Psoriasis itself is not a dangerous disease, but it brings a lot of physical and psychological discomfort. Meanwhile, it is still almost impossible to get rid of it completely. Therefore, the only effective measure is prevention and rapid relief of symptoms.
However, if an exacerbation of psoriasis suddenly appears, what to do in such cases and what medications to use? The answer to this question is selected individually for each patient, however, there are general rules of conduct.
Causes of exacerbation and factors influencing the manifestation of relapse
According to statistics, relapses of the disease occur less frequently in the hot season. Typically, the manifestation of the main symptoms is observed in autumn and winter, during the period of increasing cold weather. This is due to the following factors:
- Sunlight in spring and summer has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, preventing the active progression of psoriasis. This is where the factor of treating the skin with ultraviolet light and saturating the body with vitamin D comes into play. In winter, light is scarce.
- The activation of viral and bacterial infections during the cold season negatively affects the state of the immune system and therefore directly affects the skin.
At the same time, only dosed exposure to ultraviolet radiation through the skin can have a positive effect on it. Excess light can worsen psoriasis.
Additionally, the following prerequisites and factors for the development of exacerbation are identified:
- Acute and sudden stress, progression of depression;
- Excessive physical activity;
- Prolonged and uncontrolled use of medications;
- Climate Change;
- Infection by bacterial and viral infections of any nature;
- Damage to the skin (mechanical and also from insect bites);
- Non-compliance with the diet;
- Refusal to take special medications;
- Violation of metabolic processes;
- Bodily intoxication (alcohol, infectious, poisoning with toxic substances).
So, as can be seen from the list, the exacerbation of psoriasis does not occur without apparent reasons and prerequisites are needed for this.
Signs of exacerbation
The symptoms of psoriasis are almost always present in the patient to one degree or another. However, a severe exacerbation of psoriasis often has its own characteristic signs:
- Rapid increase in the number and volume of reddish spots all over the body (the location may depend on the type of psoriasis);
- The appearance of a terminal film on the surface of the affected skin;
- The occurrence of unbearable itching and burning (in extreme degrees - pain syndrome);
- Feeling of dryness and tightness, discomfort;
- Intensification of rashes and an increase in their area due to mechanical damage to the skin in the affected areas;
- Peeling, formation of characteristic stearin stain.
At the same time, a patient suffering from psoriasis may become irritable and sudden changes in mood are possible. In turn, increased stress significantly worsens the position and appearance of the skin. With severe injuries, the accumulation of exudate and pus is possible.
Exacerbation during pregnancy
With proper treatment, psoriasis in women can be relatively mild. However, during pregnancy, hormone and vitamin D levels change drastically, which can cause the dermatosis to enter a regressive stage. In this case, the symptoms of exacerbation are mixed in their manifestations, reminiscent of bodily intoxication. In this case, the following phenomena occur:
- Painful and very itchy rashes on the back, head and face in the groin area;
- Nausea, often accompanied by unrelieved vomiting;
- Loss or decrease in appetite;
- Anxiety;
- Sleep disorder;
- Increased body temperature.
An increase in cortisol levels can also be a trigger for regression. Furthermore, the hormone can be released before and after an exacerbation of psoriasis occurs, maintaining all the unpleasant symptoms of the disease. Therefore, treatment should also aim to reduce cortisol levels in pregnant women.
How long can the regression stage last?
In psoriasis, the nature of the course of the disease largely depends on the patient himself and how accurately he follows the instructions and recommendations of the attending physician. On average, psoriasis flares occur five to ten times a year. In this case, the minimum duration of the regression period is at least two weeks.
Increased symptoms of dermatosis can also occur for reasons beyond the patient's control. However, the number of exacerbations can be significantly reduced if you follow all your doctor's recommendations.
How to stop the progression of the disease during an exacerbation?
First, when symptoms of any type of psoriasis increase, it is important to determine what caused the regression. However, it is not always possible to carry out this action alone, so it is recommended to seek help from a specialist. In the future, it will be necessary to restore the patient's previous correct regimen.
Drug treatment
Taking the necessary medications, as well as taking medications for external use, is an integral part of the treatment of exacerbation of psoriasis. For this, the following groups of medicines are used:
- Sedatives;
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Hormonal medications (in advanced cases);
- Multivitamin complexes containing vitamins B and D;
- Immunomodulators;
- Antihistamines.
To alleviate visible symptoms and improve the condition of the skin, creams, ointments and lotions are used, as well as auxiliary cosmetics. These products dry out the affected areas, help accelerate skin regeneration and reduce peeling.
Physiotherapy
This method of eliminating exacerbation of psoriasis is used in almost all cases. It allows you to significantly enhance the effect of medications and accelerate the tissue healing process, delaying the occurrence of the next regressive period.
Some of the most effective physical therapy methods include:
- Ultrasonic exposure;
- Magnetotherapy;
- PUVA;
- Phototherapy;
- Electrophoresis.
Methods are selected in the absence of contraindications in each individual case. In this case, only one method of influence or a whole combination can be chosen. Physiotherapeutic methods are usually combined with mandatory medications and are not used as an alternative to other methods.
Proper diet
Often, regression in the course of dermatosis occurs as a result of eating unhealthy dishes and products. However, even consuming only the "right" products does not always guarantee a reduction in risks, and in such cases, patients again turn to the doctor with the question of what to do during an exacerbation of psoriasis if the cause cannot be identified. As a rule, such patients simply forget that foods with a high content of allergens should also be excluded from the daily menu.
Therefore, the menu should not contain:
- Chicken eggs;
- Citrus fruits and honey;
- Whole milk (especially high-fat milk);
- Red fruits and vegetables (mainly without prior heat treatment);
- Fatty and spicy additives and sauces;
- Mushrooms;
- Fast food and semi-finished products;
- Fried, fatty, salty, smoked, marinated.
Overeating and late meals are not allowed. Sweets and dishes rich in carbohydrates (based on simple carbohydrates) are completely excluded from the diet. Non-carbohydrate sweeteners are permitted. Along with this, it is also necessary to stop smoking and drinking alcohol in any quantity.
Relieving aggravation with fasting
Fasting as a method of treating diseases has not yet been fully studied, however, in eliminating the symptoms of psoriasis, it shows the best results both in a hospital setting and at home. To prevent and eliminate the regression of dermatosis, a six-to-one regimen is effective, that is, fasting once a week. In this case, it is not necessary to completely abandon your diet, fasting days are enough.
In this case, the following methods are possible:
- Consume only clean water during the day;
- Consumption of only one product (fruits or vegetables, dairy products).
Thus, the load on the digestive system will be removed, the body will be able to recover and regenerate, and hormonal levels will be restored. Fasting days also help strengthen the immune system.
Effective products for external use
Doctors readily answer the question of how to quickly alleviate an exacerbation of psoriasis, since a solution to this problem has already been found. In this case, it is best to use non-steroidal ointments against inflammatory processes. The course of treatment in this case varies from three days to a week, but it is recommended to consult a doctor before use.
Among the most effective anti-inflammatories are:
- Salicylic ointment. The product perfectly eliminates inflammatory processes, kills pathogenic bacteria, softens the skin, preventing its dehydration and accelerates regeneration processes. The ointment is suitable for daily use even with extensive injuries.
- Tar-based ointments and creams. Tar itself has anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties, helps to eliminate and prevent secondary infections. Ointments based on it also improve the general condition of the skin and accelerate its healing.
- Zinc and salicylic zinc ointments. They have a drying and healing effect, prevent the occurrence of new rashes and destroy pathogenic microbes. Pastes should be used with caution in patients prone to allergic reactions.
A set of medicines should be prescribed only by the attending physician. As a rule, it is compiled for the entire course and can be used from time to time during exacerbations.
Relieving symptoms of scalp psoriasis
A set of measures to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis on the scalp differs little from methods to eliminate regression of open areas of the body. However, in this case, it is additionally recommended to use special care cosmetics, in particular shampoos:
- The medicine prevents the development of secondary fungal infections, eliminates peeling and itching of the skin, and regulates sebum secretion.
- The medicine allows you to quickly eliminate itching and peeling, reduces pain and irritation and heals the skin.
- The shampoo is based on thermal water, as well as lactic and salicylic acid. Effectively removes excess fat, preventing its accumulation, eliminates flaking and kills pathogenic bacteria.
- The product is based on extracts of medicinal herbs and birch tar. The shampoo accelerates tissue regeneration processes and regulates the formation of new skin cells. It is one of the safest on the list.
- The shampoo contains coal tar, known for its antibacterial properties. The product eliminates pink spots on the scalp and prevents their reappearance.
Each shampoo has its own contraindications and limitations. As a rule, any of the products presented on the list can be used one to three times a week. It is recommended to wash your hair daily only with care shampoos.
Conclusion
When a patient is diagnosed with psoriasis, exacerbation treatment is selected individually.However, for any type of this dermatosis, therapy includes medications for external and internal use, as well as a specialized diet. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of exacerbations by strictly following all the recommendations of the attending physician.
Common questions
What methods are effective in relieving psoriasis symptoms during an exacerbation?
During a psoriasis flare-up, topical medications such as corticosteroid creams or ointments and antipsoriatic medications such as methotrexate or cyclosporine are effective methods of relieving symptoms. It is also important to take good care of your skin, moisturizing it regularly and avoiding irritants.
How long can a psoriasis flare last and how often can it recur?
The duration and frequency of psoriasis exacerbations may vary depending on the individual characteristics of the patient. An exacerbation can last from several weeks to several months. The frequency of exacerbations may vary for each patient – for some they may occur several times a year, while for others they occur less frequently.
What factors can provoke an exacerbation of psoriasis?
Psoriasis flare-ups can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stress, infections, trauma to the skin, weather changes, certain medications, or even certain foods. It's important to pay attention to your individual triggers and try to avoid them to minimize the risk of flare-ups.
Useful Tips
Tip #1
Consult a dermatologist for professional advice and appropriate treatment. Only a specialist will be able to determine the degree of exacerbation and select effective medications and procedures.
Tip #2
Follow a diet that excludes foods that cause psoriasis, such as spicy and fatty foods, alcohol, citrus fruits, and chocolate. Choose foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants, such as fish, nuts, olive oil, fruits and vegetables.