Psoriasis itself is not a dangerous disease, but it causes 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 behavior.
Causes of exacerbation and factors that influence 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. 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. Here 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 of the skin can have a positive effect on it. Too much light can cause psoriasis to worsen.
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 due to bacterial and viral infections of any nature;
- Damage to the skin (mechanical and insect bites);
- Failure to comply with the diet;
- Refusal to take special medications;
- Violation of metabolic processes;
- Intoxication of the body (alcohol, infectious, poisoning with toxic substances).
Therefore, as can be seen from the list, the exacerbation of psoriasis does not occur without apparent reasons and prerequisites are necessary 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 usually has its own characteristic signs:
- A rapid increase in the number and volume of reddish spots throughout 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 (in 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 swings are possible. In turn, increased stress significantly worsens the position and appearance of the skin. With severe injuries, accumulation of exudate and pus is possible.
Exacerbation during pregnancy.
With proper treatment, psoriasis in women can be relatively mild. However, during pregnancy, hormone levels 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 intoxication of the body. 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 vomiting without relief;
- Loss or decrease in appetite;
- Anxiety;
- Sleep disorder;
- 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 the exacerbation of psoriasis, 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 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 treating doctor. 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 type increase, it is important to determine what caused the regression. However, it is not always possible to carry out 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.
Pharmacotherapy
Reception of the necessary medications, as well as the use of medications for external use, is an integral part of the treatment of psoriasis exacerbation. For this, the following groups of medications 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 cosmetics, are used. These products dry the affected areas, help accelerate skin regeneration and reduce peeling.
Physiotherapy
This method of eliminating psoriasis exacerbation is used in almost all cases. It allows you to greatly improve the effect of medications and accelerate the tissue healing process, delaying the onset 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, you can choose only one method of influence or a complete combination. Physiotherapeutic methods are usually combined with mandatory medication and are not used as an alternative to other methods.
Proper diet
Most often, regression in the course of dermatosis occurs as a result of eating unhealthy dishes and products. However, even consuming only the "correct" products does not always guarantee a reduction in risks, and in such cases, patients again go to the doctor with the question of what to do during an exacerbation of psoriasis if the cause cannot be identified. cause. As a rule, these patients simply forget that foods with high levels of allergens should also be excluded from the daily menu.
Therefore, the menu should 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 sauces and additives;
- Fungus;
- Fast food and semi-finished products;
- Fried, fatty, salted, smoked, marinated.
Overeating and late eating are not allowed. Sweets and carbohydrate-rich 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.
Relieve aggravation with fasting
Fasting as a method of treating diseases has not been fully studied so far, however, to eliminate the symptoms of psoriasis, it shows the best results both in the hospital and at home. To prevent and eliminate the regression of dermatosis, a six-to-one scheme 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 (fruit or vegetables, dairy products).
Thus, the burden 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 easily 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 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 case 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 the symptoms of scalp psoriasis.
A set of measures to reduce the symptoms of scalp psoriasis differs little from methods to eliminate the 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, regulates sebum secretion.
- The drug 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 peeling 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 general 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, the treatment of the exacerbation 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 treating doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What methods are effective in relieving psoriasis symptoms during an exacerbation?
During a psoriasis flare, topical medications such as corticosteroid creams or ointments and antipsoriatic 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 it regularly and avoiding irritants.
How long can a psoriasis flare last and how often can it come back?
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 can vary for each patient: for some they may occur several times a year, while for others they occur less frequently.
What factors can cause an exacerbation of psoriasis?
Psoriasis flares 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 individual triggers and try to avoid them to minimize the risk of flare-ups.
Helpful 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.