Nursing Assessment, Management and Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases
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generally safe and may reduce symptoms in patients with mild to moderate psoria- sis (Mayo Clinic, 2020c). Examples of alternative therapies include the following (Mayo Clinic, 2020c): ● Aloes extract cream : This cream may reduce redness, inflammation, times a day. Patients should know that it may take a month or more to notice improvement. ● Fish oil supplements : Fish oil scaling, and itching. Aloe extract cream is typically applied several supplements used in conjunction with UVB therapy may reduce the amount of skin that is affected. Typically, fish oil is applied to the affected skin and covered with a dressing for 6 hours a day for 4 weeks. ● Essential oils : Essential oils used for aromatherapy (e.g., lavender) have been associated with stress and anxiety reduction. | NURSING CONSIDERATION Patients must be cautioned that be- fore adding alternative therapies to their treatment regimens they must consult with their healthcare provid- ers. Nursing interventions Nursing interventions include, as al- ways, patient/family education regarding medication and other aspects of the treat- ment regimen. Nurses should assess the patients’ support network. It is important that they have the support of family and friends (Rebar et al., 2019). Patients also need to know that self-care measures are available. With the approv- al of the healthcare providers, nurses can
explain the value of the following lifestyle and home remedies (Mayo Clinic, 2020c): ● Daily baths : Daily baths help to remove scales as well as calm inflamed skin. Bath oil, colloidal oatmeal, and Epsom salts can be added to the water, and patients should soak in this water for at least 15 minutes. Lukewarm water and mild soaps that have additional oils and fats are recommended. ● Moisturizers : After gently patting nearly dry, a heavy ointment-based moisturizer should be applied when the skin is still moist. If moisturizing has positive results, a moisturizer may be applied one to three times a day. ● Overnight coverage : An ointment- based moisturize should be applied to the affected skin and wrapped with plastic wrap before going to bed. Upon awakening, the plastic wrap is removed and scales are washed away. ● Medicated ointments : To reduce itching and inflammation, over-the- counter hydrocortisone creams may be applied to the affected skin. ● Triggers : Patients should identify personal triggers and make plans to avoid them. Infections, stress, and smoking can exacerbate signs and symptoms. ● Alcohol : Alcohol may interfere with the effectiveness of treatment regimens. Alcohol should be avoided. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, sys- temic, inflammatory disorder that usually affects the joints, the cervical spine, and surrounding muscles, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels (Rebar et al., 2019). In some people RA can damage a number of body systems, including the skin, eyes,
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