Psoriasis itself is not a dangerous disease, but it brings a lot of physical and psychological discomfort. Meanwhile, it is still almost impossible to completely get rid of it. 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 behavior.
Causes of exacerbation and factors influencing the manifestation of relapse
According to statistics, relapses of the disease occur less frequently in the warm 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 in short supply.
- 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 by the skin can have a positive effect on it. Excess light can cause psoriasis to worsen.
In addition, the following prerequisites and factors for the development of exacerbation are identified:
- Sharp and sudden stress, progression of depression;
- Excessive physical activity;
- Prolonged and uncontrolled use of medications;
- Climate change;
- Infection with bacterial and viral infections of any nature;
- Damage to the skin (mechanical, as well as insect bites);
- Non-compliance with diet;
- Refusal to take special medications;
- Violation of metabolic processes;
- Intoxication of the body (alcohol, infectious, poisoning with toxic substances).
Thus, as can be seen from the list, exacerbation of psoriasis does not occur without apparent reasons and prerequisites are necessary for it.
Signs of exacerbation
Symptoms of psoriasis are almost always present in the patient to one degree or another. However, a severe exacerbation of psoriasis usually has its own characteristic signs:
- A rapid increase in the number and volume of reddish spots throughout the body (localization 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 a characteristic stearin stain.
At the same time, a patient suffering from psoriasis may be irritable, and sudden mood changes are possible. In turn, increased stress significantly worsens the position and appearance of the skin. With severe lesions, accumulation of exudate and pus is possible.
Exacerbation during pregnancy
With proper treatment, psoriasis in women can be relatively mild. However, during pregnancy, hormonal levels and vitamin D levels change dramatically, which can cause dermatosis to enter a regressive stage. In this case, the symptoms of exacerbation are mixed in their manifestations, reminiscent of intoxication of the body. In this case, the following phenomena occur:
- Painful and very itchy rashes on the back, head, face in the groin area;
- Nausea, often accompanied by vomiting without relief;
- Loss or decreased appetite;
- Anxiety;
- Sleep disorder;
- Increased body temperature.
An increase in cortisol levels can also be a trigger for regression. Moreover, the hormone can be released both before an exacerbation of psoriasis occurs and after, while maintaining all the unpleasant symptoms of the disease. Therefore, treatment should also be aimed at lowering cortisol levels in pregnant women.
How long can the regression stage last?
With psoriasis, the nature of the course of the disease largely depends on the patient himself and on how accurately he follows the instructions and recommendations of the attending physician. On average, exacerbations of psoriasis occur from five to ten times per 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 the recommendations of your doctor.
How to stop the progression of the disease during exacerbation?
First of all, when the symptoms of psoriasis of any kind increase, it is important to determine what caused the regression. However, it is not always possible to perform this action on your own, so it is recommended to seek the help of a specialist. In the future, it is necessary to restore the patient’s previous correct regimen.
Drug treatment
Taking the necessary medications, as well as the use of drugs for external use, is an integral part of the treatment of exacerbation of psoriasis. For this, the following groups of medications are used:
- Sedatives;
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Hormonal drugs (in advanced cases);
- Multivitamin complexes containing vitamins B and D;
- Immunomodulators;
- Antihistamines.
To relieve visible symptoms and improve the condition of the skin, creams, ointments and lotions, as well as auxiliary cosmetics, are used. Such 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 greatly enhance the effect of medications and speed up 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 medication and are not used as an alternative to other methods.
Proper diet
Very 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 high levels of allergens must also be excluded from the daily menu.
Thus, the menu should not contain:
- Chicken eggs;
- Citrus fruits and honey;
- Whole milk (especially high-fat milk);
- Red fruits and vegetables (especially without prior heat treatment);
- Fatty and spicy additives and sauces;
- Mushrooms;
- Fast food and semi-finished products;
- Fried, fatty, salted, smoked, marinades.
Overeating and late meals are not allowed. Sweets and high-carbohydrate dishes (based on simple carbohydrates) are completely excluded from the diet. Non-carbohydrate sweeteners are allowed. 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 been fully studied at the moment, however, in eliminating the symptoms of psoriasis, it shows the best results both in a hospital setting and at home. To prevent and eliminate regression in dermatosis, a six to one scheme is effective, that is, fasting once a week. In this case, it is not necessary to completely give up food; fasting days are enough.
In this case, the following methods are possible:
- Consume only clean water during the day;
- Consumption of only one product (fruit or vegetable, dairy products).
Thus, the load on the digestive system will be removed, the body will be able to recover and regenerate, and hormone 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 relieve 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 will range from three days to a week, but it is recommended to consult a doctor before use.
Among the most effective anti-inflammatory drugs 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 lesions.
- Ointments and creams based on tar. Tar itself has anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties, helps eliminate and prevent secondary infections. Ointments based on it also improve the overall 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 medications 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 psoriasis from the scalp
A set of measures to reduce symptoms of psoriasis of the scalp differs little from methods for eliminating regression of open areas of the body. However, in this case, it is additionally recommended to use special care cosmetics, in particular shampoos:
- The drug prevents the development of secondary fungal infections, eliminates peeling and itching of the skin, and regulates the secretion of sebum.
- The drug allows you to quickly get rid of itching and flaking, reduces pain and irritation, and heals the skin.
- The shampoo is based on thermal water, as well as lactic and salicylic acid. It 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 pinkish spots from 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, treatment for exacerbation is selected on an individual basis.However, for any type of this dermatosis, the therapy includes medications for external and internal use, as well as a specialized diet. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of exacerbation by strictly following all the recommendations of the attending physician.
FAQ
What methods are effective for relieving the symptoms of psoriasis 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 for relieving symptoms. It's also important to take good care of your skin, including regular moisturizing and avoiding irritants.
How long can a psoriasis flare-up last and how often can it recur?
The duration and frequency of exacerbations of psoriasis 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, skin trauma, weather changes, certain medications, or even certain foods. It is 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 drugs and procedures.
Tip #2
Stick to a diet that excludes psoriasis-causing foods, 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.