Effective ways to treat facial psoriasis

The appearance of psoriasis on the face is a rare and atypical phenomenon. Its main danger is not physical but psychological. People with this course of the disease are often withdrawn, have difficulty communicating, and are at risk for severe depression. In the meantime, this problem can be addressed by achieving stable long-term remission. The main thing is to promptly consult a specialist and not self-medicate.

what is psoriasis

Psoriasis is a non-contagious, chronic disease with very unpleasant symptoms including a reddish rash and peeling of damaged areas of skin.They appear due to disruption of the dermal layer replacement mechanism. For healthy people, the process takes an average of 30 days; for patients, skin renewal takes less than a week. The body sees such rapid formation of new cells as an aggressive invasion and mounts an immune response that "sends" increased numbers of white and red blood cells to potentially damaged areas, triggering inflammation.More commonly, the disease's characteristic rash appears on the elbows, knees, armpits, and head beneath the hair. In rare cases, pathological manifestations can spread to the face. Scientists are still learning about the causes and mechanisms of this disease.

Psoriasis Causes and Risk Factors

The nature of psoriasis has been debated in the scientific community for decades. Three theories about the occurrence of the disease are the most common:

• self-immune;
• endocrine;
• Psychosomatic.

In recent years, genetic explanations for the occurrence of psoriasis have become increasingly popular. This is confirmed by statistics, according to which most patients have close relatives with the disease.Proponents of the various theories agree on three things:

• The multi-etiological nature of psoriasis means that the origin of the pathology is caused by multiple causes;
• The disease is not contagious;
• It is possible to achieve stable remission.

Doctors have also identified the main factors that trigger the disease. Among them:

• chronic inflammation;
• Severe skin trauma;
• Metabolic disorders;
• severe poisoning;
• Weak immunity;
• ongoing stress;
• frostbite;
• infectious diseases;
• alcoholism;
• Certain medications (such as beta blockers and antibiotics).

People whose bodies are affected by more than two of the factors listed above are most at risk. They are likely to encounter the most unpleasant and atypical forms of the disease.

The mechanism of appearance of facial psoriasis

Because the skin is particularly sensitive, facial psoriasis is characterized by rapid development. It happens in different ways, but doctors distinguish three general stages:

• progress;
• stable;
• fall back.

In the final stages, psoriasis symptoms disappear completely. The entire process takes anywhere from two months to six months, depending on the severity and type of disease.The classification of psoriasis is relatively complex and involves many varieties. Depending on the type of progression, it is generally divided into two main categories: pustular (a rash with a purulent pustular form) and non-pustular. Psoriasis can be classified as mild or severe based on severity, area of damage, and intensity of manifestations. The severe form of characteristic facial psoriasis - seborrheic - does not fall under the general classification.

attention! A dangerous complication of this disease is fungal infection of the sebaceous glands.

Symptoms of psoriasis subtypes are clearly visible, allowing a competent physician to accurately diagnose the disease and institute appropriate treatment.

Symptoms of psoriasis on face

Symptoms in the early stages of the disease can easily be confused with symptoms of allergies or irritation. Additionally, they appear during the fall and winter when the skin is most vulnerable. Psoriasis may be suspected based on the following symptoms:

• redness of skin;
• Dandruff occurs;
• itching;
• small sores;
• peeling;
• A light yellow crust forms.

The first spots, no larger than a pinhead, appear on the forehead and cheeks. They then grow and merge into each other, turning into very itchy red pimples.

attention! Scratching the rash can speed up the spread of the pimples, which can leave scars.

Gradually, pimples cover larger and larger areas of skin and form on the lips, nose, ears, and scalp. The plaque begins to bleed when pressed; the scales stick together due to the secretion of sebaceous glands, forming a dense yellow crust. The epidermis becomes thinner and loses its ability to protect against external influences. It is best to start treatment in the early stages of the disease. Only a dermatologist can determine the extent and type of disease.

Differential diagnosis

For a competent expert, making the correct diagnosis is not difficult. It is based on data on symptoms and course of disease, as well as visual examination. The so-called psoriasis triad is discovered during the process of scratching the skin of the problem area and has great diagnostic value. It includes three phenomena:

• Stearic stains (increased flaking after scratching);
• Terminal Film – A smooth surface that replaces removed scales;
• Blood Dew - The appearance of drops of blood.

Psoriasis sometimes looks similar to other diseases. Differential diagnosis is usually made for the following pathologies:

• syphilis;
• Certain lichen species;
• pityriasis;
• chronic dermatitis;
• eczema;
• Parapsoriasis.

To clarify the diagnosis of controversial cases, the following is provided:

• allergy testing;
• Blood biochemistry tests;
• Histological examination of the skin;
• UAC;
• Examine feces for dysbiosis;
• ultrasound;
• X-rays (to rule out psoriatic arthritis).

Unfortunately, after discovering the first signs of facial psoriasis, many patients begin self-treatment, which only makes the situation worse. At the same time, modern medicine provides enough tools and techniques that allow you to forget about unpleasant illnesses for a long time.

treatment strategies

To successfully get rid of psoriasis requires a comprehensive approach and strict compliance with medical recommendations. Commonly used treatments include:

• medical treatement;
• local impact;
• Phototherapy;
• physiotherapy;
• Folk remedies.

It is also important to follow a special diet.

medical treatement

Medications are used to treat advanced facial seborrheic psoriasis. The following groups of drugs are usually used:

• Antimicrobial medications can help reduce the intensity of psoriasis symptoms;
• Medications containing succinic acid normalize cellular immunity and increase oxygen flow to tissues;
• Antihistamines can reduce itching and swelling;
• Glucocorticoids;
• The complex treatment includes sedatives to relieve stress. You can take extracts of valerian or motherwort;
• Folic acid helps normalize pigmentation and clear the skin.

attention! Any medication should be taken strictly as prescribed by your doctor.

If use of these drugs does not bring positive results, use cyclosporine. Because of the large number of side effects, it is only used in the most severe cases.

local agent

Ointments, creams, and gels for treating psoriasis can help relieve inflammation, soften plaques, reduce itching, and disinfect damaged facial skin. The most effective remedies include the use of ointments:

• salicylic acid;
• Naphthalene;
• Sulfur tar.

In extremely severe cases, a dermatologist may recommend topical hormonal medications. They have many contraindications, so their use alone is strictly prohibited.

attention! You cannot use cosmetic foundation to cover up psoriasis plaques! It clogs pores and prevents oxygen from reaching damaged tissue.

The effectiveness of the ointment can be enhanced by using a moisturizing and soothing preparation containing shark oil or vitamin F. Physical therapy will speed up the healing process.

physiotherapy

In most cases, psoriasis patients must undergo a course of phototherapy - a method that restores the tissue's ability to regenerate by exposing facial skin to ultraviolet light and stimulating the production of vitamin D. Depending on the symptoms and characteristics of the course of treatment, the hardware operation of the disease is as follows:

• X-ray treatment;
• Ural Federal District;
• electrosleep;
• laser exposure;
• ultrasound;
• Magnet therapy.

These surgeries directly affect the foci of inflammation and contribute to their localization and elimination. Improve the patient's overall condition, including psychological well-being. Traditional medicine recipes will be a good complement to conservative treatment.

folk remedies

Homemade remedies based on herbs and plants will help relieve the most unpleasant symptoms of the acute phase of psoriasis. Here are some popular recipes:

• Make a tablespoon of chamomile flowers with 200 g of hot water and leave to brew (about an hour). Wet a cotton cloth well with the cooled and filtered solution and apply it to the face for 30 minutes;
• Mix solid oil and birch sap in equal proportions. Apply the resulting mass evenly to the affected area and leave it on for 20 minutes. Wash and lubricate face with moisturizer;
• Place a few aloe vera 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 lotions are very useful for psoriasis. Apart from taking care of your face, proper and balanced nutrition also plays an important role in getting rid of psoriasis.

diet

Nutrition for psoriasis should include all substances necessary for the body. It is especially important to eat more fiber. The diet must include adequate amounts of fruits, vegetables and dairy products. You can’t eat:

• sweet baked goods;
• chocolate;
• Milk with high fat content;
• nut;
• any citrus fruit;
• spices and herbs;
• Alcoholic drinks.

Dishes should not be greasy, fried, smoky or overly spicy. Once a week it is worth organizing a "kefir" fasting day.

prevention

People who are susceptible to psoriasis need to take simple preventive measures:

• Wash with special moisturizing products;
• Rub your face daily with a decoction of chamomile or hops, especially in hot weather or in frost;
• quit smoking;
• Avoid staying in dusty or damp places for long periods of time;
• Spend more time in the sun.

See your dermatologist regularly to prevent the condition from getting worse. It is impossible to completely cure psoriasis. However, by adhering to precautions and following medical advice, you can achieve stable remission and live a fulfilling lifestyle.