Effectively relieves psoriasis symptoms during exacerbations

Psoriasis itself is not a dangerous disease, but it can cause a lot of physical and psychological discomfort. At the same time, it's still nearly impossible to get rid of it completely. Therefore, the only effective measures are prevention and rapid symptom relief.But what should you do if your psoriasis suddenly gets worse? What medicine should you use? The answer to this question is chosen individually for each patient, but there are general rules of conduct.

Causes of aggravation and factors affecting recurrence manifestations

According to statistics, the recurrence rate of the disease is lower in warm seasons. Usually, the main symptoms appear in autumn and winter, when the weather gradually becomes colder. This is due to the following factors:

1. Spring and summer sunlight has a positive effect on skin conditions and prevents the active progression of psoriasis. This is where the factor of treating your skin with UV rays and flooding your body with vitamin D comes into play. In winter, the light supply is insufficient.
2. The activation of viral and bacterial infections in the cold season negatively affects the state of the immune system, which directly affects the skin.

At the same time, only a certain dose of ultraviolet radiation can have a positive impact on the skin. Too much light can make psoriasis worse.In addition, the following prerequisites and factors for exacerbation of the condition were identified:

• acute and sudden stress, progression of depression;
• excessive physical activity;
• long-term and uncontrolled drug use;
• climate change;
• Bacterial and viral infections of any nature;
• Skin damage (mechanical damage and insect bites);
• Failure to adhere to dietary habits;
• Refusal to take specific medications;
• disrupt metabolic processes;
• Physical intoxication (alcohol, infectious, poisonous substances).

Therefore, it can be seen from the list that exacerbation of psoriasis does not occur without an obvious cause and is a necessary prerequisite for its occurrence.

signs of deterioration

Symptoms of psoriasis are almost always present to some degree in sufferers. However, severe exacerbations of psoriasis often have unique symptoms:

1. Rapid increase in the number and size of erythema over the body (localization may depend on the type of psoriasis);
2. Terminal film appears on the surface of the affected skin;
3. Development of unbearable itching and burning sensations (extreme degree - pain syndrome);
4. Feeling dry, tight, and uncomfortable;
5. The rash worsens and increases in area due to mechanical damage to the skin in the affected area;
6. Flakes off, forming characteristic stearic stains.

At the same time, patients with psoriasis may become irritable and may experience sudden changes in mood. In turn, increased pressure can significantly worsen the position and appearance of the skin. In severe lesions, exudate and pus may accumulate.

Aggravated during pregnancy

With proper treatment, psoriasis in women can be relatively mild. However, during pregnancy, hormonal levels and vitamin D levels change dramatically, which may cause skin conditions to enter a resolving phase. In this case, the symptoms of exacerbation are mixed together and are reminiscent of physical intoxication. In this case, the following phenomena will occur:

• A painful and very itchy rash on the back, head, face, and groin area;
• Nausea, often accompanied by vomiting without relief;
• Decreased or decreased appetite;
• anxiety;
• sleep disorder;
• Increased body temperature.

Elevated cortisol levels may also trigger degeneration. In addition, this hormone can be released both before and after psoriasis worsens, while maintaining all the unpleasant symptoms of the disease. Therefore, treatment should also aim to reduce cortisol levels in pregnant women.

How long does the regression phase last?

With psoriasis, the nature of the course of the disease depends largely on the patient and how accurately he follows the instructions and recommendations of his treating physician. On average, psoriasis worsens five to ten times per year. In this case, the minimum duration of the return period is at least two weeks.An increase in dermatological symptoms may also occur for reasons beyond the patient's control. However, if you follow all your doctor's recommendations, the number of exacerbations can be significantly reduced.

How to prevent the progression of the disease during an exacerbation?

First, when symptoms of any type of psoriasis increase, it's important to determine what's causing the regression. However, you are not always able to do this yourself, so it is recommended to seek help from experts. The patient's previous correct regimen will need to be restored in the future.

medical treatement

Taking necessary medications and using topical medications is an integral part of treating psoriasis exacerbations. For this purpose, the following groups of drugs are used:

1. sedative;
2. NSAIDs;
3. Hormone drugs (advanced cases);
4. Multivitamin complex with vitamins B and D;
5. immunomodulators;
6. Antihistamines.

To relieve noticeable symptoms and improve the condition of the skin, creams, ointments and lotions as well as complementary cosmetics can be used. These products dry out the affected area, helping to speed up skin regeneration and reduce flaking.

physiotherapy

This method of eliminating exacerbations of psoriasis is used in almost all cases. It allows you to greatly enhance the effect of the drug and accelerate the tissue healing process, delaying the onset of the next degenerative phase.Some of the most effective physical therapy methods include:

• Ultrasound irradiation;
• magnet therapy;
• polyurethane;
• Phototherapy;
• Electrophoresis.

Methods without contraindications are chosen based on the circumstances of each case. In this case, only one influence method can be selected, or the entire combination. Physiotherapy methods are often combined with mandatory medication and are not a substitute for other methods.

proper diet

Many times, the regression of skin diseases occurs due to the consumption of unhealthy dishes and products. However, even consuming only the "right" products does not always guarantee a reduction in risk, in which case the patient will again turn to his doctor to ask what to do during an exacerbation of psoriasis if the cause cannot be determined. Often, these patients simply forget that foods high in allergens must also be excluded from the daily menu.Therefore, the menu should not contain:

1. egg;
2. citrus fruits and honey;
3. whole milk (especially high-fat milk);
4. red fruits and vegetables (especially without prior heat treatment);
5. fatty and spicy additives and sauces;
6. mushroom;
7. Fast food and semi-finished products;
8. Frying, fatting, salting, smoking, marinating.

Overeating and late meals are not allowed. Sweets and high-carbohydrate dishes (based on simple carbohydrates) are completely excluded from the diet. Non-carbohydrate sweeteners are allowed. In addition to this, smoking and drinking must also be stopped.

Relief through fasting

Fasting is currently understudied as a treatment for the disease, but it has been shown to be most effective at eliminating psoriasis symptoms in both hospital settings and at home. To prevent and eliminate the regression of skin diseases, a six-to-one regimen is effective, that is, fasting once a week. In this case, it is not necessary to give up food completely, it is enough to fast for a few days.In this case, the following approach can be used:

• Drink only clean water during the day;
• Consume only one product (fruit or vegetable, dairy product).

As a result, the burden 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 topical products

It is easy for doctors to answer the question of how to quickly relieve the worsening of psoriasis because a solution to this problem has already been found. In this case, it is better to use non-steroidal ointments to combat the inflammatory process. 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.The most effective anti-inflammatory drugs include:

1. Salicylic acid ointment. This 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 lesions.
2. Tar-based ointments and creams. Tar itself has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that help eliminate and prevent secondary infections. Ointments based on it also improve the overall condition of the skin and speed up its healing.
3. Zinc and zinc salicylate ointment. They have a drying and healing effect, prevent the occurrence of new rashes and destroy pathogenic microorganisms. Patients prone to allergic reactions should use the ointment with caution.

A group of medications can only be prescribed by a treating physician. Typically it is written for the entire course and can be used from time to time during exacerbations.

Relieve scalp psoriasis symptoms

A series of measures to reduce the symptoms of scalp psoriasis are little different from the methods used to eliminate degeneration in open areas of the body. However, in this case it is also recommended to use special care cosmetics, especially shampoos:

• The drug prevents the development of secondary fungal infections, eliminates skin peeling and itching, and regulates sebum secretion.
• This medicine allows you to quickly eliminate itching and flaking, relieve pain and irritation, and heal the skin.
• The shampoo is based on hot water, lactic acid and salicylic acid. It effectively removes excess fat, prevents its buildup, eliminates flaking and kills disease-causing bacteria.
• The product is based on medicinal herbs and birch tar extract. This shampoo accelerates the tissue regeneration process and regulates the formation of new skin cells. It is one of the safest on the list.
• This shampoo contains coal tar, which is known for its antibacterial properties. This product gets rid of pink spots on your scalp and prevents their recurrence.

Each shampoo has its own contraindications and limitations. Generally speaking, any product on this list can be used one to three times per week. It is recommended to wash your hair daily with only a conditioning shampoo.

in conclusion

When a patient is diagnosed with psoriasis, treatment options for exacerbations are chosen on an individual basis.However, for any type of this skin condition, treatment includes topical and internal medications as well as a specialized diet. By strictly following all the recommendations of your treating doctor, you can prevent the condition from getting worse.

FAQ

What methods are effective in relieving symptoms during an exacerbation of psoriasis?

During a psoriasis attack, topical medications, such as corticosteroid creams or ointments, and anti-psoriasis 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 irritation.

How long can psoriasis attacks last and how often do they recur?

The duration and frequency of psoriasis exacerbations may vary depending on a patient's individual characteristics. Exacerbations may last from weeks to months. The frequency of exacerbations may vary from patient to patient—some patients may experience them a few times a year, while others may experience them less frequently.

What factors can cause psoriasis to worsen?

Psoriasis attacks can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stress, infection, 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.

Useful tips

Tip #1

Consult a dermatologist for professional advice and appropriate treatment. Only a specialist can determine the extent of the exacerbation and choose effective medications and surgery.

Tip #2

Stick to a diet that eliminates 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.