How to quickly relieve an exacerbation of psoriasis: medical and traditional methods of solving the problem

Psoriasis is a dermatological disease that cannot be cured because it has a chronic course. Relapses and remissions alternate each other. During remission, the symptoms of psoriasis decrease, the itching goes away, and the redness also becomes less noticeable.

But during a relapse of the disease, or its exacerbation, the symptoms intensify significantly. Relapse may occur unexpectedly, or it may occur annually at certain times of the year.

It is necessary to treat the relapse of psoriasis comprehensively, that is, include physical therapy, the use of medications and the use of home medicine recipes in the course of treatment.

Why does the disease worsen, what provokes it?

Factors that provoke exacerbation of psoriasis have not been fully studied, but they usually appear due to:

• viral and infectious diseases;
• nervous breakdown or prolonged exposure to stress;
• excessive physical activity;
• skin injuries of various origins;
• sudden climate change;
• frequent use of antibiotics;
• abuse of sweet, salty, fatty drinks, as well as alcoholic drinks;
• vaccinations;
• constant contact with unnatural cosmetics and household chemicals;
• changes in the endocrine system.

In women it may worsen during menopause or pregnancy.

Important! Staying in the sun, unlike the cold, has a positive effect on the skin with psoriasis, suppressing the development of inflammatory processes, so in the summer the disease usually subsides.

Causes of exacerbation of psoriasis

The first symptoms of psoriasis can appear to a person predisposed to it between the ages of fifteen and twenty-five years. Psoriasis is a chronic disease, which means that no matter what medications are used, it is impossible to completely cure it.

The main task of the patient and his doctor is to achieve the longest possible remission of the disease through complex therapy. But, in any case, one day the disease recurs. This is facilitated by various factors that the patient could fall under. These causes of exacerbation of psoriasis include the following:

• Prolonged physical activity.
• Stress, depression, anxiety.
• Diseases of the endocrine system.
• Contact with chemicals.
• Chronic inflammation.
• Impaired functioning of the immune system.
• Secondary infections.
• Bad habits.
• Poor nutrition.
• Unfavorable working conditions.
• Contact with household chemicals.
• Taking antibiotics.
• Vaccinations.

The disease may also recur seasonally.

Since the disease is chronic, even a change in climate can affect relapse. This should be taken into account if the patient wants to travel to a place with different climatic conditions.

The main reason for the relapse of psoriasis may be non-compliance with the diet. Since psoriasis should support the immune system, consume enough vitamins and minerals, if you eat improperly, this can be disrupted and lead to increased symptoms of psoriasis.

When taking corticosteroids, that is, hormonal drugs, in case of disturbances in the production of hormones and diseases of the endocrine system, a relapse of the disease may occur during pregnancy.

With mechanical damage to the skin, scratches, microtraumas, chemical burns, the disease can return.

Emotional outbursts also contribute to relapse of the disease. If any slight disturbance of the nervous system occurs, this can lead to increased symptoms of chronic diseases, including psoriasis.

When taking medications that affect the immune system and the functioning of the entire body, that is, antibiotics and immunomodulators, psoriasis recurs.

Many patients have family members with psoriasis. This means that the hereditary factor is also important.

For many patients, psoriasis recurs in winter. During the warm season, the symptoms of psoriasis in most patients decrease. In the fall, symptoms intensify again, the rash returns, and the skin may itch. When symptoms intensify depending on climatic conditions, the following factors are observed:

• Lack of sun can be the root cause of psoriasis relapse. In addition, the quality of the fabric of the clothes worn by the patient influences the relapse. That is, if the patient chooses clothing made from synthetic fabrics, it can cause irritation, and, as a result, a relapse of psoriasis.
• The air in the room where a patient with psoriasis spends most of the time should be humid. Dry air contributes to dry skin.
• Secondary infection and disturbances in the functioning of the immune system can provoke a relapse of the skin disease.
• Excessive solar radiation can also cause exacerbation. Excess ultraviolet radiation can lead to the return of the disease.
• Allergies, hypothermia, chronic diseases and hormonal changes can cause a relapse.

Symptoms and clinical manifestations

An exacerbation of psoriasis always begins abruptly, affecting the areas with the driest skin. This applies to the feet, scalp, palms, sacral area and flexion areas of the limbs.

Exacerbation manifests itself as follows:

• the appearance of a red rash with clearly defined rough borders;
• the presence of pain and itching in the area of ​​the rash;
• transformation of the rash into wide plaques, ranging in size from 1 to 10 cm on average;
• thickening of the skin in the affected areas, accompanied by cracking and suppuration;
• the appearance of a large number of scales that easily peel off from the skin.

When dry, dead skin particles are torn off from plaques, blood may appear in spots.

Symptoms of relapse

The first manifestations of an exacerbation appear on various parts of the body in the form of red spots against the background of dry skin. Plaques appear on the head, elbows, feet, palms and other areas. Externally, the papules resemble a rash with clear boundaries, about 1.5 - 2 cm in diameter. The spots are covered with whitish or gray scales on top, increasing in size over time.

As the pathology progresses, the spots grow, and the lesions can reach the size of a palm. Redness is accompanied by itching. An attempt to scrape off the scales leads to an increase in their number. This feature is the reason why psoriasis is called lichen planus.

In medical practice, to describe the symptoms of pathology, the concept of psoriatic triad is used:

1. Formation of a stearin stain on the skin. Due to severe peeling, the skin is very similar in appearance to stearin, hence the name of the phenomenon.
2. When all the scales are scraped off, a thin, smooth surface called the film terminalis is exposed. The film is easily damaged and often bleeds.
3. Bloody dew is the appearance of blood when the film is damaged. Bleeding is often minor.

The presence of the triad is the main sign of the disease, making it possible to diagnose psoriasis with high probability.

The disease does not always have a typical course. Sometimes atypical forms of psoriasis are diagnosed. These include:

1. Pustular - accompanied by inflammation and swelling of the skin in the area of ​​the rash. The plaques are covered with vesicles (pustules) filled with exudate.
2. Nail psoriasis is a lesion of the human nail plates, in which the nails change color and shape. The pathology is often confused with a fungus, since the pathologies are externally similar.
3. Intertriginous - appears in the folds of the body (armpits, groin area, chest). A feature of this type is the absence of peeling, while the dermis is smooth, inflamed, and painful.
4. Warty - occurs on the inside of the wrist, ankles. The plaques are round in nature, often become damaged and bleed. In advanced stages, the risk of rashes developing into malignant formations develops.
5. Seborrheic - often localized on the scalp. In this case, the skin along the hairline is covered with dense crusts, spreading to the ears and neck.
6. Psoriatic arthritis is a disease of the joints in which their shape changes. The inflammatory process spreads to human bones and ligaments.

The most dangerous type is psoriatic erythroderma. This type is accompanied by the spread of rashes to large areas of the body, severe itching, and inflammation. If the pathology is not treated, there is a threat of death.

Features during pregnancy

When pregnancy occurs, a woman’s body begins complex hormonal changes and a physiological decrease in the body’s immune defense. Physiological changes during pregnancy are usually the impetus for exacerbation of psoriasis.
But this does not happen for all women; it all depends on individual characteristics.

Exacerbation in pregnant women is manifested by intoxication, consisting of:

• lack of appetite;
• nausea, vomiting;
• increase in body temperature.

Characteristic rashes in the form of psoriatic plaques also appear on the abdomen, face, and groin, accompanied by pain and itching.

Attention! Exacerbation of psoriasis during pregnancy can lead to fetal malnutrition and premature birth, so at the first manifestations you should consult a doctor.

Nutrition for psoriasis

A balanced diet is of great importance. We remind you that psoriasis is more common in obese people with impaired fat metabolism. It is especially important for them to follow a diet. Mainly it is necessary to limit the consumption of fats, especially animals (pork, lamb fat). You should not eat a lot of sweets and flour: cakes, pies, pastries, buns. Spices and spicy dishes - marinades, hot sauces - should be excluded from the diet.

It is prohibited to drink alcohol, even in small quantities.

A protein-vitamin diet is recommended:

• boiled lean meat or fish;
• milk, fermented milk products;
• fruits – apples are best;
• vegetables: carrots, cabbage, less potatoes.

What to do in case of a severe relapse?

To diagnose and treat psoriasis, you need to contact a dermatologist, or in his absence, a therapist who will externally assess the severity of the disease, symptoms and, possibly, additionally refer you to such highly specialized specialists as an immunologist, nephrologist, rheumatologist, gastroenterologist.

This is explained by the fact that psoriasis affects not only the skin, but can also affect joints, cause liver and kidney diseases, and can also be a consequence of reduced immunity.

However, the final treatment decision must be made by a dermatologist.

Treatment for exacerbation of psoriasis consists of:

• following a special diet and taking vitamins;
• the use of medications in the form of tablets, ointments, injections;
• using folk remedies.

Traditional methods of combating psoriasis should not exclude drug treatment without a doctor’s permission.

How to stop the development of pathology without hormones

All non-hormonal drugs are used in the initial stages of the disease.
Effective means that fight the visible symptoms of lichen planus - plaques - are ointments and creams using medical grease. Preparations for external use are divided into 3 groups:

1. plant-based (“Antipsor”, “Akrustal”, “Kartalin”);
2. on mineral substances (Rybakov ointment);
3. combined (“Magnipsor”, “Cytopsor”).

Doctors also recommend using salicylic and zinc ointments, Daivonex, Losterin, Zinocap, Psoriaten.

Drug treatment

The main treatment consists of the following medications:

1. Anti-inflammatory - non-steroidal drugs Diclofenac and Nimesulide. Reduce inflammation, relieve swelling and redness. The average course of treatment is 7-10 days.
2. Sorbents – Smecta, Polysorb, Enterosgel. Remove toxins, reduce the period of exacerbation, improve liver function, which often suffers with psoriasis;
3. Sedatives – Novopassit, Phytosed, tincture of valerian or motherwort. Eliminates excessive anxiety, reduces nervous tension.
4. Antihistamines - Fenistil, Zyrtec, Suprastin, Fenkarol. Reduce itching caused by exfoliation and inflammation of the skin, remove the body's sensitivity to potential allergens.
5. Glucocorticosteroid – Prednisolone intravenously. Quickly removes skin lesions, eliminates itching, and restores its structure.
6. Antibiotic – Levofloxacin. It is used in case of bacterial infection in places where the skin is cracked.
7. Enzyme preparations – Festal, Mezim, Panzinorm. They help restore digestion, problems in which are sometimes the cause of psoriasis.
8. Immunosuppressant – Cyclosporine. Prevents the spread of disease foci by suppressing the proliferation of affected cells.

Hormonal and non-hormonal ointments are used:

1. Salicylic acid – reduces inflammation, accelerates the resorption of plaques.
2. Psorcutan – contains vitamin D, promotes the disappearance of lesions, increases the period of remission.
3. Prednisolone ointment - quickly removes plaques and regenerates tissue.
4. Alfozil, Colloidin - contain birch tar, have a wound-healing and disinfectant effect.
5. Naphthalan ointment, Losterin - contains naphthalene. They have an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, vasodilating effect, eliminate peeling, and soften the skin.

Important! After the manifestations of psoriasis have been overcome, the skin must continue to be nourished and softened with creams, but the product must be of high quality and hypoallergenic.

Provoking factors for relapse of psoriasis

Exposure to the sun blocks inflammatory processes occurring in the subcutaneous layers. And without it, psoriasis becomes active again. Therefore, exacerbation of psoriasis occurs in winter and spring.

A sharp deterioration in the condition of the skin may also be associated with hormonal imbalance. This is most often encountered by girls and women before menstruation, during menopause, while pregnant and breastfeeding.

Other provoking factors include:

• hereditary predisposition;
• weakened capillaries;
• disturbances in the functioning of internal organs;
• diabetes;
• failure of fat or carbohydrate metabolism;
• liver dysfunction;
• frequent stress;
• overwork.

Healthy eating and vitamin therapy

Nutrition in psoriasis plays an important role, since the frequency of relapses of the disease greatly depends on it.

Diet is expected; Here's what you can eat:

• dietary meat - rabbit, turkey, veal, chicken;
• white sea fish;
• vegetables and fruits that do not have too strong a taste or smell - apples, pears, bananas, cabbage, carrots.

Food needs to be steamed, baked or boiled. Fruits and vegetables can also be eaten raw.

The following products are excluded:

• tomatoes, peppers, potatoes;
• pork, lamb;
• high-percentage cheese and cream;
• sweets;
• butter;
• alcohol;
• nuts;
• citrus.

Attention! Semi-finished products, even from permitted products, are not acceptable.

In addition to a healthy diet, a patient with psoriasis should take pharmaceutical vitamins necessary for skin health and immune support.

We offer you to watch a video about proper nutrition during an exacerbation of psoriasis:

Diet during exacerbation

The diet should be selected by the attending physician personally for each patient. It should include vitamin complexes and minerals. The patient must consume sufficient quantities of all elements per day to normalize the functioning of the immune system.

If a person has a chronic disease, then diet is one of the most reliable elements in order to prevent a relapse.

For psoriasis, it is sometimes recommended to carry out fasting days, that is, follow a mono-diet for one or two days or sit on a therapeutic fast for a day. Such a fasting day should be carried out once a week.

You should also not overeat, because this can cause symptoms to worsen.

How to quickly relieve symptoms at home?

The following folk remedies can be used at home:

1. Boil oatmeal and apply to psoriasis lesions, and after half an hour, rinse with water.
2. Take 300 g of freshly picked celandine and 50 ml of wine. Pass the plant through a meat grinder, add 25 ml of the drink to it, mix and squeeze the mixture through cheesecloth. Moisten the plaques with the resulting liquid and spread the remaining wine on top.
3. 1 tsp. vegetable oil, 0.5 tsp. mustard powder and 2 tsp. Mix eucalyptus infusion. Apply to affected skin for 10 minutes, then rinse with water. At the end you need to anoint your skin with cream.
4. Apply sea buckthorn oil to the skin once a day to soften it.
5. 1 tsp. Mix calendula tincture and 50 g of petroleum jelly and apply to the skin morning and evening.

Reference. Tinctures and simply dried plants can be bought at the pharmacy.

What to do if psoriasis worsens?

With the next relapse of lichen planus, it is important not to self-medicate. You should immediately contact a dermatologist who will help you choose treatment taking into account the provoking factors of exacerbation.

Complex treatment includes the following methods:

• medications (ointments, injections, tablets);
• physiotherapy and diet;
• folk remedies.

The use of the Hungarian scheme helps well in the fight against scaly lichen.

Drug treatment

The basis of therapy with pharmaceutical drugs is a combination of external and internal remedies for psoriasis. First of all, the patient is prescribed ointments, lotions, creams that will help relieve the main symptoms and improve the condition of the skin.

The most effective medications for external use are Friederm, Viprosal, Anthramin ointment, Kartalin. These substances inhibit the rapid division of epidermal cells, eliminate itching, peeling, and redness of the skin.

Recedil dematotropic ointment is actively used for exacerbations. Its active components prevent hyperkeratosis. The product has a regenerating, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and anabolic effect, which makes it possible to quickly suppress recurrent manifestations.

Among the external drugs that calm the immune system are Donelvin and Psorkutan. In addition, severe forms of scaly lichen are eliminated with the help of Advantan and Derovate.

Derovate is an effective remedy for psoriasis

If the use of external agents is ineffective, the therapy should be supported with tablets and injections. Mostly immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory drugs are used - Apremilast, Cyclosporine, Methotrexate.

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In addition to medications that relieve the main symptoms of psoriasis, you need to take care of the condition of the body as a whole. A specialist knows what is best to do for this. Usually sorbents (Polysorb, Enterosgel) are added to the above medications. They help rid the body of intoxication with harmful substances. It is important to support the human nervous system. Sedative medications and antidepressants (Imizin, Parasidol) will help with this.

Important!

The duration of treatment and dose are determined by a specialist, taking into account the characteristics of the patient’s body, the nuances of the course of the disease and the factors that provoked a relapse.

Hungarian scheme

Hungarian scientists have hypothesized that the development and further exacerbation of psoriasis occurs due to a lack of bile acid in the body, which protects it from endotoxins. Experts suggest that the causes of scaly lichen may be harmful substances that are formed as a result of the breakdown of dead pathogenic microbes. The function of bile acid is to prevent the absorption of toxins into the blood.

The essence of the method is to remove pathogenic microflora from the body using a choleretic and disinfectant - dehydrocholic acid. The substance has the following mechanism of action:

• enhances the secretion of bile and promotes the conversion of bile acids;
• creatinine, electrolyte and fluid are filtered in the liver cells;
• regulation of glucose levels and increased blood flow in the liver.

The medicine also acts as a laxative and diuretic, which has a positive effect on the general condition of the body.

Dehydrocholic acid removes harmful substances from the body

Dehydrocholic acid can be prescribed in powder and capsules. The method of application and dose are the same for any course of psoriasis, its exacerbation and neglect. It is necessary to take 1 capsule of the drug with meals 2 times a day. It is best to do this in the morning and evening. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the exacerbation of the disease and takes from 1 to 6 months.

To normalize the acidity of gastric juice and prevent bloating in the evening, you can use the powder form of the medicine. Dissolve a small amount of the substance (1/5 tsp) in 1 tbsp. l. water and take it with dinner.

Before using the Hungarian scheme, it is recommended to pay attention to its contraindications. These include diseases such as: blockage of the bile ducts, acute hepatitis, liver dystrophy, empyema of the gallbladder.

Diet during exacerbation

Nutrition plays a big role during the development of psoriasis. We will consider below what you can eat and what you should avoid. The presence of any food allergens provokes exacerbation and new rashes. Therefore, to stop relapses, it is important to adhere to a special diet.

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The diet should be balanced and consist mainly of baked, boiled or stewed food. You can eat everything except the following products:

• chicken eggs;
• cow's milk (whole);
• everything spicy, fatty, salted, smoked, fried;
• mushrooms in any form (soups, sauces, fried, boiled);
• vegetables and fruits with red pigment (tomatoes, red peppers, strawberries, cherries) without heat treatment;
• harmful additives - mayonnaise, ketchup, sauces, mustard.

Quitting smoking and drinking alcohol is an important component in the treatment of psoriasis.

Eliminate mayonnaise from your diet

Physiotherapy

The fight against scaly lichen is not complete without physiotherapy methods.
They help enhance the effect of medications and quickly relieve symptoms. Among the most popular procedures are PUVA therapy, electrosleep, x-ray therapy, laser therapy, and cryotherapy. These methods are used to reduce psoriatic plaques, eliminate inflammation, itching and pain. Thanks to this treatment, the duration of remission ranges from several months to 2-3 years.

The procedures are carried out in a hospital using special equipment.

In case of exacerbation of the disease in the form of psoriatic arthritis, diadynamic therapy and magnetic therapy help well. Using such methods, you can eliminate pain and relieve inflammation in the affected joints. Treatment duration is 10–12 sessions.

Physiotherapy is important in the treatment process

Prevention measures

The duration of the remission period depends entirely on preventive measures, which should include the following:

• Refusal of alcohol and cigarettes.
• A special diet that excludes all prohibited foods.
• Active lifestyle, moderate physical activity aimed at improving the health of the body.
• Regular body washing without using a scrub or a hard sponge. Applying cream after shower.
• Distribution of work and rest. Sleep at least 8 hours.
• A calm lifestyle, avoiding stressful situations.

Psoriasis is a skin disease that requires special control and adequate treatment. To avoid exacerbation of the disease, you need to follow a diet, eliminate bad habits, drink vitamins and regularly use a good nourishing body cream, especially in the autumn-winter period. When the first symptoms appear, you can start treatment with local remedies, and if the situation worsens, consult a doctor.

Risk factors

In summer and spring, there is a decrease in the possibility of exacerbation of psoriasis. And the autumn-winter period of time, on the contrary, is characterized by an increase in the area affected by the skin rash. The progression of pathology during periods of changing climatic conditions is determined by the influence of a complex of factors:

• Winter period. The main factor that provokes psoriasis is insufficient sun exposure. Friction of clothing against the skin reduces its protective properties. Dry air during the heating season leads to dehydration of the skin.
• Autumn. Provoking causes of relapse of skin pathology at this time include favorable conditions for infectious pathogens and decreased immunity.
• Summer period. The skin receives air baths, which have a beneficial effect on its protective properties. This time is characterized by a sufficient amount of ultraviolet radiation. It also needs to be monitored, since increased exposure to radiation can trigger the development of a psoriatic rash.
• Spring. At this time, psoriasis can be triggered by an allergic reaction to flowering plants.

Also, associated risk factors for the development of relapse of psoriasis include age, hypothermia, chronic pathologies and harmful habits.

Why is there an exacerbation?

The causes of relapse are related to the individual characteristics of each patient. But among the most common factors in the manifestation of the disease are:

• stress and anxiety;
• weakened immunity;
• damage to the skin;
• poor nutrition;
• metabolic disease;
• hormonal imbalances;
• bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse);
• exposure to chemicals on the skin (use of household chemicals without protective equipment);
• climate change;
• application of new cosmetics for skin care.

Treatment of patients with psoriasis individually

Treatment depends on the form and period of the disease. Those suffering from the winter form of psoriasis are prescribed irradiation with ultraviolet rays in winter. In the summer, such patients, if they do not have an exacerbation of the process, are recommended to relax in the south and take sunbathing. Their dosage must be very precise, it is prescribed by a doctor, since excessively prolonged exposure can cause deterioration.

But those whose psoriasis worsens in the summer should under no circumstances expose their skin to sunlight and should not travel to the south. If a doctor prescribes spa treatment, do not rush to warmer climes. Your season is not until October.

Psoriasis is one of the skin diseases that are not afraid of water. You should wash yourself two to three times a week using non-irritating baby soap. If the doctor has given permission to stay in the south, you can swim in the sea. It should, however, be remembered that during an exacerbation period you cannot take baths or swim in the sea.

As for drug treatment, it is also purely individual, and it is prescribed by a doctor.

You should use ointments very carefully. The fact is that during different periods of the disease, ointments of different composition are used. If, for example, in a progressive period you use an ointment recommended before, when the condition was satisfactory, a sharp aggravation of the process may occur. Therefore, in no case should you treat yourself, without the instructions of a doctor.

Which doctor should I contact?

If we are talking about an exacerbation, then you need to go to a dermatologist. The specialist will conduct a visual examination, prescribe the necessary tests and select a treatment regimen.

Also, for psoriasis, a dermatologist can refer the patient to doctors such as:

• immunologist (will determine how much the body’s protective properties are reduced);
• rheumatologist (they are sent to him in case of damage to joint tissue);
• nephrologist (this doctor deals with liver disease);
• gastroenterologist

How to relieve an exacerbation after antibiotics

Drug treatment for psoriasis during exacerbation may include taking pills to treat the causes of the disease or alleviate symptoms.

Treatment for exacerbation of psoriasis caused by taking antibiotics first of all requires stopping the use of this medication. Then you will need topical preparations for the skin. These are lotions and ointments that help get rid of the symptoms of psoriasis on various parts of the body, even on the head. However, the dermatologist must tell you which product to use.