Psoriasis

🚨 Symptoms

Thick, red, scaly patches (plaques) on skin; itching; burning; nail changes (pitting, thickening); joint pain (psoriatic arthritis)

🔍 Causes

Autoimmune disorder causing rapid skin cell turnover; genetic factors; triggers: stress, infection, injury, certain medications, weather

💊 Treatment

Topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, coal tar, phototherapy, systemic medications (methotrexate, cyclosporine), biologics

📝 Nursing Care

Educate on trigger avoidance, proper application of topical treatments; monitor for psoriatic arthritis; provide emotional support; teach about biologics if used

Source: NHS Scotland. For educational purposes only.