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 quick elimination of symptoms.
But if the exacerbation of psoriasis suddenly appears, what to do in such cases and what drugs to use? The answer to this question is chosen individually for each patient, but there are general rules of conduct.
Causes of exacerbation and factors affecting 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 is observed in autumn and winter, during the period of increased cold weather. This is due to the following factors:
- Sunlight in spring and summer has a positive effect on the condition of the skin and prevents the active course of psoriasis. This is where the factor of treating the skin with ultraviolet rays and saturating the body with vitamin D comes into play. There is less light in winter.
- Activation of viral and bacterial infections in the cold season has a negative effect on the state of the immune system and therefore has a direct effect on the skin.
At the same time, only dosed exposure of the skin to ultraviolet radiation can have a positive effect on it. Too much light can make psoriasis worse.
In addition, the following preconditions and factors for the development of exacerbation are determined:
- Acute and sudden stress, progression of depression;
- Excessive physical activity;
- Long-term and uncontrolled use of drugs;
- Climate change;
- Infection with bacterial and viral infections of any nature;
- Skin damage (mechanical, as well as insect bites);
- non-compliance with the diet;
- Refusal to take special medications;
- Disruption of metabolic processes;
- Intoxication of the body (poisoning with alcohol, infectious, toxic substances).
So, as you can see from the list, exacerbation of psoriasis does not occur without clear reasons, and prerequisites are necessary for this.
Symptoms of exacerbation
Psoriasis symptoms are almost always present in the patient to one degree or another. However, a severe exacerbation of psoriasis usually has its own characteristic symptoms:
- A rapid increase in the number and volume of red spots on 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 sensation (extremely - pain syndrome);
- Feeling 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, the formation of a characteristic stearin stain.
At the same time, a patient suffering from psoriasis may be nervous, sudden mood swings are possible. In turn, increased stress significantly worsens the condition and appearance of the skin. With severe lesions, accumulation of exudate and pus is possible.
Exacerbation during pregnancy
With appropriate treatment, psoriasis in women can be relatively mild. However, hormonal levels and vitamin D levels change dramatically during pregnancy, which can cause dermatosis to go into a regressive phase. In this case, the symptoms of exacerbation are mixed with manifestations reminiscent of intoxication of the body. In this case, the following events occur:
- Painful and very itchy rash on back, head, face, groin area;
- Nausea, often accompanied by vomiting without relief;
- decreased or decreased appetite;
- Anxiety;
- Sleep disorder;
- Increase in body temperature.
An increase in cortisol levels can also be a trigger for regression. Moreover, the hormone can be released both before the exacerbation of psoriasis and after it, keeping all the unpleasant symptoms of the disease. Therefore, treatment should be aimed at lowering cortisol levels in pregnant women.
How long can the regression phase last?
The nature of the course of the disease with psoriasis depends mainly on the patient himself and how accurately he follows the instructions and recommendations of the attending physician. On average, exacerbation of psoriasis occurs five to ten times a year. In this case, the minimum duration of the regression period is at least two weeks.
An increase in dermatosis symptoms can also occur for reasons beyond the patient's control. But if you follow all the recommendations of your doctor, the number of exacerbations can be significantly reduced.
How to stop the progression of the disease during an exacerbation?
First of all, when the symptoms of any psoriasis increase, it is important to determine what caused the regression. However, it is not always possible to carry out this action with your own hands, so it is recommended to ask for help from a specialist. In the future, it is necessary to restore the previous correct mode of the patient.
Drug treatment
Taking the necessary drugs, as well as the use of drugs for external use, is an integral part of the treatment of exacerbation of psoriasis. The following drug groups are used for this:
- sedatives;
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Hormonal drugs (in advanced cases);
- multivitamin complexes with vitamins B and D;
- immunomodulators;
- Antihistamines.
Creams, ointments and lotions, as well as auxiliary cosmetics, are used to eliminate visible symptoms and improve the condition of the skin. Such products dry the affected areas, accelerate the regeneration of the skin and reduce peeling.
Physiotherapy
This method, which eliminates the exacerbation of psoriasis, is used in almost all cases. This allows to significantly increase the effect of drugs and accelerate the healing process of tissues, delaying the occurrence of the next regressive period.
Some of the most effective physiotherapy methods are:
- Ultrasonic exposure;
- Magnetotherapy;
- PUVA;
- phototherapy;
- Electrophoresis.
Methods are selected in each individual case if there are no contraindications. In this case, only one effect method or a whole combination can be selected. Physiotherapy methods are usually combined with mandatory drugs 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 foods and products. However, even consuming only the "correct" products does not always guarantee a reduction in risks, and in such cases, patients return to the doctor with the question of what to do when psoriasis flares up, when the cause cannot be determined. As a rule, such patients simply forget that foods with a high level of allergens should also be excluded from the daily menu.
So, the menu should not include:
- chicken egg;
- 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, oily, salty, smoked, marinades.
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. In addition, it is necessary to give up smoking and any amount of alcoholic beverages.
Relief of aggravation by fasting
At present, fasting as a treatment method for diseases is not fully studied, but it shows the best results in eliminating the symptoms of psoriasis both in the hospital setting and at home. To prevent and eliminate regression in dermatosis, the six-to-one scheme is effective, that is, fasting once a week. In this case, it is not necessary to completely refuse 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 the level of hormones 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 eliminate the exacerbation of psoriasis, because the 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 course of treatment will be from three days to a week, but it is recommended to consult a doctor before use.
Among the most effective anti-inflammatory drugs:
- 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 with extensive lesions.
- Ointments and creams based on tar. 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 formation of new rashes and destroy pathogenic microbes. Pastes should be used with caution in patients prone to allergic reactions.
The set of drugs should be prescribed only by the attending physician. As a rule, it is drawn up for the whole course and can be used periodically during exacerbations.
Eliminate the symptoms of psoriasis from the scalp
The complex of measures to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis of the scalp is little different from the methods of eliminating the regression of open areas of the body. However, in this case, it is recommended to additionally use special care cosmetics, especially 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 get rid of 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. It effectively removes excess oil, prevents accumulation, eliminates peeling and kills pathogenic bacteria.
- The product is based on extracts of medicinal plants 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, which is 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 in the list can be used one to three times a week. It is recommended to wash your hair every day only with care shampoos.
The result
When a patient is diagnosed with psoriasis, the treatment for exacerbation is selected individually.However, therapy for any type of this dermatosis includes drugs for external and internal use, as well as a special diet. It is possible to prevent exacerbation by strictly following all the doctor's recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
What methods are effective to relieve the symptoms of psoriasis during an exacerbation?
During psoriasis flare-ups, topical medications such as corticosteroid creams or ointments and antipsoriatic medications such as methotrexate or cyclosporine are effective ways to relieve symptoms. It's also important to take good care of your skin, including moisturizing regularly and avoiding irritants.
How long can psoriasis flare-ups last and how often can they recur?
The duration and frequency of exacerbation of psoriasis may vary depending on the individual characteristics of the patient. Aggravation can last from several weeks to several months. The frequency of exacerbations can be different for each patient - for some it can happen several times a year, and for others it happens less often.
What factors can cause exacerbation of psoriasis?
Psoriasis flare-ups can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as stress, infections, skin trauma, weather changes, certain medications, and even certain foods. It's important to pay attention to your personal 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 choose 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.