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 relief of symptoms.
However, if psoriasis suddenly appears more severe, what to do in such cases and what medicine to use? The answer to this question is chosen individually for each patient, however, there are general rules of behavior.
Causes of exacerbations and factors affecting manifestations of recurrence
According to statistics, disease recurrence rarely occurs in the warm season. Most often, the manifestation of the main symptoms is observed in autumn and winter, during the period of increasing 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 aggressive progression of psoriasis. This is when the factor of ultraviolet skin treatment and saturating the body with vitamin D comes into play. In winter, there is a lack of light.
- 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 the dose of UV exposure of the skin can have a positive effect on it. Excessive light can make psoriasis worse.
In addition, the following prerequisites and factors for the development of exacerbations are identified:
- Sudden and sudden stress, progressive depression;
- excessive physical activity;
- prolonged and uncontrolled drug use;
- Climate changes;
- Bacterial and viral infections of any nature;
- Skin damage (mechanical, as well as insect bites);
- Non-compliance with diet;
- Refusal to take special medications;
- Violation of metabolic processes;
- Intoxication of the body (alcohol, infection, toxic substance poisoning).
So, as can be seen from the list, exacerbations of psoriasis do not occur without obvious reasons and prerequisites are necessary for it.
Serious signs
Symptoms of psoriasis are almost always present in patients to one degree or another. However, more severe psoriasis often has its own characteristic signs:
- A rapid increase in the number and volume of red 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;
- The appearance of unbearable itching and burning (in extreme degrees - pain syndrome);
- Feeling dry, tight, uncomfortable;
- Intensification of rashes and increase in their area due to mechanical damage to the skin in the affected area;
- Peeling off, forming characteristic stearin stains.
At the same time, patients with psoriasis may be irritable and may experience sudden mood changes. In turn, increased stress significantly worsens the position and appearance of the skin. With severe lesions, secretions and pus may accumulate.
The condition is aggravated during pregnancy
With appropriate treatment, psoriasis in women can be relatively mild. However, during pregnancy, hormone and vitamin D levels change significantly, which can cause dermatosis to enter a regressive stage. In this case, severe symptoms are mixed in their manifestations, reminiscent of intoxication of the body. In this case, the following phenomenon occurs:
- Painful and very itchy rash on the back, head, face and groin area;
- Nausea, often accompanied by vomiting that does not improve;
- Loss or decreased appetite;
- Worry;
- Sleep disorders;
- Body temperature increases.
An increase in cortisol levels can also cause regression. Moreover, hormones can be released both before the exacerbation of psoriasis and after it, 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?
With psoriasis, the nature of the course of the disease largely depends on the patient himself and the degree of exact compliance with the instructions and recommendations of the attending physician. On average, psoriasis exacerbations occur five to ten times per year. In this case, the minimum duration of the regression period is at least two weeks.
Increased symptoms of dermatological diseases can also occur for reasons beyond the patient's control. However, the number of exacerbations can be significantly reduced if you follow all your doctor's recommendations.
How to stop the progression of the disease during an exacerbation?
First of all, when the symptoms of psoriasis increase, it is important to determine the cause of the regression. However, you cannot always do this yourself and should seek the help of a specialist. In the future, it is necessary to restore the patient's previous correct treatment regimen.
Treatment medicine
Taking necessary medications as well as using topical medications is an indispensable part of treating psoriasis exacerbations. For this, the following groups of drugs are used:
- Sedative;
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- Hormonal drugs (in severe cases);
- Multivitamin complex containing vitamins B and D;
- immune regulation;
- Antihistamines.
To relieve visible symptoms and improve the condition of the skin, people use creams, ointments and lotions as well as auxiliary cosmetics. Such products dry the affected areas, help accelerate skin regeneration and reduce peeling.
Physical therapy
This method of eliminating exacerbations of psoriasis is used in most cases. It allows you to significantly enhance the effect of the drug and accelerate tissue healing, delaying the occurrence of the next stage of regression.
Some of the most effective physical therapy methods include:
- Ultrasonic exposure;
- Magnetic;
- PUVA;
- Phototherapy;
- Electrophoresis.
Methods are selected in the absence of contraindications in each individual case. In this case, it is possible to choose only one method of action or a complete combination. Physical therapy methods are often combined with mandatory medication and should not be used as a substitute for other methods.
Proper diet
Very often, regression of dermatosis occurs due to eating unhealthy dishes and products. However, even consuming only "suitable" products does not always guarantee a reduction in risks, and in such cases the patient turns to the doctor with the question of what to do when sick. Psoriasis becomes more severe if the cause cannot be identified. As a rule, such patients simply forget that foods with a high content of allergens must also be excluded from the daily menu.
So the menu should not contain:
- 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;
- Mushroom;
- Fast food and semi-finished products;
- Fried, fatty, salted, smoked, marinated.
Do not eat too much or eat late. Sweets and high-carbohydrate dishes (based on simple carbohydrates) are completely excluded from the diet. Non-carbohydrate sweeteners are allowed. Along with that, it is also necessary to stop smoking and drinking alcohol in any amount.
Reduce the severity of the condition by fasting
Fasting as a method of treating the disease is currently not fully researched, however, in eliminating the symptoms of psoriasis, it gives the best results both in the hospital and at home. To prevent and eliminate the regression of dermatological diseases, the 6 to 1 method is effective, that is, fasting once a week. In this case, it is not necessary to completely abstain from food, a fasting day is enough.
In this case, the following methods can be used:
- Consume only clean water during the day;
- Consume only one product (fruit or vegetables, dairy products).
Thus, the load on the digestive system will be removed, the body can recover and regenerate, hormone levels will be restored. Fasting days also help strengthen the immune system.
The product is effective for external use
Doctors are ready to answer the question of how to quickly relieve exacerbations of psoriasis, because the solution to this problem has already been found. In this case, it is best to use non-steroidal ointments to combat the inflammatory process. The course of treatment in this case will last 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 eliminates inflammatory processes, kills pathogenic bacteria, softens the skin, prevents dehydration and accelerates the regeneration process. The ointment is suitable for daily use even with extensive wounds.
- Ointments and creams based on tar. The tar itself has anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties, helping to eliminate and prevent secondary infections. Ointments based on it also improve the general condition of the skin and accelerate wound healing.
- Zinc and salicylic-zinc ointment. They have a drying and healing effect, prevent the appearance of new rashes and kill pathogenic bacteria. Caution should be exercised when using the paste in patients susceptible 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.
Reduces psoriasis symptoms from the scalp
A set of measures to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis on the scalp differs little from the methods of eliminating the regression of exposed areas of the body. However, in this case, it is recommended to use additional 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 peeling, relieve pain and irritation, and at the same time heal the skin.
- The shampoo is based on hot water, as well as lactic and salicylic acids. It effectively removes excess fat, prevents its accumulation, eliminates peeling and kills pathogenic bacteria.
- This product is based on extracts of medicinal herbs and birch sap. Shampoo accelerates tissue regeneration and regulates the formation of new skin cells. This is one of the safest on the list.
- The shampoo contains coal tar, known for its antibacterial properties. The product helps remove pink spots on the scalp and prevents them from reappearing.
Each type of shampoo has its own contraindications and limitations. As a rule, any of the products on the list can be used one to three times a week. You should only wash your hair every day with a caring shampoo.
Conclusion
Once a patient is diagnosed with psoriasis, treatment of the exacerbation is chosen on an individual basis.However, for any type of dermatological disease, treatment 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.
Frequently asked questions
What methods are effective for relieving the symptoms of psoriasis during exacerbations?
During psoriasis flare-ups, topical medications such as corticosteroid creams or ointments and anti-psoriasis medications such as methotrexate or cyclosporine are effective methods for symptom relief. It's also important to take good care of your skin, including moisturizing regularly and avoiding irritants.
How long can psoriasis flare up and how often can it recur?
The duration and frequency of psoriasis exacerbations can vary depending on the individual characteristics of the patient. An exacerbation can last from several weeks to several months. The frequency of exacerbations can vary from patient to patient - for some patients they may occur several times a year, while for others they occur less frequently.
What factors can worsen psoriasis?
Psoriasis flare-ups can be caused by many factors, such as stress, infection, 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 flare-ups.
Helpful advice
Tip #1
Consult a dermatologist for professional advice and appropriate treatment. Only a specialist can determine the severity and select effective medications and procedures.
Tip number 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.