Patient/caregiver was educated on measures to manage and prevent activation of psoriasis as follows:
- Senior citizens, individuals receiving chemo or radiation therapies, individuals with history of HIV or AIDS, individuals with history of autoimmune diseases, and individuals with history of organ transplantation & prolonged steroid intake can have poor and altered immunity levels, which can put them at increased risk for exposure to infectious agents and diseases. Both altered immunity and recurrent infections can act as triggers for psoriasis activation. The risk to contact infectious diseases can be particularly high especially during times of season change and epidemic outbreaks. Individuals at risk for immunodeficiency must avoid getting into crowds, to avoid contact with infectious agents. Observe compliance with appropriate infection control measures, such as, proper handwashing, droplet and airborne precautions, to prevent exposure to infectious agents. Seek physician consultation at the earliest notice of infection signs. Observe compliance with antibiotic administration, if any recommended, for control of infections.
- For unknown reasons, smoking is also known to act as a trigger for psoriasis activation. Individuals with history of smoking and psoriasis must exercise compliance with smoking cessation. Seek assistance with a behavioral therapist to gain control on smoking addiction.
