What are the Frequent Complications With Aging Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin condition in which skin cells are renewed up to nine times faster than normal. It generally develops between the ages of 16 and 22 and between 57 and 60.
Psoriasis may develop in older people as a result of a reaction to multiple medications taken for other problems.
Psoriasis has special problems for older people and complications can include: inverse psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, erythrodermic psoriasis and generalized pustular psoriasis.
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Inverse Psoriasis
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Occurring at any age, inverse psoriasis is particularly troublesome for older people. Confined to skin folds, such as beneath the breasts, the groin, the genitals and between the buttocks, it is characterized by the formation of smooth, bright red, shiny, lesions.
Irritated by sweat and rubbing, these become extremely sore. Aging skin naturally loses elasticity, developing increasing folds and wrinkles in which lesions may develop. Age also limits movement and these painful areas become very difficult to treat independently.
Psoriatic Arthritis
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Approximately 10 percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, generally between the ages of 30 and 55. Older people who develop psoriatic arthritis may fail to recognize the disease and attribute symptoms to their advancing years.
Not confined to the joints, psoriatic arthritis can cause inflammation of the spine, tendons and cartilage, eyes, lung lining and (rarely) the aorta (the main artery of the body).
It is important for older people to be aware of this potential and to seek advice and treatment, which includes exercise, ice packs and medications.
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Erythrodermic Psoriasis
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Researchers at Wake Forest Medical Center suggest that older people are more at risk of developing life-threatening forms of psoriasis.
Erythrodermic psoriasis is a true dermatological emergency. Skin all over the body becomes very hot, red, painful and extremely itchy; large areas of skin may peel off as though the area had been blistered. The ankles will be swollen as fluid leaks from capillary vessels and the patient will experience fever and shivering.
Immediate medical attention is essential. Potential complications include dehydration, breathing difficulties as fluid leaks into the lungs, heart failure and hypothermia (low body temperature). A period of hospitalization will be required.
Generalized Pustular Psoriasis
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This is very rare, and must not be confused with pustular psoriasis (palmo-plantar psoriasis), a common variant of the disease occurring on the palms and the soles of the feet.
In the generalized form, small yellowish pustules develop on any area of the body and the surrounding skin is inflamed, hot and very red. The pustules appear and spread very quickly and there is fever and general malaise.
If left untreated, generalized pustular psoriasis may be followed by erythrodermic psoriasis.
Summary
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According to the National Institutes of Health, psoriasis affects about two percent of the U.S. population. It affects people of both sexes and all ages and races. It generally develops before age 60 but it may develop in older people as a result of multiple medication or other factors. Older people are more at risk of developing complications and it is important to be aware of this potential.
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