How to alleviate the worsening of psoriasis on the head, arms, face, during pregnancy

Aggravation of psoriasis is manifested by skin rashes and severe itching

Psoriasis is a genetic disease that cannot be cured, 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 aggravation of psoriasis and alleviate its condition.

Signs of worsening psoriasis

Psoriasis relapse begins quickly and acutely. After a long remission, new rashes appear on the body. The areas of the body where the skin is the driest are particularly affected: the sacrum area, the feet, the palms, the scalp. The patient's condition deteriorates sharply and the following signs appear:

  • Formation of a terminal film at the site of removed scales, especially in guttate psoriasis;
  • Severe, sometimes unbearable itching;
  • Peeling and redness of the skin in the affected areas;
  • Sensation of tight skin.

After remission, papules with a red or pale pink tint have clear, rough borders. The rashes gradually turn into plaques, the diameter of which can reach up to 10 cm, the scales covering the affected areas of the skin peel off well, and blood may appear under them.

The best time to fall back

The best time for psoriasis to worsen is the cold season (winter, autumn), when many viruses and bacteria circulate 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, immunity decreases, and this is the root cause of the exacerbation of psoriasis.

At the same time, there is a possibility of worsening of psoriasis in the summer. This is because 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 aggravation

The reliable causes of the exacerbation of psoriasis are still unknown. What may lead to relapse of pathology in some patients is completely safe for others. Let's name some of the factors that most often lead to the return of psoriasis:

  • Stress, chronic fatigue, constant emotional stress;
  • Any mechanical and chemical damage to the skin;
  • Failure to follow the recommended diet. A relapse is possible if the body lacks the necessary minerals and vitamins;
  • Deterioration of human immunity due to exposure to various factors;
  • Sudden climate change;
  • Excessive alcohol consumption and even smoking;
  • Hormonal imbalance caused by taking hormonal drugs or malfunctioning of the thyroid gland;
  • Pregnancy, menstruation, menopause are conditions when the hormone level in the body also changes;
  • The use of new cosmetics that can be applied directly to skin areas affected by psoriasis and aggravate the course of the disease.

All of the above are only the most obvious and common causes of psoriasis exacerbation. In this case, a relapse may occur even after taking various, the simplest and most harmless medicines. In light of this, doctors recommend only taking medicines that are necessary for health reasons.

Scaly, voluminous plaques on the elbows during an exacerbation of psoriasis

How to quickly relieve an aggravation

Since the symptoms begin to increase rapidly and sometimes become unbearable, the most pressing question is how to quickly alleviate the worsening of psoriasis. The reason for this 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.

Psoriasis sufferers note that during this period the most effective tools that can make life easier are:

  • Sequential baths for significant lesions or lotions for small, small spots. Such solutions relieve itching, but tighten the skin strongly. Accordingly, it is better to combine them with petroleum jelly or baby cream.
  • Sodium salt and thiocenic acid in ampoules. The medicinal product can be replaced with 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: one bottle of valerian and 50 ml for a bath. pine needle extract.
  • Lotions with skin softening 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.
  • Rub with vinegar (one tablespoon of vinegar for 0. 5 liters of water). It helps relieve itching quickly.

All of the listed recipes only help alleviate acute symptoms, while traditional therapy cannot be considered a treatment. If the disease recurs, consult a dermatologist, who will prescribe treatment depending on the provoking factor.

The best way to relieve severe itching in case of a relapse

The most effective way to deal with severe itching during a relapse of psoriasis is to use medication. 1-2% salicylic acid ointment in combination with topical glucocorticosteroid drugs has proven to be effective. In this case, proper care of the affected skin must be ensured. The patient should take a bath and apply a moisturizing cream to the affected areas.

The following medicines will help to eliminate severe itching:

  • anti-allergy medications that 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. Apply to rashes 2-3 times a day.

Alleviation of inflammation and redness in psoriasis

In addition to systemic therapy, during the exacerbation of psoriasis, medications are also prescribed that help alleviate the external manifestations of the disease. Ointments, creams, gels, pastes containing 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;
  • products made with solid oil.

Such products have antibacterial and antiseptic effects. They dry out the skin, accelerate the healing of plaques and stimulate the exfoliation process.

If the relapse of the disease is extremely acute, the doctor may prescribe ointments containing hormonal steroids to relieve inflammation. It is strictly forbidden to use such tools yourself, as they have many bad consequences.

Unbearable itching of the scalp is a sign of psoriasis in the acute stage

How to relieve headache aggravation

Aggravation of psoriasis on the scalp is perhaps the most unpleasant symptom. Here you cannot do without complex therapy, which includes:

  1. Taking drugs for various purposes: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system modulators, sedatives and anti-allergic drugs. We also recommend taking vitamins B, A and D as part of vitamin complexes.
  2. Topical medicines help to cope with itching and inflammation of the scalp. They have restorative, antibacterial and exfoliating effects. The ointments are applied to the affected areas of the scalp 2-3 times a day.
  3. Shampoos for psoriasis.

Consult a professional before using any of the above remedies. Really effective therapy can only be prescribed if the factors that cause exacerbation are taken into account.

How to relieve psoriasis exacerbation during pregnancy

Changes in hormonal levels during pregnancy are the root cause of psoriasis flare-ups. During the exacerbation, a woman suffers from severe poisoning and allergies. Red plaques form on the body that itch and hurt. Body temperature rises, appetite disappears.

Aggravation of psoriasis in pregnant women is a dangerous condition that endangers the health and even the life of the child. Miscarriage, premature birth, premature birth - all these are catastrophic consequences of such a disease in pregnant women. This is why you should immediately go to the hospital at the first symptoms and not self-medicate.

Treatment methods for exacerbation of psoriasis

Since in most cases the factors that trigger the exacerbation of psoriasis are unknown, complex treatment is required. The use of a single remedy can alleviate the patient's condition, but it does not relieve him of all the symptoms of relapse. Therefore, comprehensive therapy is used to solve many problems:

  • Stop the growth of plaques and restore the skin;
  • Elimination of provoking factors;
  • Eliminates 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 regimen depends directly on the stage and form of the disease, the nature and location of the plaques, and the general condition of the patient.

Doctors prescribe various medications to combat psoriasis flare-ups

Medications for relapse

In the fight against the worsening of psoriasis, you cannot do without medicines. The treatment regimen is selected individually and depends on many factors. But in general, the treatment involves 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 functioning of the digestive system and cleanse the body: activated carbon.

The affected parts of the body are treated with local medicines. Ointments and creams include:

  • Zinc and salicylic acid have a beneficial effect on damaged areas, these components should be present in the ointment;
  • Solid oil based;
  • Tar is the main component;
  • Sulfur ointment.

Since the patient's immunity weakens during the 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 subside, the patient is prescribed physical therapy. The following methods have proven to be the most effective for influencing the body:

  • UF rays- promotes rapid healing of damaged skin.
  • Hydrotherapy.Baths containing real Dead Sea salts help to properly cleanse the skin.
  • Cryotherapy- method, the essence of which is the effect of low temperature on the affected areas. In addition, it stimulates the immune system well.
  • Selective light therapy.During the procedure, the inflammatory foci are affected impulsively.
  • Shock wave therapypromotes rapid healing of the skin.
  • Climate therapy.Patients are often advised to have a full treatment at beach resorts.

How to relieve exacerbation at home

You can alleviate 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:

  • Butter and propolis500 g and 50 g. Place all the ingredients in a pan and cook 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 just 6 sessions, psoriasis sufferers note that the manifestations of the disease practically disappear.
  • Onion wrap.To make it, the onion is crushed into a pulp, which is placed in gauze and applied to the affected areas. This method helps relieve inflammation and softens 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. Body lotions help a lot in these cases. For preparation you need:

  • Mix equal amounts of calamus, string, licorice, burdock and nettle leaves.
  • Pour a large spoonful of this mixture into a glass of water.
  • The infusion is heated over low heat for five minutes and then infused for another hour.

The following remedies have proven to be effective in combating psoriasis flare-ups:

  • Ointment made from birch tar.To make it, you need to mix equal amounts of alcohol, natural sea buckthorn oil and birch tar. The product must be applied to the affected areas, covered with polyethylene and left on 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 is it used to treat psoriasis.
Psoriasis patients should include vegetables and fruits in their diet.

Diet for relapse

Compliance with nutritional rules is an important and integral point in the treatment of relapses of psoriasis. It is also important to consume enough vitamins. In order to prevent the appearance of new plaques and get rid of unpleasant symptoms, the following are strictly prohibited:

  • Foods with a high carbohydrate content (fatty milk and other dairy products, fatty meats and fish).
  • Spicy, smoked, sour and salty foods.
  • Marinades and pickles.
  • Half-done products.

Food must be prepared by baking, steaming, and 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 worsening psoriasis appear, limit yourself in the diet. For the first three to five days, you can drink any amount of sweetened tea or plain water and eat black bread (a little).

How to prevent exacerbation, preventive measures

If you follow fairly simple rules of prevention, you can significantly extend the period of remission and prevent exacerbation. They all consist of:

  • Skin care and hygiene rules.Psoriasis patients should regularly apply water treatments 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 professionals will help you prepare 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.
  • Adhering to 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 the condition of the skin and normalizes liver function. Doctors also recommend a medicine based on birch mushroom extract and cobalt chloride, which improves immunity, restores blood formation and improves the functioning of the digestive system.

Adherence to preventive measures allows us to forget about the worsening of psoriasis for a long time. In addition, doctors advise you to avoid stressful situations and support your body in the fight against psoriasis with vitamin complexes.