Psoriasis in itself is not a dangerous disease, but it is associated with a lot of physical and mental 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 a flare-up of psoriasis suddenly appears, what should be done in such cases and what medications should be used? The answer to this question is chosen individually for each patient, but 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 often in the warm season. Typically, the manifestation of the main symptoms can be observed in autumn and winter, during the period of increasing cold weather. This is due to the following factors:
- Spring and summer sunlight has a positive effect on the condition of the skin and prevents 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. There is little light in winter.
- 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 radiation can have a positive effect. Excessive 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;
- Long-term and uncontrolled use of drugs;
- Climate change;
- Bacterial and viral infections of any kind;
- Damage to the skin (mechanical and insect bites);
- non-compliance with the 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, the exacerbation of psoriasis does not occur without obvious 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 quantity 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;
- Unbearable itching and burning (in extreme cases - pain syndrome);
- Dryness and tightness, discomfort;
- Intensification of rashes and increase in their area in the affected areas due to mechanical damage to the skin;
- Exfoliation, the formation of a characteristic stearin stain.
At the same time, the patient with psoriasis can be irritable and sudden mood changes are possible. Increased stress, on the other hand, significantly worsens the condition and appearance of the skin. Accumulation of exudate and pus is possible in case of severe lesions.
Exacerbation during pregnancy
With proper treatment, psoriasis in women can be relatively mild. However, during pregnancy, hormone levels and vitamin D levels change dramatically, which can lead to a regressive stage of dermatosis. In this case, symptoms of exacerbation are mixed in their manifestations, which reminds of poisoning 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 unrelieved vomiting;
- Loss of appetite or loss of appetite;
- Anxiety;
- Sleep disorder;
- Increased body temperature.
An increase in the cortisol level can also trigger the regression. In addition, the hormone can be released both before and after the exacerbation of psoriasis, while 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 phase last?
In the case of psoriasis, the nature of the course of the disease depends to a large extent on the patient himself and on how accurately he follows the instructions and recommendations of the treating physician. Psoriasis flares occur an average of 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 due to reasons beyond the patient's control. However, the number of exacerbations can be significantly reduced if you follow all the doctor's recommendations.
How to stop the progression of the disease during exacerbation?
First of all, when psoriasis symptoms of any kind worsen, it is important to determine what caused the regression. However, this operation cannot always be performed independently, so it is recommended to seek the help of a professional. In the future, the patient's previous correct regimen must be restored.
Drug treatment
An integral part of the treatment of psoriasis exacerbation is the taking of the necessary medicines, as well as the use of medicines intended for external use. The following drug groups are used for this:
- Tranquilizers;
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- hormonal drugs (in advanced cases);
- multivitamin complexes containing vitamins B and D;
- Immunomodulators;
- Antihistamines.
Creams, ointments and body lotions, as well as complementary cosmetics, are used to relieve visible symptoms and improve the condition of the skin. Such products dry out the affected areas, help speed up skin regeneration and reduce peeling.
Physiotherapy
The method for eliminating the exacerbation of psoriasis is used in almost all cases. It makes it possible to greatly increase the effect of drugs and accelerate the healing process of tissues, delaying the occurrence of the next regressive period.
The most effective physical therapy methods include:
- Ultrasonic exposure;
- Magnetotherapy;
- PUVA;
- Phototherapy;
- Electrophoresis.
In all cases, the methods are selected in the absence of contraindications. In this case, only one influencing method or a complete combination can be selected. Physiotherapy methods are usually combined with mandatory drug treatment and are not used as an alternative to other methods.
Proper diet
Very often, during dermatosis, regression occurs as a result of eating unhealthy foods and products. However, even consuming the "right" products does not always guarantee a reduction in risk, and patients return to the doctor with the question of what to do in the event of a flare-up of psoriasis, if the cause cannot be identified. Usually, such patients simply forget that highfoods containing allergens must also be excluded from the daily menu.
Therefore, the menu cannot 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;
- Mushroom;
- Fast food and semi-finished products;
- Fried, fatty, salted, smoked, marinated.
Overeating and late meals are not allowed. Sweets and high-carbohydrate foods (based on simple carbohydrates) are completely excluded from the diet. Non-carbohydrate sweeteners are allowed. At the same time, smoking and alcohol consumption must also be given up.
Alleviation of aggravation by fasting
Fasting as a disease treatment method is currently not fully studied, however, it shows the best results in eliminating the symptoms of psoriasis both in hospital and at home. The six-to-one scheme is effective for preventing and eliminating the regression of dermatosis, that is, fasting once a week. In this case, it is not necessary to give up food completely, fasting days are also sufficient.
In this case, the following methods are possible:
- During the day, drink only clean water;
- Consuming only one product (fruit or vegetable, dairy products).
In this way, the load on the digestive system will be removed, the body will be able to recover and regenerate, and the hormone level will be restored. Fasting days also strengthen the immune system.
Effective products for external use
Doctors are ready to answer the question of how to quickly relieve the 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 duration of treatment in this case ranges from three days to one week, but it is recommended to consult a doctor before use.
The most effective anti-inflammatory drugs include:
- Salicylic ointment. The product perfectly eliminates inflammatory processes, destroys pathogenic bacteria, softens the skin, prevents it from drying out, and accelerates regeneration processes. The ointment is suitable for daily use even in case of extensive lesions.
- Tar-based ointments and creams. The tar itself has anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties, helping to eliminate and prevent secondary infections. Ointments based on this improve the general condition of the skin and speed up 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.
The medicine kit can only be prescribed by the attending physician. As a rule, it is compiled for the entire course and can be used from time to time during exacerbations.
Alleviating the symptoms of psoriasis on the scalp
The set of measures to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis of the scalp is little different from the methods to stop the regression of open areas of the body. In this case, however, it is recommended to use special care cosmetics, especially 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, reduces pain and irritation, and heals the skin.
- The shampoo is based on thermal water and lactic and salicylic acid. It effectively removes excess fat, prevents its accumulation, eliminates peeling and destroys pathogenic bacteria.
- The product is based on herbal extracts 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 removes pink spots from the scalp and prevents their reappearance.
Each shampoo has its own contraindications and limitations. As a general rule, any of the products on this list can be used one to three times a week. We recommend that you wash your hair daily with only caring shampoos.
Conclusion
When the patient is diagnosed with psoriasis, the treatment of the exacerbation is selected individually.However, for all types of this dermatosis, therapy includes drugs for external and internal use, as well as a special diet. Exacerbation can be prevented by strictly following all the recommendations of the attending physician.
F. A. Q
What methods are effective for relieving the symptoms of psoriasis during an exacerbation?
During psoriasis flare-ups, topical medications such as corticosteroid creams or ointments and anti-psoriasis medications such as methotrexate or cyclosporine are effective ways to relieve symptoms. It's also important to take good care of your skin, including regular hydration and avoiding irritants.
How long can a flare-up of psoriasis last and how often does it recur?
The duration and frequency of psoriasis exacerbations can vary depending on the individual characteristics of the patient. Exacerbation can last from several weeks to several months. The frequency of exacerbations can vary from patient to patient - for some, several times a year, while for others, less often.
What factors can cause psoriasis to worsen?
Psoriasis flare-ups can be caused by many factors, such as stress, infections, skin injuries, weather changes, certain medications, or even certain foods. It's important to pay attention to 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 can determine the degree of exacerbation and select effective drugs 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.