Emergency Treatment for Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory, non-contagious skin disease that affects 1 in 50 adults and appears gradually. It rarely requires emergency treatment, however, sudden flare-ups of the all-covering erythrodermic psoriasis often require hospitalization and emergency treatment, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF).
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Covering
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erythrodermic psoriasis is scaly lesions covering all, or almost all, of the body, according to dermatologist Dr. Richard Langley. Pustules might be present on raw skin.
Causes
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According to the NPF, emergency causes of psoriasis include stopping drug treatments suddenly, infection, severe sunburn, or even medications like lithium, antimalarial drugs or strong coal tar applications. The first step to treating the psoriasis is to remove the cause.
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Stabilize
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Then stabilize the patient, notes Dr. Langley. The patient might have fevers and chills, be prone to infection in the 'involved' skin and struggling to maintain normal fluid and body temperatures. The heart rate might be high because of increased blood flow through the very inflamed skin, notes Dr. Langley.
Treatments
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Once stabilized, treat the patient with strong topical steroids, phototherapy or oral medications, according to Dr. Langley.
Combination
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According to the NPF severe psoriasis usually requires combinations of treatments; for example, phototherapy with topical applications, or phototherapy and prescription drugs taken orally or injected.
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