The manifestation of psoriasis on the face is a rare and atypical phenomenon. Its main danger lies not on the physiological but on the psychological level. Those confronted with such an illness often withdraw, have difficulty communicating and run the risk of falling into severe depression. In the meantime, the problem can be solved by achieving stable long-term remission. The main thing is to see a specialist in a timely manner and not to self-medicate.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic disease of a non-contagious nature that is accompanied by very unpleasant symptoms, including reddish rashes and peeling of damaged areas of the skin.
They arise due to a disruption in the mechanism of replacement of the dermis 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 rapid formation of new cells as an aggressive invasion and triggers an immune response by "sending" increased numbers of leukocytes and red blood cells to the site of likely damage, causing inflammation.
More often, rashes typical 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
There have been debates in the scientific community about the nature of psoriasis for several decades. The most widespread are three theories about the occurrence of the disease:
- autoimmune;
- endocrine;
- psychosomatic.
In recent years, a genetic explanation for the occurrence of psoriasis has gained popularity. This is confirmed by statistical data, according to which the majority of patients have close relatives suffering from this disease.
Proponents of various theories agree on three points:
- the polyetiological nature of psoriasis, i. e. H. the origin of the pathology, is caused by several reasons;
- the disease is not contagious;
- It is possible to achieve stable remission.
Doctors have also identified the main factors provoking the disease. Including:
- chronic inflammation;
- severe traumatic damage to the skin;
- metabolic disorders;
- severe poisoning;
- weak immunity;
- constant stress;
- frostbite;
- infectious diseases;
- Alcoholism;
- certain medications (such as beta blockers and antibiotics).
Those most at risk are people whose bodies are affected by more than two of the factors listed above. There is a chance 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 progresses in different ways, but doctors distinguish three general stages:
- progressive;
- stationary;
- declining.
In the final stage, the symptoms of psoriasis fade and disappear completely. The entire process takes between two and six months, depending on the severity and type of illness.
The classification of psoriasis is complex and includes many variants. Based on the nature of the course, two large groups are conventionally distinguished: pustular (with rashes in the form of purulent pustules) and non-pustular. Depending on the severity, area of damage and intensity of manifestations, psoriasis can be mild or severe. The severe form of psoriasis characteristic of the face, seborrheic, does not fall under the general classification.
Attention! A dangerous complication of this form of the disease is an infection of the sebaceous glands by fungi.
The symptoms of subtypes of psoriasis are clearly visible, which allows a competent doctor to accurately diagnose the disease and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of facial psoriasis
Signs of the initial stage of the disease can easily be confused with symptoms of allergy or irritation. In addition, they appear on the face at times when the skin is most at risk - in the autumn-winter period. Psoriasis may be suspected due to the following symptoms:
- redness of the skin;
- the appearance of dandruff;
- Itching;
- small wounds;
- Peeling;
- Formation of yellowish crusts.
The first spots are no larger than the head of a pin and appear on the forehead and cheeks. Then they grow and merge with each other and turn into red papules that itch severely.
Attention! Scratching the rashes accelerates the spread of papules, which can leave scars.
Papules gradually cover larger and larger areas of skin and form on the lips, nose, ears and scalp. When pressed, the plaques begin to bleed, the scales are glued together by the secretion of the sebaceous glands and form a dense yellow crust. The epidermis becomes thinner and loses its ability to perform protective functions against external influences. It is better to start treatment at an early stage of the disease. Only a dermatologist can determine the degree and type of the disease.
Differential diagnosis
It is not difficult for a competent specialist to make the correct diagnosis. It is based on data on symptoms and disease progression as well as a visual examination. The so-called psoriasis triad, which is discovered when the problem area of the skin is scraped, is of great diagnostic value. It includes three phenomena:
- stearin stain (increased flaking after scraping);
- Finish film – a smooth surface instead of removed scales;
- Blood dew – the appearance of bloody droplets.
Psoriasis sometimes resembles other diseases. Differential diagnosis is often carried out with the following pathologies:
- Syphilis;
- some species of lichen;
- pityriasis;
- chronic dermatitis;
- Eczema;
- parapsoriasis.
To clarify the diagnosis in controversial cases, the following is prescribed:
- allergy tests;
- blood test for biochemistry;
- histological examination of the skin;
- UAC;
- Examination of stool for dysbiosis;
- Ultrasonic;
- X-ray (to rule out psoriatic arthritis).
Unfortunately, many patients begin self-medication after discovering the first signs of psoriasis on the face, which only worsens the situation. Nowadays, modern medicine offers enough tools and techniques that allow you to 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. Typical treatment methods are:
- drug therapy;
- local impacts;
- phototherapy;
- Physical therapy;
- home remedies.
It is also important to follow a special diet.
Medication
To treat seborrheic psoriasis of the face in advanced form, medicines are prescribed. The following groups of medications are usually used:
- antimicrobials help reduce the intensity of psoriatic manifestations;
- a drug with succinic acid normalizes cellular immunity and increases the flow of oxygen to tissues;
- Antihistamines reduce itching and swelling;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- Sedatives are included in the complex treatment to relieve stress. You can take extracts of valerian or feverfew;
- Folic acid helps normalize pigmentation and cleanse the skin.
Attention! All medications should be taken strictly as directed by your doctor.
If taking these drugs does not bring a positive result, use cyclosporine. Due to the large number of side effects, it is prescribed in the most severe cases.
Local agents
Ointments, creams and gels in the treatment of psoriasis help relieve inflammation, soften plaques, relieve itching and disinfect damaged facial skin. The most effective remedies include ointments:
- salicylic acid;
- Naphthalene;
- Sulfur tar.
In extremely severe cases, a dermatologist may recommend topical hormonal medications. They have a number of contraindications, so using them alone is strictly prohibited.
Attention! You cannot mask psoriasis plaques with cosmetic foundation! It clogs pores and blocks oxygen access to damaged tissue.
The effect of medicinal ointments is enhanced by using moisturizing and soothing preparations containing shark oil or vitamin F. Physiotherapy accelerates the healing process.
physical therapy
In most cases, patients with psoriasis need to undergo phototherapy. This method restores tissue regenerative ability 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, such hardware manipulations as:
- X-ray therapy;
- Ural Federal District;
- electrosleep;
- laser exposure;
- Ultrasonic;
- Magnetic field therapy.
These procedures directly affect the foci of inflammation, contributing to their localization and elimination. Improves the general condition of the patient, including the psychological one. Traditional medicine recipes will be a good addition to conservative treatment.
home remedies
Home remedies based on medicinal herbs and plants help relieve the most unpleasant symptoms of the acute phase of psoriasis. Here are some popular recipes:
- Brew a tablespoon of chamomile flowers with 200 g of hot water and let it steep (approx. one hour). Generously moisten a cotton cloth in the cooled and strained solution 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 your face and lubricate it with a moisturizer.
- Put a few aloe leaves in the fridge for a week, then take them out, chop them and apply them to your face for 30 minutes.
Products based on essential oils and sea salt detergents are very useful for psoriasis. In addition to taking care of your face, proper and balanced nutrition plays a big role in eliminating psoriasis.
diet
The diet for psoriasis should contain all the substances necessary for the body. It is particularly important to consume more fiber. The diet must include sufficient amounts of fruits, vegetables and dairy products. You can't eat:
- sweet baked goods;
- Chocolate;
- high fat milk;
- Nuts;
- all citrus fruits;
- spices and herbs;
- alcoholic drinks.
Dishes should not be fatty, fried, smoked or overly spicy. Once a week it is worth organizing fasting days "on kefir".
prevention
People prone to psoriasis need to take simple precautions:
- wash with special products with a moisturizing effect;
- Wipe your face daily with chamomile or hop-based decoctions, especially in hot weather or frost;
- stop smoking;
- Avoid prolonged stays in dusty or damp 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 stable remission and lead a fulfilling lifestyle.