The manifestation of psoriasis on the face is a rare and atypical phenomenon. Its main danger lies not on the physiological plane, but on the psychological. A person facing this type of illness often withdraws, has communication difficulties and is at risk of falling into severe depression. Meanwhile, the problem can be resolved by achieving long-term stable remission. The main thing is to consult a specialist in time and not self-medicate.
What is psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic disease of a non-infectious nature, accompanied by very unpleasant symptoms, including reddish rashes and peeling of damaged areas of the skin.
They arise due to a violation of the replacement mechanism of the dermal layer. In a healthy person, this process takes an average of 30 days; in a sick person, the skin renews itself in less than a week. The body perceives such a rapid formation of new cells as an aggressive invasion and gives an immunological response, "sending" a greater number of leukocytes and red blood cells to the site of probable damage, which causes inflammation.
More often, rashes characteristic of the disease form on the elbows and knees, in the armpits and on the head, under the hair. In rare cases, manifestations of the pathology spread to the face. Scientists are still understanding the causes and mechanisms of the disease.
Causes of psoriasis and risk factors
In the scientific community, there has been debate about the nature of psoriasis for several decades. Three theories about the occurrence of the disease are most widespread:
- autoimmune;
- endocrine;
- psychosomatic.
In recent years, a genetic explanation for the onset of psoriasis has gained popularity. This is confirmed by statistical data, according to which the majority of patients have close relatives who suffer from this disease.
Proponents of various theories agree on three points:
- the polyetiological nature of psoriasis, that is, the origin of the pathology is caused by several reasons;
- the disease is not contagious;
- it is possible to achieve a stable remission.
Doctors also identified the main factors that provoke the disease. Between them:
- chronic inflammation;
- severe traumatic damage to the skin;
- metabolic disorders;
- severe poisoning;
- weak immunity;
- constant stress;
- Frostbite;
- infectious diseases;
- alcoholism;
- certain medicines (such as beta blockers and antibiotics).
People whose bodies are affected by more than two factors from the list above are at greater risk. There is a possibility that they will encounter the most unpleasant and atypical form of the disease.
The mechanism of appearance of psoriasis on the face
Psoriasis on the face is characterized by rapid development due to particularly sensitive skin. It occurs in different ways, but doctors distinguish three general stages:
- progressive;
- stationary;
- regressing.
In the last stage, psoriatic manifestations disappear and disappear completely. The entire process, depending on the severity and type of the disease, takes two to six months.
The classification of psoriasis is complex and involves many varieties. Based on the type of progression, two large groups are conventionally distinguished: pustular (with rashes in the form of purulent pustules) and non-pustular. Depending on the severity, area of the lesion and intensity of manifestations, psoriasis can be mild or severe. The severe form of psoriasis characteristic of the face, seborrheic, does not fit into the general classification.
Attention! A dangerous complication of this form of the disease is infection of the sebaceous glands with fungi.
Symptoms of psoriasis subtypes are clearly visible, which allows a competent doctor to accurately diagnose the disease and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of psoriasis on the face
Signs of the early stage of the disease can easily be confused with symptoms of allergy or irritation. In addition, they appear on the face during periods of greatest skin vulnerability - in the autumn-winter period. Psoriasis may be suspected based on the following symptoms:
- redness of the skin;
- the appearance of dandruff;
- itch;
- small wounds;
- peeling;
- formation of yellowish crusts.
The first spots are no bigger than the head of a pin and appear on the forehead and cheeks. Then they grow and, merging, turn into red papules that are very itchy.
Attention! Scratching the rashes accelerates the spread of papules, which can leave scars.
Gradually, the papules cover increasingly larger areas of the skin and form on the lips, nose, ears, and scalp. The plates begin to bleed when pressed, the scales are glued together by the secretion of the sebaceous glands, forming a dense yellow crust. The epidermis becomes thinner and loses its ability to perform protective functions against external influences. It is best to start treatment at an early stage of the disease. Only a dermatologist can determine the degree and type of the disease.
Differential diagnosis
Establishing the correct diagnosis is not difficult for a competent specialist. It is based on data on the symptoms and course of the disease, as well as visual examination. The so-called psoriatic triad, discovered during the process of scraping the problem area of the skin, has great diagnostic value. It includes three phenomena:
- stearin stain (increased peeling after scraping);
- terminal film - a smooth surface in place of the removed scales;
- blood dew - the appearance of blood droplets.
Psoriasis is sometimes similar to other diseases. Differential diagnosis is often carried out with pathologies such as:
- syphilis;
- some varieties of lichen;
- pityriasis;
- chronic dermatitis;
- eczema;
- parapsoriasis.
To clarify the diagnosis in controversial cases, the following are prescribed:
- allergy testing;
- blood test for biochemistry;
- histological examination of the skin;
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- stool examination for dysbiosis;
- Ultrasound;
- x-ray (to rule out psoriatic arthritis).
Unfortunately, upon discovering the first signs of psoriasis on the face, many patients begin to self-medicate, which only worsens the condition. Meanwhile, modern medicine offers enough tools and techniques with which you can forget about an unpleasant illness for a long time.
Treatment tactics
To successfully get rid of psoriasis, an integrated approach and strict adherence to medical recommendations are required. Commonly used treatment methods include:
- drug therapy;
- local impact;
- phototherapy;
- physiotherapy;
- folk remedies.
It is also important to follow a special diet.
Drug treatment
Pharmaceutical medications are prescribed for the treatment of advanced seborrheic psoriasis on the face. The following groups of medicines are generally used:
- antimicrobials help to reduce the intensity of psoriatic manifestations;
- a medicine with succinic acid normalizes cellular immunity and increases the flow of oxygen to tissues;
- antihistamines reduce itching and swelling;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- Sedatives are included in complex treatments to relieve stress. You can take valerian or motherwort extracts;
- Folic acid helps normalize pigmentation and clear the skin.
Attention! Any medications must be taken strictly as prescribed by your doctor.
If the use of these medications does not bring positive results, use Cyclosporine. It is prescribed in the most serious cases due to the large number of side effects.
Local agents
Ointments, creams and gels in the treatment of psoriasis help relieve inflammation, soften plaques, help reduce itching and disinfect damaged facial skin. The most effective remedies include ointments:
- Salicylic;
- Naphthalene;
- Sulfur tar.
In extremely severe cases, a dermatologist may recommend topical hormonal medications. They have a number of contraindications, therefore it is strictly forbidden to use them independently.
Attention! You cannot mask psoriatic plaques with cosmetic foundation! This will clog the pores and block oxygen from accessing damaged tissues.
The effect of medicinal ointments is enhanced by the use of moisturizing and soothing preparations with shark oil or vitamin F. Physiotherapy will speed up the healing process.
Physiotherapy
In most cases, patients with psoriasis will have to undergo a course of phototherapy - this method restores the ability of tissues to regenerate by exposing the facial skin to ultraviolet light and stimulating the production of vitamin D. Depending on the symptoms and characteristics of the course of the disease, hardware manipulations such as:
- X-ray therapy;
- Ural Federal District;
- electrosleep;
- laser exposure;
- ultrasound;
- magnetotherapy.
These procedures directly affect the foci of inflammation, contribute to their localization and elimination. Improves the patient's general condition, including psychological. Traditional medicine recipes will be a good addition to conservative treatment.
Folk remedies
Home remedies based on herbs and medicinal plants help to alleviate the most unpleasant symptoms of the acute period of psoriasis. Here are some popular recipes:
- Brew a tablespoon of chamomile flowers with 200 g of hot water and let it brew (about an hour). In the cooled and strained solution, generously moisten a cotton cloth and apply to the face for 30 minutes;
- combine solid oil and birch sap in equal proportions. Apply the resulting mass evenly to the affected areas and leave for 20 minutes. Wash and lubricate your face with moisturizer;
- Place some aloe leaves in the refrigerator for a week, then remove, chop and apply to your face for 30 minutes.
Products based on essential oils and sea salt solutions are very useful for psoriasis. In addition to taking care of your face, a proper and balanced diet plays an important role in eliminating psoriasis.
Diet
Nutrition for psoriasis should include all the substances necessary for the body. It's especially important to eat more fiber. The diet should include a sufficient amount of fruits, vegetables and dairy products. You can't eat:
- sweet pastries;
- chocolate;
- milk with a high percentage of fat;
- nuts;
- any citrus fruits;
- spices and herbs;
- alcoholic beverages.
Dishes should not be fatty, fried, smoked or excessively spicy. Once a week it is worth organizing fasting days "on kefir".
Prevention
People with a predisposition to psoriasis need to take simple precautions:
- wash with special products with a moisturizing effect;
- Clean your face daily with decoctions based on chamomile or hops, especially in hot or cold weather;
- quit smoking;
- avoid prolonged stay in dusty or humid areas;
- spend more time in the sun.
Visit your dermatologist regularly to prevent the condition from getting worse. It is impossible to completely cure psoriasis. However, by observing preventive measures and following medical recommendations, you can achieve a stable remission and lead a fulfilling lifestyle.