Psoriasis in itself is not a dangerous disease, but it causes many physical and psychological discomforts. In the meantime, it is still almost impossible to get rid of it completely. The only effective measure is therefore prevention and rapid relief of symptoms.
However, if an exacerbation of psoriasis appears suddenly, what to do in such cases and what medications to use? The answer to this question is chosen 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. Usually, 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 in the cold season negatively affects the state of the immune system, and therefore directly affects the skin.
At the same time, only dosed exposure of the skin to ultraviolet rays can have a positive effect on it. Too much light can make psoriasis worse.
Additionally, the following prerequisites and factors for the development of an exacerbation are identified:
- Acute 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 kind;
- Skin damage (mechanical and insect bites);
- Non-compliance with diet;
- Refusal to take special medications;
- Violation of metabolic processes;
- Intoxication of the body (alcohol, infectious, poisoning by toxic substances).
So, as the list shows, exacerbation of psoriasis does not occur without apparent reasons and prerequisites are necessary for this.
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 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 appearance of unbearable itching and burning (to extreme degrees - pain syndrome);
- Sensation of dryness and tightness, discomfort;
- Intensification of rashes and 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. In case of 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 significantly, which can cause the dermatosis to enter a regressive phase. 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;
- Nausea, often accompanied by vomiting without relief;
- Loss or decrease in appetite;
- Anxiety;
- Sleeping troubles;
- Increased body temperature.
An increase in cortisol levels can also be a trigger for regression. In addition, the hormone can be released both before and after an exacerbation of psoriasis, while maintaining all the unpleasant symptoms of the disease. Therefore, treatment should also be aimed at reducing cortisol levels in pregnant women.
How long can the regression phase last?
With 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 exacerbations 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 psoriasis symptoms of any nature increase, it is important to determine the cause of the regression. However, it is not always possible to perform this action on your own, so it is recommended to seek help from a specialist. In the future, it will be necessary to restore the patient's previous correct diet.
Medical treatment
Taking the necessary medications, as well as the use of medications for external use, is an integral part of the treatment of exacerbation of psoriasis. For this, the following groups of drugs are used:
- Sedatives;
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Hormonal medications (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 cosmetic products, are used. Such products dry the affected areas, help accelerate skin regeneration and reduce flaking.
Physiotherapy
This method of eliminating the exacerbation of psoriasis is used in almost all cases. It allows you to significantly improve the effect of medications and accelerate the process of tissue healing, thereby delaying the onset of the next regressive period.
Some of the most effective physical therapy methods include:
- Ultrasound 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.
Good Alimentation
Very often, regression in the course of dermatosis results from the consumption of 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 is notcan be identified. As a rule, such patients simply forget that foods containing high levels of allergens should also be excluded from the daily menu.
Therefore, the menu must not contain:
- Chicken eggs;
- Citrus 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, salty, smoked, marinades.
Overeating and late meals are not permitted. 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 quit smoking and drinking alcohol in any quantity.
Relieve aggravation with fasting
Fasting as a method of treating diseases has not been fully studied at the moment, however, eliminating the symptoms of psoriasis, it gives 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 food, fasting days are enough.
In this case, the following methods are possible:
- Consume only clean water during the day;
- Consumption of a single 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 hormone levels will be restored. Fasting days also help strengthen the immune system.
Effective products for external use
Doctors willingly 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 better to use non-steroidal ointments against inflammatory processes. In this case, the duration of treatment will vary 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, prevents its dehydration and accelerates regeneration processes. The ointment is suitable for daily use even in cases of extensive lesions.
- Tar-based ointments and creams. Tar itself has anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties, helps 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 appearance 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.
Relieve symptoms of scalp psoriasis
A set of measures aimed at reducing the symptoms of psoriasis of the scalp differs little from methods aimed at eliminating regression of open areas of the body. However, in this case, it is additionally recommended to use special care cosmetic products, including shampoos:
- The drug prevents the development of secondary fungal infections, eliminates peeling and itching of the skin, and regulates sebum secretion.
- The drug allows you to quickly get rid of itching and peeling, reduce pain and irritation, and heal 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 pink spots on the scalp and prevents their reappearance.
Each shampoo has its own contraindications and limitations. Typically, any of the products featured on the list can be used one to three times per 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 chosen on an individual basis.However, for any type of dermatosis, therapy includes medications for external and internal use, as well as a specialized diet. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of an exacerbation by strictly following all the recommendations of the attending physician.
FAQs
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 antipsoriasis medications such as methotrexate or cyclosporine are effective methods of relieving symptoms. It's also important to take good care of your skin, including moisturizing regularly 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'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 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.