Psoriasis itself is not a dangerous disease, but it brings many physical and psychological discomforts. 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 to do in such cases and what drugs 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 influencing the manifestation of recurrence
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 increased 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 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. Excessive light can cause worsening of psoriasis.
In addition, the following prerequisites and factors for the development of 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 and insect bites);
- Failure to follow 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, exacerbation of psoriasis does not occur without apparent reasons and for this prerequisites are necessary.
Signs of exacerbation
The symptoms of psoriasis are almost always present in the patient in one way or another. However, a severe exacerbation of psoriasis usually has its 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 occurrence of unbearable itching and burning (in extreme degrees - pain syndrome);
- Sensation of dryness and tightness, discomfort;
- Intensification of skin 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 changes in mood 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 and vitamin D levels change dramatically, which can cause the dermatosis to enter a regressive phase. 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, face in the groin area;
- Nausea, often accompanied by vomiting without relief;
- Loss or decreased appetite;
- Anxiety;
- Sleep disorder;
- Increased body temperature.
Increased cortisol levels can also be a trigger for regression. Moreover, the hormone can be released both before a flare-up of psoriasis occurs, and after, maintaining all the unpleasant symptoms of the disease. Therefore, treatment should also aim to lower cortisol levels in pregnant women.
How long can the regression phase last?
With 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 attending physician. On average, psoriasis flare-ups occur five to ten times a year. In this case, the minimum duration of the regression period is at least two weeks.
An increase in the symptoms of dermatosis can also occur for reasons beyond the control of the patient. However, the number of flare-ups can be significantly reduced if you follow all your doctor's recommendations.
How to stop the progression of the disease during exacerbation?
First, when symptoms of psoriasis of any type increase, it is important to determine what caused the regression. However, it is not always possible to do this operation yourself, so it is recommended to seek help from a specialist. In the future, it is necessary to restore the patient's previous correct regimen.
Pharmacological treatment
Taking the necessary medications, as well as the use of drugs for external use, is an integral part of the treatment of exacerbation of psoriasis. For this, the following groups of drugs are used:
- Sedatives;
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Hormonal drugs (in advanced cases);
- Multivitamin complexes containing vitamins B and D;
- Immunomodulators;
- Antihistamines.
To relieve visible symptoms and improve skin condition, creams, ointments and lotions, as well as auxiliary cosmetics, are used. Such products dry out the affected areas, help accelerate skin regeneration and reduce flaking.
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 occurrence of the subsequent regressive period.
Some of the most effective physical therapy methods include:
- Ultrasound 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 whole combination. Physiotherapy methods are usually combined with mandatory medications and are not used as an alternative to other methods.
Correct diet
Most often, regression in the course of dermatosis occurs due to the consumption of unhealthy dishes and products. However, even consuming only the "right" products does not always guarantee a reduction in risks and in these cases patients turn to the doctor again wondering what to do during a psoriasis flare-up if the cause cannot be identified. As a rule, such 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 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, fatty, salted, smoked, marinades.
Excessive and late meals are not permitted. Sweets and carbohydrate-rich dishes (based on simple carbohydrates) are completely excluded from the diet. Sweeteners not containing carbohydrates are allowed. Along with this it is necessary to stop smoking and drinking alcohol in any quantity.
Relieve the aggravation with fasting
Fasting as a method of treating diseases has not yet been fully studied, however, in eliminating the symptoms of psoriasis, it shows the best results both in a hospital setting and at home. To prevent and eliminate the regression of dermatosis, a six-to-one scheme is effective, i. e. fasting once a week. In this case it is not necessary to completely give up food, fasting days are sufficient.
In this case the following methods are possible:
- Consume only clean water during the day;
- Consumption of only one product (fruit or vegetables, dairy products).
Thus, the load on the digestive system will be removed, the body will be able to recover and regenerate, and hormone 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 an exacerbation of psoriasis, since a solution to this problem has already been found. In this case, it is better 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 we find:
- Salicylic ointment. The product perfectly eliminates inflammatory processes, kills pathogenic bacteria, softens the skin, preventing its dehydration and accelerates regeneration processes. The ointment is suitable for daily use even in case of extensive injuries.
- 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 skin rashes and destroy pathogenic microbes. The 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 filled out for the entire course and can be used from time to time during exacerbations.
Relieve the symptoms of psoriasis from the scalp
A set of measures to reduce the symptoms of scalp psoriasis differs little from methods to eliminate regression of open areas of the body. However, in this case, it is additionally recommended to use special care cosmetics, especially shampoos:
- The drug prevents the development of secondary fungal infections, eliminates flaking and itching of the skin, and 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, lactic and salicylic acid. Effectively removes excess fat, preventing 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 eliminates pink spots from the scalp and prevents their reappearance.
Each shampoo has its contraindications and limitations. As a rule, any product presented in the list can be used one to three times a week. It is recommended to wash your hair every day only with healing shampoos.
Conclusion
When a patient is diagnosed with psoriasis, treatment for exacerbation is selected on an individual basis.However, for any type of dermatosis, therapy includes drugs 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 attending physician.
FAQ
What methods are effective for relieving psoriasis symptoms during a flare-up?
During a psoriasis flare-up, topical medications such as corticosteroid creams or ointments and antipsoriatic medications such as methotrexate or cyclosporine are effective ways to relieve symptoms. It is also important to take care of your skin, moisturizing it regularly and avoiding irritants.
How long can a psoriasis flare-up last and how often can it recur?
The duration and frequency of psoriasis flare-ups can vary depending on the individual characteristics of the patient. A flare-up can last from a few weeks to several months. The frequency of flare-ups can vary from patient to 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 flare-ups can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stress, infections, skin trauma, climate 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.
Useful tips
Tip number 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 drugs and procedures.
Tip no. 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.