. Pustular psoriasis is characterized by small, pus-filled blisters, and erythrodermic psoriasis is characterized by widespread redness and inflammation of the skin.
Types of pharmacological treatments for Psoriasis
The most appropriate approach to treat this relapse episode for K.B. would be a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. A topical corticosteroid would be the first-line treatment, as K.B. has responded well to this treatment. Topical corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation, itching, and scaling. Non-pharmacological options include avoiding triggers (such as stress, weather changes, and certain medications), moisturizing the skin, and wearing loose-fitting clothing to reduce friction on the skin (Rendon & Schäkel, 2019). Phototherapy, also known as light therapy, may be recommended as a second-line treatment. This treatment involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light to reduce inflammation and scaling. In severe cases, systemic medications such as methotrexate or biologic agents (such as infliximab, adalimumab, or etanercept) may be prescribed.
Non-pharmacological options
Non-pharmacological options for psoriasis include lifestyle changes, such as avoiding specific triggers, using moisturizers, and protecting the skin from the sun. Stress reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can also help reduce flare-ups. Additionally, diet changes, such as reducing the intake of processed foods and eating more fruits and vegetables, can help reduce flare-ups.
Medication review and reconciliation
They are essential for all patients, especially those with psoriasis. It is important to know which medications the patient is taking to determine if any of them may trigger or exacerbate psoriasis. It is also essential to ensure that the patient is taking the correct dose of each medication and that there are no interactions between medications (Rendon & Schäkel, 2019). Additionally, medication review and reconciliation can help identify any gaps in treatment or the use of ineffective medications.
Other manifestations
Other manifestations that could be present in a patient with psoriasis include fatigue, depression, anxiety, joint pain, and eye problems. Fatigue is common in people with psoriasis and can be caused by the physical and emotional strain of living with the condition (Rendon & Schäkel, 2019). Depression and anxiety are also common in people with psoriasis, as the condition can be distressing and hurt one’s self-esteem. Joint pain is a common complication of psoriasis, as psoriasis can affect the joints and lead to arthritis. Eye problems, such as conjunctivitis, can also occur in people with psoriasis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the most appropriate approach to treat this relapse episode for K.B. would be a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. Topical corticosteroids would be the first-line treatment, while phototherapy and systemic medications may be recommended as second-line treatments (Rendon & Schäkel, 2019). It is also essential to review and reconcile any medications the patient is taking, as some medications may trigger or exacerbate psoriasis. Finally, other manifestations such as fatigue, depression, anxiety, joint pain, and eye problems may also be present in psoriasis patients.
Reference
Kamiya, K., Kishimoto, M., Sugai, J., Komine, M., & Ohtsuki, M. (2019, September 5). Risk factors for the development of psoriasis. MDPI. Retrieved December 4, 2022, from https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/20/18/4347
Rendon, A., & Schäkel, K. (2019, March 23). Psoriasis pathogenesis and treatment. MDPI. Retrieved December 4, 2022, from https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/20/6/1475