Manifestation of psoriasis on the face is a rare and atypical phenomenon. Its main danger is psychological, not physiological. A person experiencing such a course of the disease is often withdrawn, has difficulties in communication and is at risk of severe depression. In the meantime, the problem can be solved by achieving stable long-term remission. The main thing is to consult a specialist in time and do not self-medicate.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic disease of a non-infectious nature, accompanied by very unpleasant symptoms, including red rashes and peeling of the damaged areas of the skin.
They arise due to a disorder in the mechanism of replacement of the dermis layer. In a healthy person, this process takes an average of 30 days, while in a sick person, the skin is renewed in less than a week. The body perceives such rapid formation of new cells as an aggressive invasion and responds immune by "sending" increased numbers of leukocytes and red blood cells to the site of possible damage, causing inflammation.
More often, the rash characteristic of the disease appears on the elbows and knees, under the armpits and under the hair on the head. In rare cases, the manifestations of the pathology spread to the face. Scientists still understand the causes and mechanisms of the disease.
Causes and risk factors of psoriasis
The nature of psoriasis has been debated in the scientific community for several decades. Three theories about the occurrence of the disease are most common:
- autoimmune;
- endocrine;
- psychosomatic.
In recent years, a genetic explanation for the appearance of psoriasis has gained popularity. This is confirmed by statistics that most of the 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 due to 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;
- freezing;
- infectious diseases;
- alcoholism;
- certain medications (such as beta blockers and antibiotics).
People whose body is affected by more than two factors from the list above are at the greatest risk. They are likely to encounter the most unpleasant and atypical form of the disease.
The mechanism of formation of psoriasis on the face
Psoriasis on the face is characterized by rapid development due to particularly sensitive skin. It happens in different ways, but doctors distinguish three general stages:
- progressive;
- stationary;
- regression.
In the final stage, psoriatic manifestations fade and disappear completely. The whole process lasts from two to six months, depending on the severity and type of the disease.
The classification of psoriasis is complex and includes many types. Depending on the type of progression, two large groups are conventionally distinguished: pustular (with rashes in the form of purulent pustules) and non-pustular. Psoriasis can be mild or severe depending on the severity, area of damage and intensity of manifestations. A severe form of facial psoriasis, seborrheic, is not included in the general classification.
Attention! A dangerous complication of this form of the disease is fungal infection of the sebaceous glands.
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
Symptoms of the initial stage of the disease can easily be confused with symptoms of allergies or irritation. Moreover, they appear on the face during the period when the skin is most sensitive - in the autumn-winter period. Psoriasis can be suspected due to the following symptoms:
- redness on the skin;
- the appearance of dandruff;
- itching;
- small wounds;
- stripping;
- the formation of yellowish crusts.
The first spots are no bigger than a pinhead and appear on the forehead and cheeks. Then they grow and coalesce into red papules that are very itchy.
Attention! Scratching the rash accelerates the spread of the papules, which can leave scars.
Gradually, the papules cover larger and larger areas of the skin and appear on the lips, nose, ears, and scalp. The plaques begin to bleed when squeezed, the scales are stuck together by the secretion of 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
Making the correct diagnosis is not difficult for a competent specialist. It is based on information about the symptoms and course of the disease, as well as visual examination. The psoriatic triad detected 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 at the place of removed scales;
- blood dew - the appearance of bloody drops.
Psoriasis sometimes resembles other diseases. Differential diagnosis is often carried out with such pathologies:
- syphilis;
- some species of lichen;
- pityriasis;
- chronic dermatitis;
- eczema;
- parapsoriasis.
In controversial cases, the following are prescribed to clarify the diagnosis:
- allergy tests;
- blood test for biochemistry;
- histological examination of the skin;
- UAC;
- stool examination 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 worsens the situation. Meanwhile, modern medicine offers enough means and methods with which you can forget about an unpleasant disease for a long time.
Treatment tactics
To successfully get rid of psoriasis, an integrated approach and strict adherence to medical recommendations is necessary. Treatments typically used include:
- drug treatment;
- local impact;
- phototherapy;
- physiotherapy;
- folk treatment.
It is also important to follow a special diet.
Drug treatment
Pharmaceutical drugs are prescribed in an advanced form for the treatment of seborrheic psoriasis on the face. The following drug groups are usually used:
- antimicrobials help reduce the intensity of psoriatic manifestations;
- a drug containing succinic acid normalizes cellular immunity and increases oxygen flow 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 medication should be taken strictly as prescribed by the doctor.
If the use of these drugs does not give a positive result, use Cyclosporine. Due to the large number of side effects, it is prescribed in the most severe cases.
Local agents
In the treatment of psoriasis, ointments, creams and gels help to relieve inflammation, soften plaques, reduce itching and disinfect damaged facial skin. The most effective means include ointments:
- salicylic acid;
- naphthalene;
- Sulfur-tar.
In very severe cases, the dermatologist may recommend local hormonal drugs. They have a number of contraindications, so it is strictly forbidden to use them independently.
Attention! You cannot mask psoriatic plaques with a cosmetic foundation! It will close the pores and prevent the access of oxygen to the 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 skin of the face to ultraviolet rays and stimulating the production of vitamin D. Depending on the symptoms and characteristics of the course. disease, such hardware manipulations:
- x-ray therapy;
- Ural Federal District;
- electrosleep;
- laser exposure;
- ultrasound;
- magnetotherapy.
These procedures have a direct effect on the inflammation, help to localize and eliminate them. It improves the patient's general condition, including his psychological condition. Traditional medicine recipes will be a good addition to conservative treatment.
Folk treatment
Medicinal plants and home remedies based on plants will help to eliminate 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 boiling water and infuse (about an hour). Generously moisten a cotton cloth in the cooled and filtered 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 apply moisturizer;
- Put some aloe leaves in the refrigerator for a week, then take them out, chop them and apply them on your face for 30 minutes.
Products based on essential oils and sea salt are very beneficial for psoriasis. In addition to taking care of your face, a proper and balanced diet plays a big role in getting rid of psoriasis.
Diet
Nutrition for psoriasis should contain all the substances necessary for the body. Eating more fiber is especially important. A sufficient amount of fruits, vegetables and dairy products should be in the diet. You can not eat:
- sweet baked goods;
- chocolate;
- milk with a high fat percentage;
- nuts;
- any citrus fruits;
- spices and herbs;
- alcoholic beverages.
Food should not be greasy, fried, smoked and excessively spicy. It is worth organizing fasting days "on kefir" once a week.
Prevention
People prone to psoriasis should take simple precautions:
- wash with special products with a moisturizing effect;
- Wipe your face every day with decoctions made on the basis of chamomile or hops, especially in hot weather or frost;
- Quit smoking;
- do not stay in dusty or damp places for a long time;
- spend more time in the sun.
Visit a dermatologist regularly to prevent the condition from worsening. Psoriasis cannot be completely cured. However, by following preventive measures and following medical recommendations, you can achieve stable remission and lead a full lifestyle.