Psoriasis is a non-infectious autoimmune disease that is manifested by severe redness, inflammation and scaling of the skin. The disease is difficult to treat and has a wave-like character - it proceeds with remissions and relapses. It is especially unpleasant when it affects the face, as this part of the body cannot be covered with clothes. Face psoriasis brings not only itching and discomfort associated with skin irritation, but also moral depression due to the attitude of other people who do not understand that this disease is not contagious.
Is there psoriasis on the face?
In most cases, psoriatic skin defects affect the scalp, elbows and knees, neck, armpits, and inguinal cavities. Can there be psoriasis on the face? Perhaps, but this form is considered atypical and rare.
Psoriasis can be vulgar (common) and seborrheic. It is the face that is usually affected by the second form, considered more serious due to especially dense large papules, as well as scales covered by a layer of sebum with a yellowish tinge.
Factors that contribute to the development of the disease
Doctors still cannot come to a common opinion on the causes of skin pathology, but they suggest that psoriasis is caused by:
- autoimmune disorders;
- metabolic disorders.
Autoimmune disorders occur due to the improper work of the immune system, when it begins to perceive its own body in an aggressive way. The predisposition to such disorders is hereditary, autosomal dominant or recessive.
Metabolic disorders are caused by nervous tension, malnutrition, chronic infections, pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, hormonal disorders. Also, the cause of improper metabolism can be uncomfortable weather conditions and bad habits.
Psoriasis cannot occur on the face for just one reason. It usually leads to many unfavorable factors. In a separate group, doctors identify factors that increase the likelihood of manifestation of the pathology:
- chronic inflammation;
- exchange failures;
- weakening of the immune system;
- hidden infections;
- regular skin lesions (the main cause of psoriasis on the nose and other raised areas);
- severe or prolonged stress;
- freezing and overheating;
- poisoning, including alcoholism;
- uncontrolled intake of antibiotics, beta-blockers and antiviral drugs.
What is psoriasis on the face: varieties
Psoriasis on the skin of the face is of two types:
- It occurs at a young age - up to 40 years. The peak incidence occurs at the age of 16-24 years. Early pathology often becomes generalized, severe, difficult to treat and often relapses.
- It affects people over 40 years old. The peak incidence occurs at the age of 55-60 years. This type is less persistent, the symptoms are not as strong as in the previous version, it is easier, it is better treatable.
There are also two main types of psoriasis on the face: vulgar and seborrheic. Vulgaris is diagnosed in most patients and rarely affects the face. For such a site, the seborrheic type of psoriasis is more characteristic, which often relapses, is more difficult to treat and is characterized by the maximum severity of symptoms. The papules are especially dense and large, the scales are covered with a layer of sebum and have a yellowish tinge, which is why they are very visible.
The disease can be located in the following places on the face:
- on the cheeks;
- On the nose;
- on the eyelids;
- under the eyes;
- on the eyebrows;
- around the mouth.
Sometimes the disease affects the forehead, less often psoriasis on the lips is diagnosed. In a neglected version, skin defects can extend to the ears.
clinical internships
Pathology is not instantaneous, it proceeds in stages, the stages are called stages. It is advisable to start treatment at the first stage, but for that you need to know how psoriasis starts.
The stage of the pathology can be determined by the symptoms:
- At first, facial psoriasis is manifested by papules that resemble acne marks. They itch, increase in size, form dry plaques. The skin underneath is white.
- Later, the affected skin turns red, the disease becomes active (sebopsoriasis or seborrheic). This phase is called progressive. The skin is very itchy, painful, scaly, covered with dense yellow crusts.
- Then the affected areas begin to bleed and itch severely. Drops of blood come out after scraping a dense scale. Wound surfaces do not heal. The peeling affects the entire face, the itching becomes unbearable.
- After that, the stationary stage begins, during which the growth of papules stops and scaling subsides. Plaques on the face acquire a bluish tinge.
- The last phase is regressive. All symptoms gradually disappear. The disease goes into remission, scaling and itching disappear completely, papules and plaques disappear.
Since psoriasis is chronic, after remission there will definitely be a relapse. The duration of remission is individual and largely depends on the correct treatment as well as facial skin care. If the pathology is not treated, instead of remission, various complications can be obtained.
Consequences and complications
Complications of skin pathology can be local (the disease spreads to other parts of the body) and systemic. The neglected form of psoriasis often flows into arthritis, and if it spreads to the eyelids and ears, it can lead to blindness and deafness. In addition, comorbidities worsen in patients: diabetes, hypertension, obesity, Crohn's syndrome, heart failure. That's why it's so important to be treated on time.
How to cure psoriasis on the face
It is impossible to completely cure the disease as it is chronic, but many years of remission can be achieved. For this, the treatment of psoriasis on the face must be complete - complex, consisting of the following procedures:
- vitamin therapy;
- hormonal and non-hormonal therapy with special systemic and locally acting preparations;
- physiotherapy;
- maintain a proper diet;
- folk remedies.
Before treatment, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist and undergo a standard set of tests to determine the characteristics of the pathology. Therapy is selected individually and begins with special preparations against psoriasis.
preparations
The first outbreak, especially with a complex course, is treated with systemic drugs. Retinoids quickly and powerfully combat the manifestations of psoriasis on the face. They stop pathological cell division, due to which the disease stops progressing and goes into remission.
Anti-allergy medications will help reduce itching, redness, inflammation and swelling (symptomatic treatment). A drug with succinic acid in the composition can speed up the recovery of the skin and improve its condition. For general strengthening of the body, injections of vitamins of the B group are prescribed. Instead of injections, children can be given a vitamin complex in tablets.
If drugs are ineffective, the most powerful immunosuppressive drug against psoriatic rashes is used. It is used as a last resort due to the high probability of side effects.
In mild forms of the disease, as well as in childhood psoriasis, they try to treat with topical drugs - ointments, creams, gels.
How to smear psoriasis on the face, the doctor will tell you. Usually assigned:
- ointment with 0. 5% salicylic acid;
- ointment based on tar and sulfur, not less than 10% (concentration of the active substance);
- 5% naphthalan cream;
- glucocorticoid drug;
- non-hormonal grease-based vegetable-based cream.
Creams and gels, as well as similar preparations for topical application, are applied to skin defects 2-4 times a day until the symptoms completely disappear. Hormonal and non-hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs increase the effectiveness of drug therapy:
- non-hormonal - shark oil, vitamin F, creams based on natural oils and medicinal herbs, ointment with calcipotriol;
- hormonal ointments for psoriasis.
In addition to the medications listed, it is imperative to take sedatives (valerian, motherwort) as stress exacerbates symptoms. After the transition of the pathology to a calm stage, physiotherapy is prescribed:
- UV to accelerate skin regeneration;
- radiation therapy against itching and inflammation;
- ultrasound to reduce redness and swelling;
- magnetotherapy to improve metabolic processes.
Therapy with folk remedies
How to treat skin psoriasis, recommends traditional medicine. Masks will help to quickly remove psoriasis from the face at home:
- from the infusion of dry chamomile - prepare the flowers, strain, dip the gauze in the solution and apply to the face, keep for 20 minutes;
- from aloe - cut the leaf and rub the affected areas of the face with juice;
- of saffron - the spice is diluted with water to a soft state and applied in plates. You need to keep 8-12 hours.
Face masks can be done every other day or every day before bed for 2-4 weeks. Then it is desirable to take a short break, after which the course of treatment can be repeated.
Another powerful remedy for psoriasis on the face is concentrated essential oils (coconut, hawthorn, juniper). It is recommended that oils are added to the care cream or water for washing. They soften, nourish and moisturize the skin, facilitate the flaking of seborrheic psoriasis.
The pathology is well neutralized by sea salt, which must be added to masks, washing water and exfoliants. Alternative methods of treatment will not replace the official ones, but they will help to significantly speed up the healing process. It is recommended that such treatment be combined with the use of pharmaceutical preparations.
Diet and lifestyle
All patients (even children) need to follow a diet that removes all potential allergens: citrus fruits, coffee, chocolate, colorful vegetables, seafood. If psoriasis is on the forehead or cheeks, you should definitely ditch sugar and starchy foods.
Also, the problem can be solved by giving up bad habits - alcohol addiction and smoking. The correct way of life will have to be maintained constantly, even after the disease has transitioned into remission.
Face skin care
Care for problematic skin on the face should be careful, regular and correct. For care, it is better to use a daily face moisturizer with vitamin D in the composition. It will improve skin quality, smooth and saturate it with nourishment for recovery. And you also need:
- avoid rubbing the skin with a cloth towel (it is better to wipe the face after washing with paper napkins);
- during relapses, do not use decorative cosmetics for the face, especially in the hot season;
- do not peel or injure the skin with peeling;
- replacing shavers with electric shavers (advice for men);
- regularly protect the skin of the face from the sun's ultraviolet rays with the help of special creams and hats.
Is it possible to sunbathe with psoriasis on open areas of the body? No, the affected skin must be protected from the sun's rays, especially in the acute phase, as ultraviolet rays can cause complications.
Despite the specific nature of psoriasis on the face, with a comprehensive and competent approach to treatment, if all the doctor's recommendations are followed, the prognosis for achieving a long-term remission will be favorable.