In caring for a client with psoriasis, what is the primary goal of treatment?

The primary goal of treatment for a client with psoriasis is to decrease the turnover rate of epidermal cells. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by rapid skin cell production, leading to the accumulation of skin cells and the formation of plaques, which can be itchy and painful. By decreasing the turnover rate, treatment aims to manage the symptoms and reduce the visible plaques, improving the overall appearance of the skin and alleviating discomfort.

The emphasis on reducing the turnover rate encompasses various treatment modalities, such as topical therapies, phototherapy, and systemic medications. These approaches help to slow down the skin cell proliferation associated with psoriasis, thus promoting a more normalized skin renewal process.

While other strategies, such as increasing sun exposure or removing plaques, may have beneficial effects, they do not address the fundamental issue of excessive epidermal cell turnover that characterizes psoriasis. This highlights why decreasing the turnover rate is central to managing the condition effectively.