This third article in a seven-part series looking at the identification and treatment of psoriasis, explores the active ingredients and action of the main topical treatments for psoriasis. Community nurses are perfectly placed to help patients take control of their skin condition, particularly in advising them on the benefits of topical treatments, which as they can be applied directly to the skin, allow the area to be targeted, lowering the level of absorption into the bloodstream and reducing side-effects (Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance (PAPAA, 2017a).
Psoriasis is a common skin problem that can cause significant distress to primary care patients, as well as representing a significant burden to healthcare resources. Often seen by communinity nurses, psoariasis is a condition that requires careful management as well as extensive knowledge of the different presentation. This article, the second in a series looking at the identification and treatment of psoriasis, examines the use of emollients in psoriasis treatment, focusing on the aims, benefits and efficacy of these topical treatments.
With so much choice, there can be uncertainty around which skin preparations to use in people with skin that is damaged or in danger of becoming compromised. However, community nurses are ideally placed to carry out skin assessments, provide education and work with patients to identify an effective emollient package. Patient choice is crucial and should be available to patients of all ages with vulnerable, dry or scaly skin conditions. Patient education and written management plans are also essential for the successful management of dry skin conditions. However, choosing one type of bath additive or emollient over another can create confusion for healthcare professionals and patients alike and this article sets out some basic principles for successful management.
Sarah Purcell & Dr. David Paige give a brief overview on the management of dry skin conditions in infants & young children.
Collette Chambers from the National Eczema Society discusses the use of emollients in the treatment of eczema.
Collette Chambers is Information Co-ordinator for the National Eczema Society, London.
Article accepted for publication January 2002.
In recognition of National Eczema Week, health writer Beverley Chiodo gives a brief overview of the causes of eczema and its treatment.
Beverley Chiodo BA Hons, RGN, is a Freelance Health Writer, West Yorkshire.
Article accepted for publication August 2002.
Beverley Chiodo explains the role of emollients within the management of diseases with dry skin as a major symptom
Beverley Chiodo BA (Hons), RN is Practice Nurse, West Yorkshire
Article accepted for publication: August 2008
Carol Coley discusses the use of emollients in the management of skin conditions
Carol Coley MA, BSc (Hons), RN is a Skin Cancer Nurse Specialist, Dermatology Department, Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust
Article accepted for publication: January 2009
Julie van Onselen & Margaret Cox provide an overview of skin changes that occur as we age – the intrinsic and extrinsic factors – and looks at the types of eczema most commonly experienced in later life.
Acknowledgements:
Reproduced with kind permission from the National Eczema Society (NES): This article first appeared in Exchange – National Eczema Society Members Magazine, Issue 139, pp 30-32, March 2011.
For more information please visit www.eczema.org. Alternatively ring the Healthcare Professional Information Line on 020 7561 8230 or the Patient Helpline on 0800 0891122.
Julie van Onselen, Independent Dermatology Nurse, National Eczema Society
Margaret Cox, Chief Executive, National Eczema Society
Article accepted for publication: June 2011
