The manifestation of psoriasis on the face is a rare and atypical phenomenon. Its main danger does not lie on the physiological level, but on the psychological level. A person faced with such a course of illness often withdraws into themselves, experiences communication difficulties and runs the risk of falling into serious depression. In the meantime, 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 disruption in the replacement mechanism of the dermis layer. In a healthy person, this process takes on average 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 immune response, "sending" an increased number of leukocytes and red blood cells to the site of probable damage, which causes inflammation.
Most often, rashes characteristic of the disease form on the elbows and knees, armpits and on the head under the hair. In rare cases, the manifestations of 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, a debate has raged for several decades about the nature of psoriasis. Three theories about the onset of the disease are the 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 that the majority of patients have close relatives suffering from this disease.
Proponents of various theories agree on three points:
- the polyetiological nature of psoriasis, that is to say the origin of the pathology, is due to several reasons;
- the disease is not contagious;
- it is possible to achieve stable remission.
Doctors have also identified the main factors provoking the disease. Among them:
- chronic inflammation;
- severe traumatic damage to the skin;
- Metabolic disorders;
- severe poisoning;
- low immunity;
- constant stress;
- frostbite;
- Infectious diseases;
- alcoholism;
- certain medications (such as beta blockers and antibiotics).
People whose bodies are affected by more than two factors from the list above are most at risk. It is possible that they are facing the most unpleasant and atypical form of the disease.
The mechanism of appearance of psoriasis on the face
Facial psoriasis is characterized by rapid progression due to particularly sensitive skin. This happens in different ways, but doctors distinguish three general stages:
- progressive;
- Stationary;
- regress.
At the last stage, psoriatic manifestations fade and disappear completely. The whole process, depending on the severity and type of illness, takes two to six months.
The classification of psoriasis is complex and involves many varieties. Depending on the type of progression, two large groups are classically distinguished: pustular (with skin rashes in the form of purulent pustules) and non-pustular. Depending on the severity, the affected area and the intensity of the 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 a fungus.
Symptoms of psoriasis subtypes are clearly visible, which allows a competent doctor to accurately diagnose the disease and prescribe adequate treatment.
Symptoms of psoriasis on the face
Signs of the initial stage of the disease can easily be confused with symptoms of an allergy or irritation. In addition, they appear on the face during periods of greatest vulnerability of the skin - in autumn-winter. Psoriasis may be suspected based on the following symptoms:
- redness on the skin;
- the appearance of dandruff;
- itching;
- small wounds;
- peeling;
- formation of yellowish crusts.
The first spots are no bigger than a pinhead and appear on the forehead and cheeks. Then they grow and, merging with each other, turn into very itchy red papules.
Attention! Scratching the rashes makes the papules spread faster, which can leave scars.
Gradually, papules cover larger and larger areas of skin and form on the lips, nose, ears and scalp. The plaques begin to bleed when pressed, the scales are stuck 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 disease.
Differential diagnosis
Establishing the correct diagnosis is not difficult for a competent specialist. It is based on data on symptoms and the course of the disease, as well as a 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 flaking after scratching);
- terminal film - a smooth surface in place of the removed scales;
- blood dew - the appearance of bloody droplets.
Psoriasis sometimes looks like other illnesses. Differential diagnosis is often carried out with pathologies such as:
- syphilis;
- certain varieties of lichens;
- 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;
- UAC;
- stool examination for dysbacteriosis;
- Ultrasound;
- x-ray (to rule out psoriatic arthritis).
Unfortunately, after discovering the first signs of psoriasis on the face, many patients begin to self-medicate, which only aggravates the situation. 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 necessary. Typically used treatment methods include:
- drug therapy;
- local impact;
- phototherapy;
- physiotherapy;
- folk remedies.
It is also important to follow a special diet.
Medical treatment
Pharmaceutical drugs are prescribed for the treatment of seborrheic psoriasis of the face in advanced form. The following groups of drugs are usually used:
- antimicrobials help reduce the intensity of psoriatic manifestations;
- a drug containing succinic acid normalizes cellular immunity and increases the flow of oxygen to tissues;
- antihistamines reduce itching and swelling;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- sedatives are included in complex treatment to relieve stress. You can take valerian or motherwort extracts;
- Folic acid helps normalize pigmentation and cleanse the skin.
Attention! All medications should be taken strictly as prescribed by your doctor.
If the use of these drugs does not bring positive results, use Cyclosporine. It is prescribed in the most severe cases due to the large number of side effects.
Local agents
Ointments, creams and gels used in the treatment of psoriasis help relieve inflammation, soften plaques, 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 their independent use is strictly prohibited.
Attention! You cannot hide psoriatic plaques with cosmetic foundation! This will clog pores and block oxygen access to damaged tissues.
The effect of medicinal ointments is enhanced by the use of moisturizing and soothing preparations based on shark oil or vitamin F. Physiotherapy will speed up the healing process.
Physiotherapy
In most cases, patients with psoriasis will need to undergo phototherapy - this method restores the ability of tissues to regenerate by exposing facial skin to ultraviolet light and stimulating the production of vitamin D. Depending on the symptoms andfeatures of the course of the disease, material 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, particularly psychological. Traditional medicine recipes will be a good complement to conservative treatment.
Folk remedies
Home remedies based on medicinal herbs and plants will help relieve the most unpleasant symptoms of the acute period of psoriasis. Here are some popular recipes:
- Infuse a tablespoon of chamomile flowers with 200 g of hot water and leave to infuse (about an hour). In the cooled and filtered solution, generously moisten a cotton cloth 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 areas and leave to act for 20 minutes. Wash and lubricate your face with moisturizer;
- Place a few aloe leaves in the refrigerator for a week, then remove them, chop them and apply them to your face for 30 minutes.
Products based on essential oils and sea salts 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 is especially important to eat more fiber. The diet should include a sufficient amount of fruits, vegetables and dairy products. You cannot eat:
- sweet baked goods;
- chocolate;
- milk with a high percentage of fat;
- nuts;
- all citrus fruits;
- spices and herbs;
- alcoholic beverages.
Dishes should not be fatty, fried, smoked or too spicy. Once a week it is worth organizing "kefir" fasting days.
Prevention
People predisposed to psoriasis should take simple precautions:
- wash with special products with a moisturizing effect;
- Wipe your face daily with decoctions based on chamomile or hops, especially in hot or frosty weather;
- stop smoking;
- avoid prolonged stays in dusty or humid areas;
- spend more time in the sun.
Consult your dermatologist regularly to prevent the situation from getting worse. It is impossible to completely cure psoriasis. However, by observing preventive measures and following medical recommendations, you can achieve stable remission and lead a fulfilling life.