Psoriasis is a genetic disease that has no cure, but is characterized by periods of remission and exacerbation. The pathology often leads to severe itching, pain and excessive peeling of the skin, which is why it is so important to know how to alleviate the exacerbation of psoriasis and alleviate your condition.
Signs of exacerbation of psoriasis
Psoriasis relapse begins quickly and acutely. After a long period of remission, new rashes form on the body. Those areas of the body where the skin is the driest are especially affected: the sacral area, legs, palms, scalp. The patient's condition worsens sharply and the following signs appear:
- Formation of a final film at the site of the removed scales, especially in guttate psoriasis;
- Strong, sometimes unbearable itching;
- Peeling and redness of the skin in the affected areas;
- Sensation of stretched skin.
Papules that appear after remission with a red or pale pink hue have clear, rough borders. Gradually, the rash develops into plaques that can reach a diameter of more than 10 cm. The scales that cover the affected areas of the skin peel off well, and blood may appear under them.
The best time to relapse
The best time for exacerbation of psoriasis is the cold season (winter, autumn), when many viruses and bacteria circulate in the air. There are several reasons for this:
- During the sunny season, the rays have a beneficial effect on the skin and the human body as a whole. Lack of vitamin D3 often leads to relapse.
- In winter, there is a decrease in immunity and this is a key factor in the exacerbation of psoriasis.
At the same time, there is a possibility of exacerbation of psoriasis in the summer. The reason is that an excessive amount of ultraviolet radiation also has a negative effect on the skin, causing it to become inflamed and new plaques to appear.
What causes deterioration
To this day, reliable causes of exacerbation of psoriasis are not known. What can lead to a relapse of the pathology in some patients is absolutely safe for others. Let's name only a number of factors that most often lead to the return of psoriasis:
- Stress, chronic fatigue, constant emotional stress;
- Any damage to the skin, both mechanical and chemical;
- Failure to follow the recommended diet. A relapse is possible if the body does not have the necessary minerals and vitamins;
- Deterioration of human immunity due to exposure to various factors;
- Abrupt climate change;
- Excessive use of alcohol and even smoking;
- Hormonal imbalance caused by taking hormonal drugs or malfunctioning of the thyroid gland;
- Pregnancy, menstruation, menopause are conditions in which hormonal levels also change in the body;
- The use of new cosmetic products that can be applied directly to the skin affected by psoriasis and worsen the course of the disease.
All of the above are just the most obvious and common causes of psoriasis flare-ups. In this case, a relapse may occur even after taking various, the simplest and most harmless drugs. In view of this, doctors recommend taking only those medicines that are necessary for health reasons.
How to quickly relieve aggravation
Since the symptoms begin to increase rapidly and sometimes become unbearable, the question of how to quickly relieve the exacerbation of psoriasis is the most pressing problem. The reason is that the disease has severe and painful symptoms, the patient suffers not only from the appearance of spots, but also from severe itching. All this worsens the quality of life.
People suffering from psoriasis note that the most effective means that can make life easier during this period are:
- Successive baths for significant lesions or lotions for small, tiny spots. Such solutions relieve itching, but strongly tighten the skin. Accordingly, it is better to take them in combination with petroleum jelly or baby cream.
- Sodium salt and thiosulphuric acid in ampoules. The pharmaceutical preparation can be replaced with natural remedies such as prunes, senna grass, dried apricots or raisins.
- Baths with pine needles and valerian, which can be taken every 2 days. The proportions are as follows: for one bath, a bottle of valerian and 50 ml. pine needle extract.
- Lotions with emollient cream and the addition of linseed decoction. The product promotes rapid healing of cracks and is most effective for psoriasis on the palms or soles.
- Rubbing with vinegar (a tablespoon of vinegar per 0. 5 liters of water). It helps to relieve itching quickly.
All the listed recipes will only help relieve acute symptoms, while traditional therapy cannot be considered a cure. If the disease recurs, you should contact a dermatologist who will prescribe treatment depending on the provoking factor.
The best way to relieve severe itching in case of recurrence
The most effective way to combat severe itching during a psoriasis flare-up is with medication. 1-2% salicylic acid ointment in combination with topical glucocorticosteroid drugs has been shown to be effective. In this case, it is necessary to ensure proper care of the affected skin. The patient should bathe and apply moisturizers to the affected areas.
The following drugs will help to eliminate severe itching:
- anti-allergic drugs that will help relieve itching when psoriasis symptoms become unbearable.
- ointments based on tar, salicylic acid, zinc oxide, synthetic analogue of vitamin D - ointments that help relieve inflammation, itching, soften the skin and disinfect it. Apply to rashes 2-3 times a day.
Relief of inflammation and redness in psoriasis
In addition to systemic therapy, during an exacerbation of psoriasis, drugs are also prescribed that help alleviate the external manifestations of the disease. Ointments, creams, gels, poultices that include sulfur, tar, solid oil or salicylic acid help relieve inflammation and redness. The following drugs have been shown to be effective:
- ointments based on naphthalene oil;
- zinc oxide ointment;
- ointment based on salicylic acid;
- products containing tar;
- solid oil products.
Such products have an antibacterial and antiseptic effect. They dry the skin, accelerate the healing process of plaques and stimulate the exfoliation process.
If the recurrence of the disease is extremely acute, the doctor may prescribe ointments with hormonal steroids to relieve inflammation. It is strictly forbidden to use such means yourself, as they have very bad consequences.
How to relieve a worsening headache
Exacerbation of scalp psoriasis can lead to some of the most unpleasant symptoms. Here you can not do without complex therapy, which includes:
- Taking drugs for various purposes: non-steroidal drugs that relieve inflammation, modulators of the immune system, sedatives and anti-allergic drugs. It is also recommended to take vitamins B, A and D as part of vitamin complexes.
- Medicines that have a local effect will help to cope with itching and inflammation of the scalp. They have a restorative, antibacterial, exfoliating effect. Ointments are applied to the affected areas of the scalp 2-3 times a day.
- Shampoos for psoriasis.
Before using any of the above means, you should consult a specialist. Really effective therapy can be prescribed only if the factors that provoked the exacerbation are taken into account.
How to relieve psoriasis flare-ups during pregnancy
Changes in hormonal levels during pregnancy are a cause of psoriasis recurrence. During an exacerbation, the woman suffers from severe intoxication and allergies. Red plaques form on the body, which itch and hurt. Body temperature rises, appetite disappears.
Exacerbation of psoriasis in pregnant women is a dangerous condition that threatens the health and even the life of the child. Miscarriage, early birth, prematurity - all these are catastrophic consequences of such a disease in pregnant women. For this reason, at the first symptoms, you should immediately go to the hospital, and not self-medicate.
Treatment methods for exacerbation of psoriasis
Since most often the factors that provoke an exacerbation of psoriasis remain unknown, complex treatment is indicated. The use of only one drug can relieve the patient's condition, but it will not relieve him of all the symptoms of relapse. That is why comprehensive therapy is used, which is designed to solve several problems:
- Stop the growth of plaques and restore the skin;
- Eliminate provoking factors;
- Eliminate the possibility of the patient being in stressful situations;
- Cleanses the body and improves the work of the digestive tract.
The choice of methods and regimen of treatment depends directly on the stage and form of the disease, the nature and location of the plaques and the general condition of the patient.
Relapse medications
It is impossible to do without drugs in the fight against exacerbation of psoriasis. The treatment regimen is chosen individually and depends on many factors. But, as a rule, treatment is reduced to taking the following drugs:
- Sedative drugs that have a calming effect on the nervous system. The most commonly prescribed tinctures are valerian and motherwort.
- Antihistamines.
- Tablets that improve the work of the digestive tract and cleanse the body: activated carbon.
Affected areas of the body are treated with topical medications. These include ointments and creams:
- Zinc and salicylic acid have a beneficial effect on damaged areas, such components should be present in the ointment;
- Based on solid oil;
- With tar as the main component;
- Sulfur ointment.
Since the patient's immunity is weakened during an exacerbation, the doctor may prescribe lipoic or folic acid, vitamin complexes or fish oil as additional treatment.
Physiotherapy
After alleviating the acute symptoms of the disease, the patient is prescribed physiotherapy. The following methods of impact on the body have proven to be the most effective:
UF rays - promotion of rapid healing of damaged skin.Hydrotherapy. Baths with real Dead Sea salts help to clean the skin well.Cryotherapy - a method whose essence is the effect of low temperatures on the affected areas. It also stimulates the immune system well.Selective phototherapy. During the procedure, the foci of inflammation are affected impulsively.Shock wave therapy promotes rapid healing of the skin.Climate therapy. Patients are often advised to undergo a full course of treatment at seaside resorts.
How to relieve a flare-up at home
You can relieve the most painful manifestations of psoriasis at home. The most commonly used recipes are those that have been tested by time and hundreds of patients:
Oil and propolis in the ratio of 500 g to 50 g. All the ingredients are placed in a saucepan and boiled over low heat, after the mixture has cooled, add 2 tablespoons of sea buckthorn oil. This ointment is applied to the skin 5-6 times a day. After only 6 sessions, people suffering from psoriasis note the fact that the manifestations of the disease practically disappear.Onion compresses. To prepare it, the onion is crushed into a pulp, which is placed in gauze and applied to the affected areas. This method helps to relieve inflammation and soften the skin.
Traditional methods
It often happens that you urgently need to stop an attack, but you do not have the necessary drugs at hand. In these cases, lotions will help a lot. To prepare you must:
- Mix yarrow, string, licorice, burdock and nettle leaves in equal amounts.
- A large spoonful of this mixture is poured with a glass of water.
- The infusion is heated over low heat for five minutes, then infused for another hour.
The following remedies have proven themselves well in the fight against exacerbation of psoriasis:
Ointment from birch tar. To prepare, you need to mix alcohol, natural sea buckthorn oil and birch tar in equal amounts. The product is applied to the affected areas, covered with polyethylene and left for 1-1. 5 hours.yarrow oil. 5 tablespoons of chopped herbs are poured with a glass of vegetable oil (unrefined) and kept on low heat for 5-10 minutes. The finished liquid is infused for 5 days and only then is it used to treat psoriasis.
Relapse diet
Adherence to the rules of nutrition is an important and integral point in the treatment of psoriasis relapses. It is also important to consume enough vitamins. To prevent the appearance of new plaques and get rid of unpleasant symptoms, the following is strictly prohibited:
- Foods high in carbohydrates (buttermilk and other dairy products, fatty meats and fish).
- Spicy, smoked, sour and salty foods.
- Marinades and pickles.
- Semi-finished products.
Dishes should be prepared by baking, stewing, boiling. It is better to eat vegetables and fruits, various cereals and vegetable broths and soups.
Nutritionists and dermatologists advise, when the first symptoms of psoriasis exacerbation appear, to limit yourself in the diet. During the first three to five days, you can drink sweetened tea or pure water in any quantity, as well as eat black bread (a little).
How to prevent exacerbation, preventive measures
If you follow fairly simple rules of prevention, you can significantly extend the duration of remission and prevent exacerbation. They all boil down to:
Rules for skin care and hygiene. A patient suffering from psoriasis should regularly carry out water treatments to avoid drying out the skin. Only cosmetic and hygiene products that have already been tested and have not caused reactions can be used.Diet and proper nutrition. Not only harmful foods, but also bad habits such as alcohol and smoking should be excluded from the diet. Experienced specialists will help you make the right menu.Moderate training. Fitness or swimming not only has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, but also helps to strengthen the immune system.Maintaining a sleep schedule. Sleep should be at least 8 hours, and it is advisable to avoid excessive stress at work.Intake of lecithin granules. This medicine improves the condition of the skin and normalizes the function of the liver. Doctors also recommend a medicine based on birch extract and cobalt chloride, which improves immunity, restores hematopoiesis and improves the functioning of the digestive system.
Compliance with preventive measures allows you to forget about exacerbation of psoriasis for a long time. In addition, doctors advise avoiding stressful situations and supporting your body in the fight against psoriasis with vitamin complexes.