Psoriasis is a genetic disease with no cure but characterized by periods of remission and exacerbation. Pathological often causes severe itching, pain and excessive peeling of the skin, so it is very important to know how to eliminate the exacerbation of psoriasis and how to alleviate your condition.
Symptoms of exacerbation of psoriasis
Relapse of psoriasis begins quickly and sharply. After a long period of remission, new rashes appear on the body. The places of the body where the skin is the driest are especially affected: sacral region, feet, palms, scalp. The patient's condition worsens sharply and the following symptoms appear:
- The formation of a terminal film at the site of the scales removed, especially with guttate psoriasis;
- Severe, sometimes unbearable itching;
- Skin peeling and redness in the affected areas;
- Sensation of skin tightness.
Red or pale pink papules that appear after remission have clear, rough borders. Gradually, the rash turns into plaques that can reach more than 10 cm in diameter. The scales covering the affected areas of the skin peel off well and blood can be seen under them.
The best time to relapse
The best time for exacerbation of psoriasis is the cold season (winter, autumn) when there are many viruses and bacteria in the air. There are several reasons for this:
- In 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, which leads to the exacerbation of psoriasis.
At the same time, there is a possibility of exacerbation of psoriasis in the summer. The reason is that excessive amounts of ultraviolet radiation also have a negative effect on the skin, causing inflammation and the formation of new plaques.
What causes an exacerbation?
To date, reliable causes of exacerbation of psoriasis are not known. Things that can cause recurrence of pathology in some patients are completely safe for others. Let's list a number of factors that cause psoriasis to often return:
- Stress, chronic fatigue, constant emotional stress;
- Any mechanical and chemical damage to the skin;
- Failure to follow the recommended diet. Relapse is possible if the body does not have the necessary minerals and vitamins;
- Deterioration of human immunity as a result of exposure to various factors;
- Sudden climate change;
- Drinking too much alcohol and even smoking;
- Hormonal imbalance caused by taking hormonal drugs or malfunctioning of the thyroid gland;
- Pregnancy, menstruation, menopause are also conditions in which hormonal levels change in the body;
- The use of new cosmetics that can be applied directly to the skin affected by psoriasis and can aggravate the course of the disease.
All of the above are only the most obvious and common causes of exacerbation of psoriasis. In this case, a relapse can occur even after taking various, the simplest and most harmless drugs. Considering this, doctors advise to take only the medicines that are necessary for health.
How to quickly remove tension
Since the symptoms begin to increase rapidly and sometimes become unbearable, the question of how to quickly eliminate the exacerbation of psoriasis is the most pressing issue. 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:
- Consecutive 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 together with vaseline or baby cream.
- Sodium salt and thiosulphate 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: one bottle of valerian and 50 ml per bath. pine needle extract.
- Lotions with emollient cream and decoction of flax seeds are added. The product helps heal cracks quickly and is most effective for psoriasis on the palms or soles.
- Rubbing with vinegar (a spoonful of vinegar in 0. 5 liters of water). It helps to relieve itching quickly.
All the listed prescriptions will only help to relieve acute symptoms, and traditional therapy cannot be considered as a cure. If the disease recurs, you should contact a dermatologist who prescribes treatment depending on the inciting factor.
The best way to relieve severe itching in case of relapse
Medications are the most effective way to deal with severe itching during a psoriasis relapse. 1-2% ointment with salicylic acid together with local glucocorticosteroid drugs has proven to be effective. In this case, it is necessary to ensure proper care of the affected skin. The patient should take a bath and apply a moisturizer to the affected areas.
The following medications will help relieve severe itching:
- antiallergic drugs that will help relieve itching when the symptoms of psoriasis are unbearable.
- ointments based on tar, salicylic acid, zinc oxide, synthetic analogue of vitamin D - ointments that help to relieve inflammation, itching, soften and disinfect the skin. Apply to the rash 2-3 times a day.
Relieves inflammation and redness in psoriasis
In addition to systemic therapy, medications are also prescribed to help eliminate the external manifestations of the disease during an exacerbation of psoriasis. Ointments, creams, gels, pastes containing sulfur, resin, solid oil or salicylic acid help to relieve inflammation and redness. The following drugs have proven to be effective:
- ointments created on the basis of naphthalene oil;
- zinc oxide ointment;
- ointment based on salicylic acid;
- products containing resin;
- solid fat 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 relapse of the disease is extremely acute, the doctor can prescribe ointments with hormonal steroids to eliminate inflammation. It is strictly forbidden to use such means yourself, because they have many bad consequences.
How to get rid of a headache
A flare-up of psoriasis on the scalp can cause some of the most unpleasant symptoms. Here you can not do without complex therapy, which includes:
- Taking drugs for various purposes: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, 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 with local effect will help to cope with itching and inflammation on the scalp. They have a restorative, antibacterial, abrasive effect. Ointments are applied to the affected areas of the scalp 2-3 times a day.
- Shampoos for psoriasis.
You should consult a specialist before using any of the above remedies. A truly effective therapy can be prescribed only if the factors causing the exacerbation are taken into account.
How to relieve psoriasis flare-ups during pregnancy
Changes in hormonal levels during pregnancy lead to relapse of psoriasis. During an exacerbation, a woman suffers from severe intoxication and allergies. Itchy and painful red plaques form on the body. 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, premature birth, premature birth - all these are the disastrous consequences of such a disease in pregnant women. For this reason, you should immediately go to the hospital at the first symptoms and do not self-medicate.
Treatment methods for exacerbation of psoriasis
Complex treatment is indicated because the factors that lead to the exacerbation of psoriasis are often unknown. The use of only one remedy can alleviate the patient's condition, but it will not free him from all the symptoms of relapse. Therefore, comprehensive therapy is used, 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;
- Cleanse the body and improve the functioning of the digestive system.
The choice of methods and treatment regimen directly depends on the stage and form of the disease, the nature and location of plaques, and the general condition of the patient.
Medications for relapse
In the fight against exacerbation of psoriasis, it is impossible to do without drugs. The treatment regimen is selected individually and depends on many factors. However, as a rule, treatment is based on 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 system and cleanse the body: activated carbon.
The affected areas of the body are treated with local drugs. These include ointments and creams:
- Zinc and salicylic acid have a beneficial effect on damaged areas, such components should be in the ointment;
- solid oil-based;
- 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 the acute symptoms of the disease are eliminated, physical therapy is prescribed to the patient. The following methods of influencing the body have proven to be the most effective:
UF rays - helps the damaged skin to heal quickly.Hydrotherapy. Baths with real salts of the Dead Sea help to clean the skin well.Cryotherapy - a method whose essence is the effect of low temperature on the affected areas. In addition, it stimulates the immune system well.Selective phototherapy. During the procedure, inflammatory sites are impulsively affected.Shock wave therapy helps the skin to heal quickly.Climatotherapy. Patients are often advised to undergo a full course of treatment at seaside resorts.
How to eliminate aggravation at home
You can eliminate the most painful manifestations of psoriasis at home. The most commonly used recipes are recipes that have been tested by time and hundreds of patients:
Butter and propolis In the ratio of 50 g to 500 g. All the ingredients are placed in a saucepan and cooked 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 that the manifestations of the disease practically disappear.Onion compresses. To prepare, the onion is crushed into 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 medicine at hand. In these cases, lotions will help a lot. To prepare you will need:
- Mix equal amounts of calamus, sim, licorice, burdock and nettle leaves.
- A large spoonful of this mixture is poured into a glass of water.
- The infusion is heated over low heat for five minutes, after which it is brewed for another hour.
The following remedies have proven themselves well in the fight against the exacerbation of psoriasis:
Ointment made from birch tar. To prepare, you need to mix equal amounts of alcohol, natural sea buckthorn oil and birch resin. The product is applied to the affected areas, covered with polyethylene and left for 1-1. 5 hours.Celandine oil. 5 tablespoons of chopped herbs should be poured with a glass of vegetable oil (unrefined) and kept on low heat for 5-10 minutes. The finished liquid is brewed for 5 days and only then is it used to treat psoriasis.
Diet for relapse
Adherence to nutritional rules is an important and integral point in the treatment of psoriasis relapses. Getting enough vitamins is also important. To prevent the appearance of new plaques and get rid of unpleasant symptoms, the following are strictly prohibited:
- High-carbohydrate foods (fatty milk and other dairy products, fatty meat and fish).
- Spicy, smoked, sour and salty foods.
- Marinades and pickles.
- Semi-finished products.
Food should be prepared by cooking, baking and boiling. It is better to eat vegetables and fruits, various cereals and vegetable broth and soup.
Dietitians and dermatologists recommend that you limit yourself in the diet when the first symptoms of psoriasis exacerbation appear. During the first three to five days, you can drink any amount of sweetened tea or pure water, and you can also eat black bread (a little).
How to prevent exacerbation, preventive measures
If you follow very simple preventive rules, you can significantly extend the period of remission and prevent exacerbation. They are all hot:
Skin care and hygiene rules. A patient suffering from psoriasis should regularly carry out water procedures in order not to dry the skin. Cosmetics and hygiene products can only be used that have already been tested and do not cause reactions.Diet and proper nutrition. Not only unhealthy foods, but also bad habits such as alcohol and smoking should be excluded from the diet. Experienced professionals will help you create the right menu.Moderate exercise. Fitness or swimming not only has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, but also helps to strengthen the immune system.Keeping a sleep schedule. Sleep should be at least 8 hours and it is recommended to avoid excessive stress at work.Taking lecithin in granules. This drug improves skin condition and normalizes liver function. Doctors also recommend a medicine based on birch mushroom extract and cobalt chloride, which improves immunity, restores hematopoiesis and improves the functioning of the digestive system.
Adherence to preventive measures allows you to forget about the exacerbation of psoriasis for a long time. In addition, doctors recommend avoiding stressful situations and supporting your body in the fight against psoriasis with vitamin complexes.