The manifestation of psoriasis on the face is a rare and atypical phenomenon. Its main danger lies not in the physiological, but in the psychological plane. A person faced with such a course of the disease often withdraws, experiences difficulties in communication and runs the risk of falling into severe depression. Meanwhile, the problem can be solved by achieving a stable long-term remission. The main thing is to consult a specialist in time, and not to 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 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 is renewed 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 provokes inflammation.
More often, rashes characteristic of the disease form in the elbows and knees, armpits and on the head under the hair. In rare cases, 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, there has been debate about the nature of psoriasis for several decades. Three theories of the occurrence of the disease are most widespread:
- autoimmune;
- endocrine;
- psychosomatic.
In recent years, a genetic explanation for the appearance 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, that is, 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 that provoke the disease. Among them:
- chronic inflammation;
- serious 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).
People whose bodies are affected by more than two factors from the above list are at greatest 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.
At the last stage, psoriatic manifestations fade and disappear completely. The entire process, depending on the severity and type of disease, takes from two months 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. According to the severity, area of damage and intensity of manifestations, psoriasis can be mild and 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 infection of the sebaceous glands by fungus.
The symptoms of the subtypes of psoriasis 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. Moreover, they appear on the face during periods of greatest vulnerability of the skin - in the autumn-winter period. Psoriasis can be suspected based on the following symptoms:
- redness on the skin;
- the appearance of dandruff;
- itching;
- small sores;
- 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, merging with each other, turn into red papules that are very itchy.
Attention! Scratching the rashes speeds up the spread of papules, which can leave scars.
Gradually, papules cover increasingly larger areas of the skin and form on the lips, nose, ears and scalp. The plaques 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 from 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 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 on visual examination. The so-called psoriatic triad, which is 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 removed scales;
- blood dew - the appearance of bloody droplets.
Psoriasis sometimes looks similar to other diseases. Differential diagnosis is often carried out with such pathologies as:
- syphilis;
- some varieties of lichen;
- pityriasis;
- chronic dermatitis;
- eczema;
- parapsoriasis.
To clarify the diagnosis in controversial cases, the following are prescribed:
- allergy tests;
- blood test for biochemistry;
- histological examination of the skin;
- UAC;
- examination of stool for dysbacteriosis;
- Ultrasound;
- x-ray (to rule out psoriatic arthritis).
Unfortunately, having discovered the first signs of psoriasis on the face, many patients begin to self-medicate, which only worsens 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 required. Typically used treatment methods include:
- drug therapy;
- local impact;
- phototherapy;
- physiotherapy;
- folk remedies.
It is also important to follow a special diet.
Drug treatment
Pharmaceutical drugs are prescribed for the treatment of seborrheic psoriasis on the face in an advanced form. The following groups of drugs 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 complex treatment to relieve stress. You can take extracts of valerian or motherwort;
- Folic acid helps normalize pigmentation and cleanse the skin.
Attention! Any medications should be taken strictly as prescribed by your doctor.
If the use of these medications does not bring a positive result, use Cyclosporine. It is prescribed in the most severe 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, so using them independently is strictly prohibited.
Attention! You cannot mask psoriatic plaques with cosmetic foundation! It will clog the pores and block the access of oxygen to 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, such hardware manipulations 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 general condition of the patient, including psychological. Traditional medicine recipes will be a good addition to conservative treatment.
Folk remedies
Home-made 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:
- 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, moisten a cotton cloth generously and apply it 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 off and lubricate your face with moisturizer;
- Place a few 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 washes are very useful for psoriasis. In addition to caring for your face, proper and balanced nutrition plays a big role in getting rid of psoriasis.
Diet
Nutrition for psoriasis should include all the substances necessary for the body. It is especially important to eat more fiber. The diet must include a sufficient amount of fruits, vegetables and dairy products. You can't eat:
- sweet baked goods;
- chocolate;
- milk with a high percentage of fat content;
- nuts;
- any 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 who are predisposed to psoriasis need to 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 weather or frost;
- quit smoking;
- avoid prolonged stay 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.