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What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition caused by an abnormal autoimmune response. It’s characterized by thick, scaly patches of skin that occur when the body generates new skin cells too quickly.
Roughly 2 to 3 percent of the population(Opens in a new window), or over 8 million Americans, have psoriasis. The condition can appear at any age, but peak onset periods occur between the ages of 20 and 30 and again between 50 and 60 years old.
In honor of Psoriasis Awareness Month this August, now is a great time to review how to identify and treat this condition in seniors. Psoriasis can affect your loved one’s quality of life and even lead to seemingly unrelated health conditions. By catching the warning signs and beginning age-appropriate treatment, you can help prevent flare-ups.
Psoriasis Causes
While the direct cause of psoriasis is unknown, it results from an overactive immune system and commonly includes a genetic component. This means your risk is higher if an immediate family member has psoriasis.
Many external triggers can cause psoriasis symptoms to flare up. These include:
Everyone with psoriasis has different triggers, so it’s important to identify them on an individual basis.
Symptoms of Psoriasis
This skin condition has three levels of severity:
The appearance, location, and severity of psoriasis vary. One person might experience a few localized areas of dandruff-like scaling, while another might suffer from vast flare-ups covering a large portion of their body. Most types of psoriasis go through cycles, flaring up for a few weeks or months and then going dormant for a while or even entering complete remission.
Psoriasis most often appears on the knees, elbows, lower back, or scalp. Face psoriasis also develops in about half of people with this skin condition. The most common psoriasis symptoms include:
Psoriasis can affect more than just the skin. If left untreated, it can lead to a range of health complications and increase the risk of developing certain diseases(Opens in a new window), including:
Seek a medical evaluation and guidance from your doctor about how to treat psoriasis in seniors. Then, keep the following treatment options in mind.
Psoriasis Treatment
Psoriasis is a chronic condition that may last a lifetime once it sets in. Although psoriasis is not curable, many professional and at-home treatment options are available. Consider that psoriasis treatment for seniors may differ slightly from treating psoriasis in younger populations. For instance, you may need to lower your medication dose, change medications, or try an entirely new type of treatment to see results.
Topical Treatments for Psoriasis
The first approach is often to apply over-the-counter or prescription-strength creams and ointments. Options for older adults include:
For topical treatment to be effective, a senior must:
Be able to comfortably reach and apply the medication
Know how much, how often, and where to apply the medication
Spend the necessary time using the medication as prescribed
Psoriasis Light Therapy
Moderate to severe psoriasis may benefit from light therapy. Exposing the skin to artificial and natural UV light can slow skin cell turnover and reduce inflammation. Treatment may involve taking light-sensitivity medication and visiting a medical center about twice a week for a few months.
Oral or Injected Psoriasis Medications
If psoriasis doesn’t respond to other treatments, the doctor may prescribe pills or injectable medication. The safest options for people over age 65 include(Opens in a new window):
Acitretin
Apremilast
Methotrexate
Some biologics, including etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab, and ustekinumab
Note: Cyclosporine should be used with great caution in older adults because it can cause kidney damage.
Home Remedies for Psoriasis
In addition to taking medication as prescribed, seniors may find relief from flare-ups with psoriasis home treatment. Here’s what to try:
Psoriasis vs. Eczema
People often confuse psoriasis and eczema. After all, they are both inflammatory skin diseases that cause scaling and itching, but they look quite different to the trained eye.
Every independent living, assisted living, and memory care community has experienced it.A prospective resident and their family tour your community. They love the apartment. They are emotionally ready to make the move.Then comes the sentence that changes everything:"We have to sell the house first."Suddenly, what seemed like a straightforward move becomes filled with uncertainty.How long will it take to sell?How much will they actually receive?Will the buyer's financing fall through?Will repairs be required?Will inspections uncover expensive issues?Will the move be delayed for months?Unfortunately, these unknowns often result in families postponing their decision. Some decide to "wait until next year." Others choose another community with different availability. Sometimes a health event forces an emergency move that could have been avoided with better planning.In many cases, everyone loses.The family experiences unnecessary stress.The senior delays the next chapter of their life.And your community may lose a future resident.The Home Is Often the Biggest ObstacleFor many seniors, the home represents decades of memoriesbut it is also the largest financial asset they own.Many families simply cannot commit to a move until they know:When the home will sellHow much they will receiveWhether repairs will be necessaryWhen they will have access to the proceedsWithout those answers, planning becomes difficult.That's where we help.Did You Know?Many prospective residents delay moving into an independent living or assisted living community simply because they are uncertain about selling their home.In many cases, one conversation with an experienced real estate professional can eliminate that uncertainty and give families the confidence to move forward.One call gives families two professional options:A fast, guaranteed cash offer through Sarasota Cash Home BuyersA traditional MLS listing through Jeff Nemeth Real EstateThere is no obligation and no pressure - just honest guidance to help families choose the solution that best fits their goals, timeline, and financial needs.One Contact. Two Professional Solutions.Unlike most companies, we can provide both of the primary options available to homeowners.Our goal isn't to convince someone to choose one path over the other.Our goal is to help families choose the solution that best fits their situation.Solution One: Sarasota Cash Home BuyersSome families need certainty.Perhaps Mom needs to move within a few weeks.Perhaps Dad has already moved into assisted living.Perhaps the family lives out of state.Perhaps the home needs extensive repairs.Perhaps maintaining the property has become overwhelming.A direct cash purchase often removes nearly every obstacle.Benefits include:Sell completely as-isNo repairsNo cleaningNo paintingNo stagingNo open housesNo repeated showingsNo financing contingenciesNo appraisal concernsNo commissionsNo waiting for a buyer to qualify for financingChoose the closing date that works with the move-in scheduleGreater certainty throughout the entire processInstead of wondering whether the house will sell, families know exactly when the transaction will close.That certainty often makes scheduling a move into your community much easier.Solution Two: Jeff Nemeth Real EstateSometimes, selling through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is the better option.Every family's goals are different.If maximizing the sale price is the highest priority and the family has flexibility with timing, a traditional listing may produce the best overall outcome.With nearly two decades as a licensed Realtor and hundreds of successful real estate transactions, Jeff Nemeth helps families understand the advantages and trade-offs of listing their home traditionally.Our philosophy is simple:Recommend what's best for the clientnot what's best for us.That means families receive honest advice about both options before making any decisions.Why This Matters to Senior Living CommunitiesWhen a family delays selling a home, the move into your community is often delayed as well.Those delays can affect:OccupancyMove-in timelinesApartment availabilitySales forecastingFamily confidenceResident planningHaving a trusted housing resource available early in the conversation can eliminate many of these roadblocks before they become major problems.Even if a family ultimately chooses to list the property rather than accept a cash offer, they now have a clear roadmap and realistic expectations.Knowledge reduces uncertainty.And reduced uncertainty helps families move forward.We Become Part of Your TeamWe regularly work alongside:Independent Living communitiesAssisted Living communitiesMemory Care communitiesContinuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)Senior placement agenciesSenior move managersEstate planning attorneysElder law attorneysProbate attorneysTrust officersFinancial advisorsGuardiansHome health agenciesHospice providersProfessional organizersSenior relocation companiesOur role is simple:Help families solve the housing piece of the transition.When that obstacle is removed, everyone benefits.One Contact. Two Solutions.Sarasota Cash Home BuyersJeff Nemeth Real EstateImmediate cash offerTraditional MLS listingSell completely as-isProfessional marketingNo repairsMaximum market exposureNo showingsBuyer competitionNo financing contingenciesGuidance throughout the selling processFlexible closing dateMarket-based pricing strategyFast, predictable closingIdeal for families with more flexibilityThere is no "one-size-fits-all" solution.Every family deserves to understand both options before making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.Why Families Appreciate Working With UsFamilies often tell us that what they value most isn't simply buying or selling a home.It's having someone who explains every option without pressure.We believe education comes before transactions.Sometimes the best recommendation is a cash sale.Sometimes it's listing on the open market.Sometimes it's waiting.Our responsibility is to help families make an informed decision based on their financial goals, timeline, and personal circumstances.Helping Seniors Move ForwardMoving into a senior living community is a major life transition.The process should feel supportednot overwhelming.If one of your prospective residents needs to sell a home before they can move, we'd be happy to provide a complimentary consultation, explain every available option, and help the family determine the best path forward.There is no obligation.No high-pressure sales presentation.Just experienced guidance from professionals who understand both the real estate market and the unique challenges families face during senior transitions.One conversation today could be the difference between a delayed move and a successful move-in.At Sarasota Cash Home Buyers and Jeff Nemeth Real Estate, we're committed to helping seniors, their families, and senior living professionals remove one of the biggest obstacles to a successful transition - selling the home with confidence.Together, we can help more seniors move forward with certainty.Contact Jeff Nemeth at 941-202-6957 for more information.
Skin changes throughout life.For older adults, decades of accumulated sun exposure can become visible as age spots, dryness, rough areas, bruising, precancerous lesions, or skin cancer. Chronic conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis may also continueor appear for the first timelater in life.Some changes are harmless. Others deserve medical attention.Finding a qualified provider for dermatology in Sarasota, FL can help seniors distinguish normal aging changes from conditions requiring treatment.What Does a Dermatologist Treat?Dermatologists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails.Common reasons older adults visit dermatology practices include: Suspicious moles Skin cancer screening Basal cell carcinoma Squamous cell carcinoma Melanoma Actinic keratoses Eczema Psoriasis Dermatitis Rosacea Rashes Hair or nail disorders Nonhealing skin lesions Dermatologists may provide medical treatment, surgery, andin some practicescosmetic procedures.Sunshine State Dermatology and Skin Cancer CenterThe physician-owned practice provides medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology through offices in Venice and North Port.It is led by Dr. Adam S. Greenberg, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon.Current office locations are:Venice Office1415 East Venice Avenue Venice, FL 34292North Port Office12497 S. Tamiami Trail, Unit 1 North Port, FL 34287Phone: 941-282-3376The practice serves Sarasota and Charlotte counties.Medical DermatologySunshine State Dermatology provides evaluation and treatment for a variety of common and chronic skin conditions.The practice lists services for conditions including: Psoriasis Eczema Acne Rosacea Contact dermatitis Skin lesions Skin cancer For seniors, managing chronic skin problems may be particularly important when itching, discomfort, skin breakdown, or infection risk begins affecting sleep or everyday quality of life.PsoriasisPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition that can produce thick, scaly areas of skin.Treatment depends on severity and may involve topical medicines, light-based treatments, systemic medications, or other approaches.Eczema and DermatitisDryness and inflammation may become particularly bothersome with age.Dermatology evaluation can help determine whether symptoms are related to eczema, an allergic or irritant reaction, medication, infection, or another condition.RosaceaPersistent facial redness, visible blood vessels, bumps, or eye irritation may be associated with rosacea.Although cosmetic concerns often bring people to a dermatologist, treatment may also help reduce irritation and recurring flare-ups.Skin Cancer Screening and TreatmentSkin cancer care is an important part of Sunshine State Dermatology's practice.The National Cancer Institute identifies basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma as the major forms of skin cancer. Melanoma is less common than basal or squamous cell cancer but has a greater tendency to invade and spread.Sunshine State Dermatology offers: Full-body skin examinations Evaluation of suspicious lesions Skin biopsies when appropriate Skin cancer treatment Mohs micrographic surgery What Is Mohs Surgery?Mohs surgery removes a skin cancer in stages.Each layer is examined microscopically, and additional tissue is removed only where cancer remains.It is one of several established treatments for certain basal and squamous cell carcinomas.This may be particularly valuable in areas where preserving healthy tissue matters for appearance or function.Surgical DermatologyNot every dermatologic procedure involves cancer.Depending on the condition, dermatologic surgery may also be used to biopsy or remove suspicious, bothersome, or abnormal growths.Before a procedure, patients should ask: What is being removed? Will it be sent to pathology? What type of anesthesia is used? Will stitches be needed? What should I expect during healing? When will pathology results be available? Cosmetic DermatologySunshine State Dermatology also provides cosmetic dermatology.The practice offers treatments intended to address concerns such as signs of aging and sun damage. Its public service information includes injectable treatments and technology-based cosmetic procedures.Cosmetic treatment is different from medically necessary dermatology and may not be covered by health insurance.Patients should always ask about cost and whether a procedure is medically necessary or elective.Why Dermatology Matters Locally in SarasotaFlorida's climate makes year-round outdoor activity possible, but it also means residents may experience substantial ultraviolet exposure.That becomes particularly relevant in Sarasota, where approximately 38% of county residents are 65 or older.Older adults may have accumulated decades of UV exposure before modern sun-safety guidance became common.Local dermatology access gives Sarasota-area seniors a resource for evaluating suspicious skin changes rather than assuming they are simply part of getting older.How to Get Started1. Make a List of Concerns2. Bring Medication Information3. Mention Previous Skin Cancers4. Ask Whether a Full-Body Examination Is Appropriate5. Ask Questions Before Procedures6. Verify InsuranceRelated CategoriesCancer Care Cancer Treatment Centers Primary Care Providers
Living with hip pain can be frustrating, limiting your movement and affecting your overall quality of life. If hip discomfort is interfering with your daily activities, your primary care provider can help determine the cause and guide you toward the right treatment.Signs Your Hips Need AttentionSymptoms of hip deterioration that patients might first notice are a loss of motion, such as bending over to tie shoes. Another indication of hip injury is a sharp pain in the groin area. The first step to healing is scheduling a thorough exam with an orthopedic specialist specializing in hip repair.You don't have to be older to experience hip or joint pain. These issues can affect anyone, including active adults and athletes. At AdventHealth, our expert specialists use physical exams and diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, to better understand the cause of your discomfort and recommend the treatment options that best fit your unique needs and lifestyle.Will I Need Surgery, or Are Other Treatments Available?Only your doctor can determine if surgery is a good option for you, and they might offer other treatments to alleviate pain, such as cortisone injections. Its important to note that hip replacement surgery is completely your choice. Some treatments dont require surgery, like anti-inflammatory medications.Depending on the severity of your condition, there may be lifestyle changes you can incorporate to alleviate your pain, such as a weight-loss program or low-impact exercises.Another option for some patients is physical therapy. Sometimes, our muscles and joints get unaligned, and it takes the help of a trusted physical therapist to help you walk pain-free. They may also recommend heat therapy, which increases blood flow to the applied area and improves flexibility.Who Needs Hip Replacement Surgery?The good news about hip replacement surgery is that its very common. There are roughly 350,000 hip replacements in the U.S. every year. Patients are often good candidates for hip replacement surgery if they have:Benign tumorsContinued chronic pain even while sitting or asleepExhausted all other forms of treatmentHip dysplasiaMaintained an active lifestyleRheumatoid arthritisTotal hip replacement surgery does come with some risks and should be taken into consideration. Hip replacement is better tolerated than other joint replacements, and they can last a lifetime with appropriate care. Its important that you speak with your doctor to know if surgery is the best option for you.What Should I Expect Before and After Surgery?Your care team will start by performing a physical exam, including some tests before your surgery. They note all your symptoms and check your pain level and range of motion.Once your medical team recommends surgery as an effective option for treating your chronic hip pain, your primary care provider or orthopedic specialist will work with you to ensure that hip replacement surgery is safe.The surgery typically lasts one to two hours, with an additional two hours for prep and recovery in the operating room. During hip surgery, doctors may use the direct anterior approach, which is muscle-sparing with smaller incisions, ultimately leading to a faster and easier recovery. This surgery can be life-changing for patients who have lost mobility to injury or arthritis.Hip surgeries are typically outpatient procedures, allowing you to go home that same day. In some cases, you may need to stay overnight for your care team to examine the results.Hip replacement surgery is extremely effective at restoring your mobility and helping you get back to the life you love. Trust our leading orthopedic experts at AdventHealth to be there for you with a compassionate spirit and pioneering surgery options dedicated to getting you back on your feet.Will I Need Physical Therapy After Surgery?Physical therapy after surgery is essential to recovery. In just four to eight weeks, with physical therapy, you can be back on your feet with considerably less pain. The normal healing process takes about 16 to 20 weeks, as soft tissue takes longer to heal. As for scarring, the incision is only as big as it needs to be. Special care and concern are taken to minimize scarring related to the procedure.Live Pain-Free AgainOur hip replacement surgery experts are here to help you get moving through life comfortably again. To learn more about our orthopedic care services or to schedule an appointment today, visit AdventHealthPortCharlotte.com.
Dedicated In-Home Care by BrightStar Care of Venice and Port CharlotteBrightStar Care of Venice and Port Charlotte is dedicated to providing the best in-home care for you or a loved one. We are a Nurse Owned and Family Operated Private Duty Home Care Agency, offering a range of services to meet your needs:Companion Services: Meal preparation, transportation, light housekeepingPersonal Care: Bathing, dressing, transfersSkilled Care: Assessments, medication management, med box fillsMedical Staffing: Providing professional healthcare staff for various needsBrightStar Care is Joint Commission Accredited and has been recognized as a Leader in Excellence, Provider of Choice, and Employer of Choice from 2016 to 2020 by Home Care Pulse. All our caregivers are background checked, drug tested, bonded, and insured.We are available 24/7 and just a phone call away, ready to provide reliable and compassionate care whenever you need it.
BrightStar Home Care's commitment to providing high-quality, person-centered care shines through their dedication to improving the lives of individuals in need. Their focus on delivering a higher standard of care ensures that each client receives the personalized support they deserve, tailored to their unique needs and preferences.The recognition BrightStar Home Care Port Charlotte has received, including Joint Commission accreditation, speaks volumes about their commitment to excellence and adherence to rigorous healthcare quality standards. Achieving and maintaining this accreditation demonstrates their dedication to ensuring the highest level of care and safety for their clients.By adhering to BrightStar Care policies and procedures, state licensure requirements, and Joint Commission standards, they provide peace of mind to clients and their families, knowing that their loved ones are receiving care of the highest caliber.Furthermore, BrightStar Home Care's emphasis on clinical quality not only ensures the safety and well-being of clients but also plays a crucial role in preventing hospital readmissions. This proactive approach to care underscores their commitment to promoting positive health outcomes and enhancing the overall quality of life for those they serve.Overall, BrightStar Home Care's dedication to excellence, person-centered care, and clinical quality sets a commendable standard in the home care industry, providing invaluable support and peace of mind to individuals and families during challenging times.
BrightStar Care of Venice and Port Charlotte is dedicated to providing the best in-home care for you or a loved one. We are a Nurse Owned and Family Operated Private Duty Home Care Agency offering Companion Services (meal prep, transportation, light housekeeping), Personal Care (bathing, dressing, transfers), and Skilled Care (assessments, medication management, med box fills). We also provide Medical Staffing. BrightStar Care is Joint Commission Accredited and Awarded Leader in Excellence, Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice 2016 - 2020 by Home Care Pulse. All caregivers are background checked, drug tested, bonded and insured. We are available 24/7...Just a phone call away!