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.
But if there is a sudden exacerbation of psoriasis, 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 influencing the occurrence of relapse
According to statistics, relapses of the disease occur less often in the warm season. Usually, the manifestation of the main symptoms is observed in autumn and winter, during the period of intensification of 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. Here comes the factor of treating the skin with ultraviolet light and saturating the body with vitamin D. 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 of the skin to ultraviolet radiation can have a positive effect on it. Excess light can make psoriasis worse.
In addition, 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 drugs;
- Climate change;
- Infection with bacterial and viral infections of any nature;
- Skin damage (mechanical, as well as insect bites);
- Failure to follow a diet;
- Refusal to take special medications;
- Disturbance of metabolic processes;
- Intoxication of the body (alcoholic, 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 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:
- Rapid increase in the number and volume of reddish spots all over the body (localization 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);
- 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, formation of a characteristic stearic stain.
At the same time, a patient suffering from psoriasis can be irritable and sudden mood swings are possible. In turn, increased stress significantly worsens the position and appearance of the skin. In severe lesions, accumulation of exudate and pus is possible.
Exacerbation during pregnancy
With proper treatment, psoriasis in women can be relatively mild. During pregnancy, however, hormone levels and vitamin D levels change dramatically, which can lead to a regressive phase of the dermatosis. 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 intensely 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.
Elevated 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 lowering 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 on 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 the recommendations of your doctor.
How to stop the progression of the disease during an exacerbation?
First of all, when psoriasis symptoms of any kind increase, it is important to determine what caused the regression. But it is not always possible to perform this action yourself, so it is recommended to seek the help of a specialist. In the future, it is necessary to restore the previous correct regimen of the patient.
Medication 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 groups of drugs are used for this:
- sedatives;
- Nonsteroidal 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 significantly enhance the effect of drugs and accelerate the tissue healing process, delaying the onset of the next regression 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 impact method or a whole combination can be chosen. Physiotherapy methods are usually combined with mandatory drug therapy 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 "correct" products does not always guarantee a reduction of 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, suchpatients simply forget that foods with a high content of allergens should also be excluded from the daily menu.
Thus, the menu should not contain:
- Chicken eggs;
- Citrus fruits and honey;
- Whole milk (especially high-fat);
- 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, marinated.
Overeating and late meals are not allowed. Sweet and high-carbohydrate dishes (based on simple carbohydrates) are completely excluded from the diet. Non-carb sweeteners are allowed. Along with this, it is necessary to stop smoking and drinking alcohol in any quantity.
Alleviation of aggravation by fasting
Fasting as a method of treating diseases is currently not fully studied, but in eliminating the symptoms of psoriasis it shows the best results both in hospital conditions and at home. To prevent and eliminate regression in dermatosis, the six-to-one scheme, i. e. fasting once a week, is effective. 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).
This will remove the load from the digestive system, the body will be able to recover and regenerate, and the hormonal 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 the exacerbation of psoriasis, since a solution to this problem has already been found. In this case, it is best to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ointments. 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 removes 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. The 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 appearance of new rashes and destroy pathogenic microbes. Pastes should be used with caution in patients prone to allergic reactions.
A set of drugs 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.
Relief of scalp psoriasis symptoms
The set of measures to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis of the scalp differs little from the methods to eliminate the regression of the exposed parts of the body. However, in this case it is recommended to additionally use special cosmetics for care, 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 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 fat, prevents its accumulation, removes 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 removes pink spots on the scalp and prevents their reappearance.
Each shampoo has its own contraindications and limitations. As a rule, each of the products presented in 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 the patient is diagnosed with psoriasis, the treatment of exacerbation is selected individually.But with any type of this dermatosis, therapy includes drugs 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.
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 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 last and how often can 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 for each patient - in some they may occur several times a year, while in 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 a flare-up.
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 choose effective drugs and procedures.
Tip #2
Stick to 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.