Introducing

Our Moodle platform offers a comprehensive collection of courses designed to educate, support, and empower individuals affected by psoriatic disease. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or healthcare provider, these courses provide valuable insights and practical tools for managing psoriatic disease and its related conditions. Dive in to enhance your knowledge and gain practical skills tailored to your needs.

What is Psoriasis (PsO)

This introductory course covers everything you need to know about psoriatic disease.

Living with Psoriatic Disease

This course provides an in-depth understanding of psoriatic disease.

What about Psoriatic Arthritis? (PsA)

This course on psoriatic arthritis (PsA) provides an overview of the condition.

My Support Network

This course emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach to managing psoriatic disease.

Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP)

This course highlights the severity of GPP) a rare psoriatic disease variant.

What is Psoriasis (PsO)

This introductory course offers a thorough understanding of psoriatic disease. It breaks down the different types of psoriasis, including plaque, guttate, inverse, erythrodermic, and pustular psoriasis. You’ll also learn about common triggers, genetic links, and treatment options. The course includes quizzes to test your knowledge and provide a clear understanding of how to manage flare-ups and identify early signs of associated conditions like psoriatic arthritis.

Course Details

Creator

Dr Veronica Mitchell (PhD)
With support from specialist dermatologists, dermatology nurses, and patients

Duration

Approximately 90 minutes

Type

Self Guided

Course Content

Introduction to Psoriasis

This section covers psoriasis as a chronic autoimmune inflammatory condition affecting over 125 million people globally, with symptoms that commonly impact areas like the scalp, elbows, hands, feet, and genitals. It explains that psoriasis is not contagious but significantly affects quality of life, with flare-ups, joint pain, and potential development of psoriatic arthritis. The section explores genetic, environmental, and behavioral triggers, such as stress, medications, and physical trauma. Additionally, it addresses the emotional and mental health challenges faced by those with psoriasis, including isolation, stigmatization, and workplace discrimination, which affect daily living and socioeconomic well-being. While there is no cure, the section emphasizes that early intervention and management can help reduce the risk of associated conditions like metabolic syndrome.

Types of Psoriasis

This section covers the five identified types of psoriasis that are visible on the skin. These include plaque psoriasis, the most common form, characterized by red, scaly, inflamed plaques on areas like the scalp, knees, and elbows. Guttate psoriasis, appearing as small, red, scaly spots, often triggered by a streptococcal throat infection and more common in younger individuals. Inverse psoriasis, which affects skin folds such as underarms and the genital area, presenting smooth, shiny lesions that worsen with moisture and rubbing. Erythrodermic psoriasis is a severe and rare form, affecting large portions of the skin with widespread inflammation, redness, and peeling, often requiring urgent medical care. Lastly, pustular psoriasis features painful pus-filled pustules or blisters, triggered by infections or medication withdrawal, and can be localized or widespread across the body, sometimes necessitating emergency care.

Treatment Options

This section covers the various treatment options available for psoriasis, ranging from conventional medical treatments to complementary approaches. It explains that there is no cure, but a combination of methods often works best. Treatment is tailored to each individual needs based on the severity, type, and location of the psoriasis, as well as the patient’s quality of life and access to care. Medical options include topical treatments like emollients and coal tar, phototherapy using ultraviolet light, systemic treatments like methotrexate, and biologics for severe cases. Patients should work closely with a healthcare provider to monitor their response to treatment and manage potential side effects. Additionally, alternative approaches such as diet, mental health wellness techniques, and traditional remedies are also explored. Self-care and support are crucial to promoting well-being and managing the condition effectively.

Overcoming Challenges

This section discusses the challenges faced by people with psoriasis and aims to dispel common myths about the condition. Diagnosis challenges include misdiagnosis, as psoriasis can be confused with eczema or psoriatic arthritis with tendinitis. Societal responses such as stigma and discrimination further complicate life for those affected, due to misunderstandings about the disease. Personal challenges include managing time-consuming treatments, dealing with costly medication, physical discomfort, and emotional effects like anxiety and depression. The section also addresses myths, clarifying that psoriasis is not contagious, not merely a cosmetic issue, and not caused by poor hygiene or stress. Psoriasis can affect people of all ages and, while it can be triggered by various factors, including diet and sun exposure, it is an autoimmune condition that requires ongoing management for symptom control.

What’s Included

4 Sections

5 Quizzes

Requirements

To take a Moodle course, you’ll need a computer, tablet, or smartphone. A stable internet connection is essential for accessing course materials. Additionally, you’ll need to register or be provided with login credentials (username and password) to access the course.

Living with Psoriatic Disease

This course provides an in-depth understanding of psoriatic disease, emphasizing that it affects each individual differently. It covers the complexities of the condition, which extends beyond the skin to impact organs and mental health, and highlights various types of psoriasis and the importance of personalized treatment. The unpredictable nature of flare-ups and associated conditions like psoriatic arthritis are discussed, along with practical tips for self-care and managing symptoms. The course also stresses the importance of mental well-being, family support, and dispelling myths, encouraging students to seek proper medical advice and connect with support networks.

Course Details

Creator

Dr Veronica Mitchell (PhD)
With support from specialist dermatologists, dermatology nurses, and patients

Duration

Approximately 90 minutes

Type

Self Guided

Course Content

Introduction to Psoriatic Disease

This section covers psoriatic disease as a chronic inflammatory condition linked to the immune system. It explains that while the disease is often thought to be just a skin condition, it affects the body more deeply, with both visible and less visible signs. Psoriatic disease involves inflammation, pain, and potential damage to various parts of the body, including mental health. Additionally, it highlights five types of psoriasis—plaque, guttate, inverse, erythrodermic, and pustular—and emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment, as the progression and remission of the disease are unpredictable. The section also stresses the need to be aware of associated conditions like psoriatic arthritis and comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular complications.

Managing Psoriatic Disease

This section on  Managing Psoriatic Disease highlights the importance of family and social support, emotional stability, and self-care in living with psoriasis. Psychiatrist Dr. Mariam Karjiker emphasizes the role of relationships and how they contribute to coping with the disease. The course covers the emotional toll psoriasis can take, including dealing with stigma, mental health challenges, and the importance of reducing stress. Support from family members is essential for helping with self-care routines, advocacy, and coping during flare-ups. Additionally, lifestyle adjustments, like managing stress and avoiding triggers, are necessary to effectively manage symptoms. The section also advises patients to be alert to misinformation, potential adverse reactions to medications, and comorbidities, stressing the importance of ongoing communication with healthcare professionals. Access to appropriate medication can be challenging, especially in certain health systems, requiring patients to advocate for affordable treatment options.

Emotional and Mental Health

This section on Emotional and Mental Health emphasizes the significant impact psoriasis can have on mental well-being. Emotional distress from managing symptoms and flare-ups often leads to anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. To help manage these challenges, six key tips are recommended: getting enough sleep, exercising, eating healthy, taking breaks, connecting with loved ones, and seeking professional help. The section also explores the strain psoriasis can place on social and intimate relationships, highlighting the difficulty some individuals face in expressing their feelings, leading to misunderstandings. When psoriasis affects intimate areas, it can cause discomfort and impact sexual health and self-esteem, complicating personal relationships. Fertility is not affected by psoriasis, though treatment options may influence family planning. The section encourages open communication and awareness of these challenges to foster better emotional and mental health outcomes.

Self-Care and Practical Advice

The section titled “Self-Care and Practical Advice” focuses on providing practical tips to manage the symptoms of psoriasis effectively. It emphasizes the importance of creating a consistent daily routine for skin, scalp, and nail care to prevent flare-ups and discomfort. Key advice includes keeping the skin moisturized, avoiding triggers, and maintaining good hygiene when applying lotions. The section also discusses dealing with psoriasis-related flakes and managing itchiness through moisturizers, cold compresses, and topical treatments. Additionally, it highlights the significance of stress management and support from others in coping with psoriasis.

Myths and Additional Resources

This section covers some of the common myths and misconceptions surrounding psoriatic disease and provides information on available support resources and personal stories. It clarifies that psoriatic disease is not caused by poor hygiene and is, in fact, an autoimmune condition. The unpredictable nature of the disease is highlighted, including how flare-ups can occur even during remission. The content emphasizes that treatment options vary widely, and there is no universal cure. Support groups such as the South African Psoriasis Association (SAPSA) and other resources are suggested to help individuals connect and receive guidance. Personal stories, like that of Angie Smith, offer insight into the human side of living with psoriatic disease.

What’s Included

5 Sections

6 Quizzes

Requirements

To take a Moodle course, you’ll need a computer, tablet, or smartphone. A stable internet connection is essential for accessing course materials. Additionally, you’ll need to register or be provided with login credentials (username and password) to access the course.

What about Psoriatic Arthritis? (PsA)

This course on psoriatic arthritis (PsA) provides an overview of the condition, explaining it as a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints. It covers the different types of PsA, its symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis to prevent joint damage. Treatment options, including medications and non-medication therapies like physiotherapy and diet, are discussed. The course emphasizes the importance of person-centered care, self-management, and regular follow-ups with healthcare providers. It also highlights the challenges of diagnosis and the value of reaching out to support groups for comprehensive care.

Course Details

Creator

Dr Veronica Mitchell (PhD )
With support from specialist dermatologists, dermatology nurses, and patients

Duration

Approximately 90 minutes

Type

Self Guided

Course Content

Introduction to Psoriatic Arthritis

This section covers the introduction to psoriatic arthritis, a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the joints, causing inflammation and varying symptoms such as severity, onset, and time of occurrence. Symptoms can be unpredictable, similar to psoriasis flare-ups. Additionally, the importance of early diagnosis and treatment is emphasized, particularly in South Africa where PsA diagnosis rates are low due to limited rheumatologists and general practitioners’ unfamiliarity with the disease. Early intervention is crucial to prevent irreversible joint damage and to address associated psychological impacts.

Recognizing and Addressing the Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis

This section covers the recognition and addressing of psoriatic arthritis symptoms. It explains how psoriatic arthritis can develop slowly with mild symptoms over time or appear suddenly with severe joint destruction. Commonly affected joints include those in the fingers, toes, knees, ankles, and spine. A key feature of psoriatic arthritis is dactylitis, which causes swelling in the fingers or toes. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, stiffness, and swelling, and early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent long-term joint damage. The section emphasizes the importance of consulting a rheumatologist to manage symptoms effectively.

Types of Psoriatic Arthritis

This section covers the different types of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Symmetric PsA affects joints on both sides of the body, while Asymmetric PsA impacts joints on one side or different joints on each side. Distal Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP) PsA involves the joints nearest to the nails. Spondylitis causes inflammation in the spine, leading to pain and stiffness. Arthritis Mutilans is a rare and severe form causing joint damage and deformities. PsA can also lead to enthesitis, which is inflammation at tendon or ligament attachment points, and dactylitis, characterized by painful swelling of entire fingers or toes. The course of PsA varies, with symptoms ranging from mild flare-ups to persistent joint issues.

What’s Included

3 Sections

4 Quizzes

Requirements

To take a Moodle course, you’ll need a computer, tablet, or smartphone. A stable internet connection is essential for accessing course materials. Additionally, you’ll need to register or be provided with login credentials (username and password) to access the course.

My Support Network

This course on healthcare provider support for psoriatic disease emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to managing the condition. It covers the roles of various professionals, including pharmacists, doctors, nurses, dieticians, therapists, and even traditional healers, in providing care. The course highlights the need for clear communication between patients and healthcare providers to ensure individualized treatment. It also underscores the emotional and mental health challenges associated with psoriatic disease and the importance of support from family and friends. By partnering with healthcare professionals and being informed, patients can better manage their condition and improve their quality of life.

Course Details

Creator

Dr Veronica Mitchell (PhD)
With support from specialist dermatologists, dermatology nurses, and patients

Duration

Approximately 90 minutes

Type

Self Guided

Course Content

Building Your Healthcare Support Team

This section emphasizes the importance of building a comprehensive healthcare support team for managing psoriatic disease. It outlines various professionals, including pharmacists, doctors, nurses, traditional healers, dietitians, and therapists, who play crucial roles in patient care. Effective communication with these providers is vital for individualized care, as every patient’s needs and responses to treatment may differ. The section stresses that patients should take an active role in their health management, working collaboratively with their support team to ensure effective communication and access to appropriate treatment options. Overall, establishing a strong support system can significantly enhance health outcomes and patient well-being.

Complementary Support Options

The section on “Complementary Support Options” highlights the various healthcare professionals and traditional healers who can offer assistance to those managing psoriatic disease. African traditional medicine, provided by Sangomas and traditional healers, offers holistic care rooted in indigenous knowledge systems. Additionally, therapists such as psychologists, sleep therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and bio-kineticists can provide support in areas like emotional burden, sleep issues, daily activity adjustments, and joint stiffness. Dieticians also play a crucial role, recommending anti-inflammatory diets and advising against obesity and foods that can trigger inflammation. Each of these professionals helps in addressing both the physical and emotional challenges associated with psoriatic disease.

Family and Friends as Support

This section highlights the critical role of loved ones in providing both emotional and practical assistance to individuals with psoriatic disease. Ariel Naidoo shares four key tips on how family members can offer support, while Gloria reflects on the immense value she places on her family’s help throughout her journey. Additionally, Veronica emphasizes that the most effective form of support is one rooted in partnership, where both parties work together toward better management of the disease. This section encourages patients to lean on their support systems and reassures them that they are not alone in their challenges.

What’s Included

3 Sections

4 Quizzes

Requirements

To take a Moodle course, you’ll need a computer, tablet, or smartphone. A stable internet connection is essential for accessing course materials. Additionally, you’ll need to register or be provided with login credentials (username and password) to access the course.

Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP)

The course on Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP) covers the severity of this rare variant of psoriatic disease, characterized by widespread eruptions of painful sterile pustules often accompanied by fever. GPP affects about 3% of people with psoriatic disease and can appear without a history of psoriasis. It is not contagious and involves a significant genetic component related to inflammation. The onset can be sudden, with pustules joining, bursting, and leaving the skin raw, leading to complications such as sepsis and organ failure. The physical and emotional burdens include pain, anxiety, and potential stigma. Depression is often linked to inflammation, further worsened by obesity, making this disease highly debilitating. Testimonies from patients emphasize the mental toll, such as feelings of isolation and emotional strain.

Course Details

Creator

Dr Veronica Mitchell (PhD)
With support from specialist dermatologists, dermatology nurses, and patients

Duration

Approximately 90 minutes

Type

Self Guided

extra nurse resources

Course Content

What is Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP)?

The section covers the severity of this rare variant of psoriatic disease, characterized by widespread eruptions of painful sterile pustules often accompanied by fever. GPP affects about 3% of people with psoriatic disease and can appear without a history of psoriasis. It is not contagious and involves a significant genetic component related to inflammation. The onset can be sudden, with pustules joining, bursting, and leaving the skin raw, leading to complications such as sepsis and organ failure. The physical and emotional burdens include pain, anxiety, and potential stigma, with the unpredictability of flare-ups adding to the distress. Depression is often linked to inflammation, further worsened by obesity, making this disease highly debilitating. Testimonies from patients emphasize the mental toll, such as feelings of isolation and emotional strain.

GPP Diagnosis and Treatment

This section discusses the diagnostic methods and treatment approaches for Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP). Diagnosis may not require a biopsy as pustules are visibly apparent, but biopsies can help confirm and guide treatment. GPP often leads to systemic symptoms such as a drop in blood pressure, increased pulse, and spiking temperatures, with the disease following a variable course of remissions and relapses. Urgent treatment, usually requiring hospitalization, is needed in severe cases (known as von Zumbusch psoriasis). Treatments include both topical applications (like steroids) and systemic medications (such as methotrexate or biologics like secukinumab), depending on severity. Nursing care involves the application of wet and dry wraps, using gentle, non-irritating approaches to care for the sensitive skin. The section also highlights the painful nature of GPP, the challenges in managing the condition, and the progression of treatment in hospital settings.

Tips

This section emphasizes the importance of ongoing care for managing GPP. It advises weaning off steroids carefully and maintaining regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers. An individualized care plan should include a maintenance schedule for moisturizing and treating the skin, considering any comorbidities, and tracking disease flare patterns. Proper lotion hygiene is crucial to avoid contamination, with specific steps like washing hands, using clean utensils, and discarding leftover lotion. Patients should also discuss key issues with healthcare providers, such as medication affordability and understanding treatment regimens. Avoiding potential triggers like infections, emotional stress, and sudden withdrawal from corticosteroids is essential for managing GPP effectively.

What’s Included

3 Sections

4 Quizzes

Requirements

To take a Moodle course, you’ll need a computer, tablet, or smartphone. A stable internet connection is essential for accessing course materials. Additionally, you’ll need to register or be provided with login credentials (username and password) to access the course.