Psoriasis in 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 relief of symptoms.
However, if there is a sudden worsening of psoriasis, what to do in such cases and what medicines to use? The answer to this question is chosen individually for each patient, however, 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. Usually, the manifestation of the main symptoms is observed in autumn and winter, in 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. 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 deficient.
- The activation of viral and bacterial infections in the cold season negatively affects the state of the immune system, and thus 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 cause psoriasis to worsen.
In addition, the following prerequisites and factors for the development of exacerbation have been 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);
- Non-adherence to the diet;
- Refusal to take special medications;
- Violation of metabolic processes;
- Intoxication of the body (alcohol, infectious, poisoning by toxic substances).
So, as can be seen from the list, worsening of psoriasis does not occur without visible reasons, and prerequisites are necessary for this.
Signs of exacerbation
Symptoms of psoriasis are almost always present in patients 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 red 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;
- Appearance of unbearable itching and burning (in extreme cases - pain syndrome);
- Feeling of dryness and tightness, discomfort;
- Intensification of rashes and increase in their surface 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 can be irritable, and sudden changes in mood are also 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. However, during pregnancy, hormone and vitamin D levels change dramatically, which can cause 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 rash on the back, head, face in the groin;
- Nausea, often accompanied by vomiting without relief;
- Loss or decreased appetite;
- anxiety;
- Sleep disorder;
- Increased body temperature.
An increase in cortisol levels can also be a trigger for regression. What's more, the hormone can be released both before psoriasis worsens and after, while keeping 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 phase 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 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 the recommendations of your doctor.
How to stop the progression of the disease during an exacerbation?
First of all, when the symptoms of psoriasis of any kind intensify, it is important to determine what caused the regression. However, it is not always possible to perform this action independently, 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.
Drug treatment
Taking the necessary medicines, as well as the use of medicines for external use, is an integral part of the treatment of worsening 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.
Creams, ointments and lotions, as well as auxiliary cosmetics, are used to relieve visible symptoms and improve the condition of the skin. Such products dry out the affected areas, accelerate skin regeneration and reduce peeling.
Physiotherapy
This method of eliminating the worsening 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 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, only one influence method or the whole combination can be selected. Physiotherapy methods are usually combined with mandatory drugs and are not used as an alternative to other methods.
Proper nutrition
Regression occurs very often in the course of dermatosis as a result of eating unhealthy foods and products. However, even the consumption of only "real" products does not always guarantee a reduction in risk, so in such cases patients turn to the doctor again with the question of what to do during an exacerbation of psoriasis if the cause cannot be determined. As a rule, such patients simply forget that foods with highcontent of allergens must also be excluded from the daily menu.
So the menu should not contain:
- Chicken eggs;
- Citrus fruits and honey;
- Whole milk (especially milk with a high fat content);
- 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 allowed. Sweets and dishes with a high carbohydrate content (based on simple carbohydrates) are completely excluded from the diet. Carbohydrate-free sweeteners are allowed. In addition, it is necessary to stop smoking and drinking alcohol in any quantity.
Removal of aggravation with fasting
Fasting as a method of treating the disease is currently not fully studied, however, it shows the best results in eliminating the symptoms of psoriasis both in hospital conditions and at home. A six-to-one scheme, i. e. fasting once a week, is effective for the prevention and elimination of regression in dermatosis. In that case, it is not necessary to give up food completely, fasting days are sufficient.
In this case, the following methods are possible:
- During the day, consume only clean water;
- Consumption of only one 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 the hormone level will return. Fasting days also help strengthen the immune system.
Effective products for external use
Doctors readily answer the question of how to quickly alleviate the worsening of psoriasis, because the 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 range from three days to a week, but it is advisable 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 large lesions.
- Tar-based ointments and creams. The tar itself has anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties, helping to remove and prevent secondary infections. Ointments based on it improve the overall condition of the skin and accelerate its healing.
- Zinc and salicylic-zinc ointments. They have a drying and healing effect, prevent new rashes and destroy pathogenic microbes. Pastes should be used with caution in patients prone to allergic reactions.
A set of medicines 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.
Removal of symptoms of psoriasis from the scalp
The set of measures to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis of the scalp is slightly different from the methods to remove the regression of open areas of the body. However, in this case, it is additionally recommended to use special care cosmetics, especially shampoo:
- 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 flaking, 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, prevents 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 removes pink spots from the scalp and prevents their reappearance.
Each shampoo has its own contraindications and limitations. As a rule, any of the products shown 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 a patient is diagnosed with psoriasis, the treatment of the exacerbation is selected on an individual basis.However, for any type of this dermatosis, therapy includes drugs for external and internal use, as well as a specialized diet. Exacerbation can be prevented by strictly following all the doctor's recommendations.
FAQ
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 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 irritation.
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 often.
What factors can cause psoriasis to worsen?
The appearance of psoriasis can be caused by various factors, such as stress, infections, trauma to the skin, changes in the weather, certain medications or even certain foods. It's important to pay attention to your individual triggers and try to avoid them to reduce the risk of an outbreak.
Useful tips
Tip #1
Consult a dermatologist for expert 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 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.