Psoriasis is a genetic disease that has no cure, but is characterized by periods of remission and exacerbation. The pathology often causes severe itching, pain and excessive peeling of the skin, which is why it is so important to know how to relieve a psoriasis exacerbation and alleviate your condition.
Signs of exacerbation of psoriasis.
Psoriasis relapse begins quickly and acutely. New rashes form on the body after a long period of remission. Particularly affected are those areas of the body where the skin is drier: the sacral area, feet, palms and scalp. The patient's condition deteriorates sharply and the following signs appear:
- Formation of a terminal film at the site of the removed scales, especially in guttate psoriasis;
- Intense itching, sometimes unbearable;
- Peeling and redness of the skin in the affected areas;
- Sensation of tight skin.
Papules that appear after remission with a red or pale pink tint have clear, rough edges. Gradually, the rash turns into plaques, which can reach more than 10 cm in diameter. The scales covering the affected areas of the skin come off well, and blood may appear under them.
The best time to relapse
The best time for psoriasis exacerbation is the cold season (winter, autumn), when many viruses and bacteria circulate in the air. There are many 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 causes relapse.
- In winter, there is a decrease in immunity and this is a trigger for the exacerbation of psoriasis.
At the same time, there is a possibility that psoriasis will worsen in summer. The reason is that excessive amounts of ultraviolet radiation also have a negative effect on the skin, causing it to become inflamed and new plaques to appear.
What causes an aggravation?
To date, the reliable causes of psoriasis exacerbation are unknown. What can cause a relapse of the pathology in some patients, for others it is absolutely safe. Let's mention just a number of factors that most often lead to the reappearance of psoriasis:
- Stress, chronic fatigue, constant emotional stress;
- Any damage to the skin, both mechanical and chemical;
- Not following the recommended diet. Relapse is possible if the body lacks the necessary minerals and vitamins;
- Impairment of human immunity due to exposure to various factors;
- Abrupt climate change;
- Drinking alcohol excessively and even smoking;
- Hormonal imbalance caused by taking hormonal medications or malfunctioning of the thyroid gland;
- Pregnancy, menstruation, menopause are conditions in which hormonal levels in the body also change;
- The use of new cosmetics that can be applied directly to the areas of the skin affected by psoriasis and aggravate the course of the disease.
All of the above are just the most obvious and common causes of psoriasis exacerbation. In this case, a relapse may occur even after taking several, the simplest and harmless medications. In view of this, doctors recommend taking only those medications that are necessary for health reasons.
How to quickly relieve an aggravation
Since symptoms begin to increase rapidly and sometimes become unbearable, the most pressing question is how to quickly relieve a psoriasis exacerbation. The reason is that the disease has severe and painful symptoms, the patient suffers not only from the appearance of spots, but also from intense 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:
- Sequential baths for major injuries or lotions for small spots. These solutions relieve itching, but greatly tighten the skin. Consequently, it is best to take them in combination with Vaseline or baby cream.
- Sodium salt and thiosulfuric acid in ampoules. The pharmaceutical preparation can be replaced by natural remedies such as prunes, senna, 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, one bottle of valerian and 50 ml. pine needle extract.
- Lotions with emollient cream and the addition of a decoction of flax seeds. The product promotes rapid healing of cracks and is most effective for psoriasis on the palms or soles of the feet.
- Rub with vinegar (one tablespoon of vinegar per 0. 5 liters of water). Helps quickly relieve itching.
All of the listed recipes will only help relieve acute symptoms, while traditional therapy cannot be considered a treatment. If the disease reappears, it is advisable to contact a dermatologist, who will prescribe treatment depending on the provoking factor.
The best way to relieve intense itching in case of relapse
The most effective way to combat intense itching during a psoriasis relapse is with medication. 1-2% ointment with salicylic acid in combination with local glucocorticosteroids has proven to be effective. In this case, it is necessary to ensure proper care of the affected skin. The patient should take baths and apply moisturizing creams to the affected areas.
The following medications will help eliminate severe itching:
- anti-allergy medications that will help relieve itching when psoriasis symptoms become unbearable.
- ointments based on tar, salicylic acid, zinc oxide, a synthetic analogue of vitamin D, ointments that help relieve inflammation, itching, soften the skin and disinfect it. Apply on rashes 2-3 times a day.
Relieve inflammation and redness in psoriasis.
In addition to systemic therapy, during exacerbation of psoriasis, medications are also prescribed that help alleviate the external manifestations of the disease. Ointments, creams, gels and purees, containing sulfur, tar, solid oil or salicylic acid, help relieve inflammation and redness. The following medications have been shown to be effective:
- ointments made from naphthalan oil;
- zinc oxide ointment;
- ointment based on salicylic acid;
- products containing tar;
- Products with solid oil.
These products have antibacterial and antiseptic effects. 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 may prescribe hormonal steroid ointments to relieve inflammation. It is strictly prohibited to use these means yourself, as they have many negative consequences.
How to relieve irritation in the head.
An exacerbation of psoriasis on the scalp entails, perhaps, some of the most unpleasant symptoms. Here you cannot do without complex therapy, which includes:
- Taking medications for various purposes: non-steroidal drugs that relieve inflammation, modulators of the immune system, sedatives and anti-allergy. 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 on the scalp. They have a repairing, antibacterial and 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 remedies, it is advisable to consult a specialist. Truly effective therapy can only be prescribed if the factors that caused the exacerbation are taken into account.
How to relieve psoriasis exacerbation during pregnancy.
Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy are a trigger for psoriasis relapse. During an exacerbation, a woman suffers from severe poisoning and allergies. Red plaques form on the body that are itchy and painful. 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, prematurity - all these are disastrous consequences of such a disease in pregnant women. That is why at the first symptoms it is advisable to go to the hospital immediately and not self-medicate.
Treatment methods for psoriasis exacerbations.
Since in most cases the factors that caused an exacerbation of psoriasis are unknown, complex treatment is indicated. The use of a single remedy may alleviate the patient's condition, but it will not relieve him of all the symptoms of relapse. Therefore, a 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;
- Cleanse the body and improve the functioning of the digestive tract.
The choice of methods and treatment regimen directly depends on the stage and form of the disease, the nature and location of the plaques and the general condition of the patient.
Medications for relapse
It is impossible to do without medications in the fight against exacerbation of psoriasis. The treatment regimen is selected individually and depends on many factors. But, as a rule, treatment is reduced to taking the following medications:
- Sedative medications that have a calming effect on the nervous system. The most prescribed tinctures are valerian and motherwort.
- Antihistamines.
- Tablets that improve the functioning of the digestive tract and cleanse the body: activated charcoal.
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 must be present in the ointment;
- Solid oil based;
- With tar as the main component;
- Sulfuric ointment.
Since during an exacerbation the patient's immunity is weakened, 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 relieved, the patient is prescribed physiotherapy. The following methods of influencing the body have proven to be the most effective:
- UF rays- promote rapid healing of damaged skin.
- Hydrotherapy.Baths with real Dead Sea salts help cleanse the skin well.
- cryotherapy- a method whose essence is the effect of low temperatures on the affected areas. In addition, it stimulates the immune system well.
- Selective phototherapy.During the procedure, the foci of inflammation are affected impulsively.
- Shock wave therapyPromotes rapid healing of the skin.
- Climatotherapy.Patients are often recommended to undergo full treatment at coastal resorts.
How to relieve an exacerbation at home.
You can relieve the most painful manifestations of psoriasis at home. The most used recipes are those that have been tested by time and by hundreds of patients:
- Butter and propolisIn a proportion of 500 g to 50 g, place all the ingredients in a saucepan and cook over low heat. Once the mixture has cooled, add 2 tablespoons of sea buckthorn oil. This ointment is applied to the skin 5-6 times a day. After just 6 sessions, people suffering from psoriasis notice that the manifestations of the disease practically disappear.
- Onion compresses.To prepare it, the onion is crushed until it obtains a pulp, which is placed in cheesecloth and applied to the affected areas. This method helps 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 medications at hand. In these cases, lotions will help a lot. To prepare it you need:
- Mix calamus, string, licorice, burdock and nettle leaves in equal quantities.
- Pour a large spoonful of this mixture into a glass of water.
- The infusion is heated over low heat for five minutes, after which it is infused for another hour.
The following remedies have proven effective in combating psoriasis exacerbation:
- Ointment made from birch tar.To prepare it, you need to mix alcohol, natural sea buckthorn oil and birch tar in equal quantities. 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 infused for 5 days and only then used to treat psoriasis.
Diet for relapse
Compliance with nutritional standards 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 eliminate unpleasant symptoms, the following are strictly prohibited:
- Foods rich in carbohydrates (skimmed milk 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 that when the first symptoms of psoriasis exacerbation appear, the diet should be limited. For 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 prevention rules, you can significantly prolong the duration of remission and prevent exacerbation. They all boil down to:
- Hygiene and skin care standards.A patient suffering from psoriasis should perform water treatments periodically to avoid drying out the skin. Only cosmetics and hygiene products that have already been tested and have not caused reactions can be used.
- Diet and proper nutrition.Not only harmful foods should be excluded from the diet, but also bad habits such as alcohol and smoking. Experienced specialists will help you create 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.
- Maintain 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 medicine 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.
Compliance with preventive measures allows you to forget about psoriasis exacerbations for a long time. In addition, doctors advise avoiding stressful situations and supporting the body in the fight against psoriasis with vitamin complexes.