Does psoriasis experience a flare-up period during treatment with traditional Chinese medicine?

During traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment for psoriasis, patients may experience an exacerbation phase. Clinically, psoriasis is divided into three stages: progressive, stable, and regressive—among which the progressive stage is commonly referred to as the “exacerbation phase.”

1. Progressive stage: New erythematous plaques with scaling appear on localized skin areas; patients often experience pruritus.

2. Stable stage: No new lesions develop; existing lesions show reduced scaling and alleviated pruritus.

3. Exacerbation phase: The exacerbation phase of psoriasis typically lasts one to three months. Prior to its onset, there is usually a latent period. During this phase, skin lesions initially manifest as scaly erythematous plaques whose surface area progressively expands. Subsequently, scales thicken, and characteristic clinical signs—including the “film phenomenon,” “dew-drop phenomenon,” and “Auspitz sign” (pinpoint bleeding)—become prominent. Koebner phenomenon (isomorphic response) may also occur.

During treatment, patients must strictly adhere to their physician’s instructions and must not adjust medication dosage—neither increasing nor decreasing it—on their own, to avoid unnecessary complications.