Psoriasis on the face is distinct from that on other body parts. There, your skin may be more sensitive to treatments due to its thinner thickness. Skin cells may continue growing across the visage as a result of psoriasis, resulting in thick, itchy patches of scaliness. How to treat psoriasis on face, will differ depending on the condition of the skin.
A common chronic skin condition called psoriasis shortens the lifespan of skin cell growth. It causes scaly plaques, which can be uncomfortable and itchy. If you have fair skin or a lighter skin tone, the plaques will typically be pink or red with silvery-white scales. Most people who have psoriasis on their face also have it on their scalp. Some individuals also have moderate to severe psoriasis in other body parts.
1. What Is Psoriasis?
To know how to treat psoriasis on face we first need to understand what is psoriasis and where do they most commonly occur. The knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp are the most common areas of the body to develop a rash with itchy, scaly patches due to more severe Psoriasis. Let us now discover what are the types of psoriasis and how to treat psoriasis on face?
2. Types of Common Psoriasis
Psoriasis comes in a variety of forms,
2.1. Plaques Psoriasis
Plaques Psoriasis is the most prevalent type of psoriasis. The result is dry, raised patches of skin with scales (plaques). They could be few or many.
They typically show up on the lower back, elbows, and knees. Depending on skin tone, the patches come in a variety of colors. The color of the affected area may momentarily change as it heals when brown or black skin is involved.
2.2. Psoriasis of the Nails
Pitting, irregular nail growth and discoloration can be carried by psoriasis and affects both fingernails and toenails. Nails that have psoriasis may become loose and separate from the nail bed. The nail may break if the disease is severe.
2.3. Pustules Psoriasis
A rare form of pustular psoriasis results in blisters filled with clear-cut pus. It can appear on small patches of the palms or soles or in broader areas.
2.4. Guttate Psoriasis
The major population impacted by guttate psoriasis are children and young adults. It typically worsens with a bacterial infection like strep throat. On the trunk; arms, or legs; it leaves behind small, drop-shaped scaling lesions.
2.5. Inverse Psoriasis
The groin, buttocks, and breasts are areas of the body where inverse psoriasis is most likely to develop. It causes smooth areas of inflamed skin, which will get worse with friction and moisture. Fungus has the potential to cause this type of psoriasis.
2.6. Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis, the least common form of the condition, can cover the entire body in a peeling rash that can itch or burn severely. It may be temporary or ongoing.
3. Causes of Psoriasis on the Face
How to treat psoriasis on face and what are it’s causes? Before choosing the treatment method the dermatologist must know about the cause.
Psoriasis is associated with improper immune system activation, which causes inflammation and increased skin cell proliferation. Facial psoriasis is known to be brought on by the overproduction of skin cells and the accumulation of thickened plaques on the skin.
The immune system’s overactive T cells are the cause of psoriasis. It is one particular white blood cell. T cells originate from stem cells in the bone marrow and are a part of the immune system. They aid in infection prevention and might assist in the fight against cancer.
Lesions from psoriasis rarely appear on the face. For Example, a person may have psoriasis on the facial involvement and the scalp, or they may develop lesions on other parts of the body that also manifest on the facial area. How to treat psoriasis on face and what are common triggers to look out for?
Psoriasis flare-ups and common triggers of the condition include,
- Natural Sunlight exposure under stress and sunburn (too much sun).
- Infection with yeast such as Malassezia.
- Lithium, hydroxychloroquine, and prednisone are a few examples of medications.
- Heavy alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and cold, dry weather.
4. Psoriasis on the Face: Symptoms
Frequently, scalp psoriasis progresses to facial psoriasis. Lesions may appear as irritated red or purple areas that extend downward from the scalp. Scales of silvery white can develop on occasion. Dead skin cells are commonly present in the hair of someone with facial psoriasis. It initially might look like dandruff caused by dry skin or skin sensitivity.
The area’s most frequently impacted by psoriasis on the face are as follows,
- in the brows
- between the skin of the upper lip
- the hairline of the nose
- up the upper forehead.
On the lips, inside the cheeks, on the gums, or inside the nose, psoriasis can manifest as a symptom. These are frequently excruciatingly painful and may impair a person’s capacity to chew and swallow food.
Eyelids and eyelashes may occasionally be affected by facial psoriasis. It may result in swelling, crusting, and red or purple discoloration of the eyelids. The result is that one’s eyelashes may tilt either upwards or downwards. Downward-curving eyelash rims may put additional strain on the eye and aggravate inflammation. Psoriasis of the eyes is a condition that occurs very infrequently. Facial psoriasis symptoms may vary from person to person.
5. Psoriasis on the Face: Risk Factors
The risk of developing severe psoriasis can rise even though the causes are unknown.
- Psoriasis in the family history
- Skin infections in the past
- Skin injuries from surgery or other trauma
- Stress
An individual with facial psoriasis might observe that their symptoms will worsen, after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as from the sun or a tanning bed. Smoking can exacerbate psoriasis on the face.
6. Types of Facial Psoriasis
Before we dive into learning how to treat psoriasis on face let’s look at it’s main types. The three primary psoriasis subtypes that manifest on the face are as follows,
- Hairline Psoriasis
- Sebo Psoriasis
- True Facial Psoriasis
6.1 Hairline Psoriasis
One of the psoriasis variants is known as Hairline Psoriasis, which is also known as scalp psoriasis. Scalp Psoriasis is characterized by thickening, scaly, and discoloring plaques. Although it can happen anywhere, the back of the scalp is where it usually happens. In severe cases, it may result in hair loss.
It may affect the areas of your forehead, in and around your ears, and your hairline. Scales from psoriasis in the ears can accumulate and block the ear canal.
6.2 Sebo-Psoriasis
Psoriasis and Seborrheic dermatitis are combined to form Sebo-Psoriasis. It combines traits from both states. Clinically, these patients exhibit silvery scales in classic psoriasis along greasy scales over the scalp and behind the ears.
Seborrheic dermatitis, a chronic form of eczema, is one such condition. Thin, pink plaques caused by sebopsoriasis may cover the skin with greasy and yellow scales. They can show up on the beard area, eyelids, brows, sides of the nose, and hairline.
6.3 True Facial Psoriasis
True Facial Psoriasis manifests on the face as several dry, thick plaques are colored abnormally. This condition is closely related to psoriasis, which can affect other parts of the body.
- True facial psoriasis seems like,
- Red, scaly plaques are delineated.
- It could impact any area of the face.
- Plaques are frequently symmetrical.
- It may present in other locations, such as the ears, genitals, scalp, elbows, knees, and trunk, where psoriasis is also present
- and can occur in conjunction with Erythrodermic Psoriasis, Guttate Psoriasis, or Chronic Plaque Psoriasis.
7. 3 Best Treatment Options
Scale removal and slowed skin cell growth are the goals of psoriasis treatments. How to treat psoriasis on face, the alternatives include topical treatments, phototherapy or light therapy, and oral or intravenous medications.
7.1 Topical Treatments
7.1.1 Corticosteroids
These medications can be recommended for the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis. These come in ointments, creams, lotions, gels, sprays, lotions, and shampoo forms.
The dermatologist will choose the course of treatment for psoriasis on the face based on the affected area and the severity of the condition. When the high power of corticosteroids is used excessively or for an extended period, the facial skin may thin. Over time, topical corticosteroids may become less effective.
7.1.2 Vitamin D Analogues
Skin cell growth can be slowed by synthetic forms of vitamin D like Calcipotriene and Calcitriol. This medication can be applied either alone or in combination with topical creams like Corticosteroids. In sensitive areas, calcitriol might lessen the irritation. The cost of calcitriol and calcipotriene is typically higher than that of topical corticosteroids.
7.1.3 Retinoids
Retinoids are compounds that are derived from Vitamin A. Tazarotene is an example of a Retinoid. It works by reducing inflammation and slowing the overproduction of facial skin cells. An oral or injectable medication, such as the retinoid pill Acitretin, may be prescribed by a dermatologist if retinoid creams and gels are ineffective. These will function by slowing skin cell production, just like Topical Retinoids.
7.1.4 Calcineurin inhibitors
Immunosuppressants called Calcineurin inhibitors. It is helpful to treat autoimmune diseases. A calcineurin inhibitor blocks the hyperactivity of the enzyme, which is involved in some immune system functions. Around the eyes, calcineurin inhibitors can be applied. This medication is not recommended for pregnant ladies, breastfeeding mothers, and planning for pregnancy.
7.1.5 Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a common descaling component in over-the-counter creams. It is containing shampoos and scalp treatments that reduce the scaling brought on by scalp psoriasis. Salicylic acid softens and loosens thick, dry, or scaly skin. By applying this medication to these skin conditions, the scales easily fall off or be removed.
7.1.6 Coal Tar
Plaque type of psoriasis can also be treated effectively using Coal Tar. Along with irritating Scalp Psoriasis, Palm and sole are the challenging area to treat. Coal tar is the best applicant for these areas.
7.1.7 Anthralin
A tar cream called anthralin slows the growth of skin cells. Scales can additionally be stripped away, and the skin might become smoother. We should not apply this on the face or genitalia. Typically, it is not for a long course of treatment.
7.2 Light Therapy
For moderate to severe psoriasis, this light therapy is the first-line treatment. How to treat psoriasis on face with various light therapies. Affected skin is exposed to controlled doses of artificial or natural light. In some circumstances, the same treatment may get repeated.
7.2.1 Sunlight
Sometimes, natural sun exposure may be of assistance. For example, getting some sun rays at the beach and taking a saltwater bath may help with symptoms.
7.2.2 Goeckerman Therapy
The Goeckerman therapy is a method that combines coal tar treatment and light therapy. Because coal tar increases skin’s receptivity to ultraviolet B (UVB) light, this may be more effective.
7.2.3 UVB Broadband
One or more isolated patches of psoriasis, widespread psoriasis, and psoriasis that don’t respond to topical medications can all be treated with controlled doses of UVB (Ultraviolet B rays) broadband light from an artificial light source.
7.2.4 UVB Narrowband
The uses of UVB narrowband light therapy may be superior to UVB broadband therapy. Until the affected areas clear up, the scales will be treated two or three times per week. For maintenance, this therapy’s dosage is reducing to further.
7.3 Oral or Intravenous Medications
7.3.1 Biologics
Newer, more potent injected medications are Biologics. How to treat psoriasis on face without any side effects. It will be achieved by injecting biologics into affected areas is one of the best treatments. Only the portion of the immune system, that is overactive due to psoriasis can be targeted by a biological method.
Therefore, compared to other potent psoriasis medications, biologics are less likely to result in issues with the liver, kidneys, or other organs. Because it helped control their symptoms when other treatments failed, taking a biologic for many people was a life-changing experiment, biologics function by preventing the bodily processes that give rise to psoriasis.
7.3.2 Methotrexate
Methotrexate, which is ordinarily given once weekly as an oral dose, lowers skin cell production and reduces inflammation. Long-term methotrexate users require regular testing to keep track of their blood counts and liver health. Methotrexate must be stopped at least three months before trying to get pregnant. It is not advised for breastfeeding mothers to take this medication.
7.3.3 Cyclosporine
The immune system is suppressed when cyclosporine, is taken orally to treat severe psoriasis. Although it is not as effective as methotrexate, it can’t be used continuously for more than a year.
8. Additional Signs of Facial Psoriasis
Although facial psoriasis most frequently affects the skin above the lip, hairline, eyebrows, and upper forehead, other areas of the face may also be afflicted. How to treat psoriasis on the face, is a big challenge to the health provider with the following consequences.
8.1. Vision Problems
Eyelid psoriasis is uncommon. Red, flaky skin patches could result from it. One could experience pain or vision problems. Working with the dermatologist to find a safe treatment that won’t impair vision is crucial if someone has psoriasis near their eyes.
8.2. Hearing Issues
The inner and outer ears may also impact by facial psoriasis. Redness, itching, and scaly skin patches are symptoms. The skin behind the ears, around the ears, or inside the ear canal may develop patches. The accumulation of scales inside the ear can cause temporary hearing loss. Never attempt to move or take the scale out on your own.
8.3. Mouth Blisters and Pain
Occasionally, people with facial psoriasis also experience mouth symptoms. Along with the gums, tongue, or inner cheeks, you might experience redness, burning pain, and bleeding. Eating and drinking can be challenging due to the symptoms. The dermatologist and dentist should typically work together to treat mouth psoriasis.
9. Conclusion
How to treat psoriasis on face, is more connected to emotions too. The patients need some lifestyle changes. Sharing their emotions with loved ones can be beneficial for some psoriasis sufferers. A person can speak with a counselor, their doctor, or a support group if they’d prefer to talk to someone they don’t know personally. Additionally, it is critical to comprehend that psoriasis can affect anyone and is not contagious.
Although the severity can change depending on the season, stress, and other factors, facial psoriasis typically persists. It might be a sign of a disease with an early onset and greater severity. Because the skin on the face is so delicate, treating psoriasis on the face can be challenging. The ideal method for treating psoriasis on your face will be determined with your dermatologist’s assistance.
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