Psoriasis is characterized by thick, scaly, itchy, and occasionally painful lesions that grow on the skin’s surface. Also known as psoriasis plaques, these lesions can range from mild to severe. They most typically affect the scalp, face, elbows, buttocks, and knees, but they can form anywhere on the body.
In more severe cases of psoriasis, plaques can fracture and bleed, resulting in fissures and open sores on the skin. Psoriasis fissures and exposed sores may be unpleasant and vulnerable to infection. For some people, they may also be a source of mental and emotional suffering.
If you live with psoriasis and sometimes encounter these symptoms, knowing a few easy first-aid procedures is a good idea to help protect your skin. This understanding can help you avoid infection and better manage your illness over time.
Keep in mind if you routinely develop fissures and open sores, your disease may not be well-controlled. Be careful to notify your doctor if you have these psoriasis symptoms frequently.
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First-Aid To Treat Psoriasis Fissures & Open Sores
If you acquire psoriasis plaques that open and form fissures in the skin, it’s crucial to administer basic first-aid methods to avoid infection and help the sores heal quicker.
Here’s what to do:
- First, before you do anything else, wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds. A fast approach to estimate this length of time is to sing “Happy Birthday” all the way through. Even after washing your hands, consider using disposable latex gloves if you have them handy. In that manner, you can avoid contacting the wound with your fingertips.
- If your sore or fissure is bleeding, stop the bleeding by applying consistent pressure with a clean gauze pad or towel for several minutes.
- Once the bleeding has stopped, clean the incision with warm water or saline solution. Remove any debris, including clothes lint, grime, or make-up from the sore.
- Gently wipe the area with warm, soapy water and gently dry it with a clean towel.
- Close the sore or fissure with medical tape, adhesive, or liquid bandage. You can get these first-aid materials at most pharmacies or online. Sealing the wound will help prevent it from dirt and bacteria and soothe the skin tissue to regenerate itself.
If you’re on the go and don’t have the right equipment to clean and treat your sore, keep it open until you have access to first-aid materials or rub lip balm or petroleum jelly on it. Closing a dirty wound with a bandage or cloth can trap dirt, germs, and debris and may result in infection.
When To Seek Medical Care For Psoriasis Fissures
In many circumstances, simple first-aid procedures can prevent infection in psoriasis sores and help the lesion heal faster.
If you begin to develop indications of infection, consult your doctor as soon as possible. Signs of infection may include: