The manifestation of psoriasis on the face is a rare and atypical phenomenon. Its main danger is not physiological, but psychological. A person faced with such a course of the disease often withdraws, experiences difficulties in communication and risks falling into severe depression. In the meantime, 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 many unpleasant symptoms, including reddish rashes and peeling of the damaged areas of the skin.
They arise due to a violation of 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 rapid formation of new cells as an aggressive invasion and gives an immune response, "sending" increased numbers of leukocytes and red blood cells to the site of possible damage, which provokes inflammation.
Rashes characteristic of the disease are more often formed in the area of the elbows and knees, under the armpits and on the head under the hair. In rare cases, the manifestations of pathology spread over the face. Scientists still understand the causes and mechanisms of the disease.
Psoriasis causes and risk factors
The nature of psoriasis has been debated in the scientific community for several decades. Three theories about the onset of the disease are most common:
- autoimmune;
- endocrine;
- psychosomatic.
In recent years, the genetic explanation for the appearance of psoriasis has gained popularity. This is confirmed by statistics, 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. 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. Between them:
- chronic inflammation;
- serious traumatic skin damage;
- metabolic disorders;
- severe poisoning;
- weak immunity;
- constant stress;
- frostbite;
- infectious diseases;
- alcoholism;
- certain medicines (such as beta-blockers and antibiotics).
People whose body is affected by more than two factors from the above list are at the greatest risk. There is a possibility that they will encounter the most unpleasant and atypical form of the disease.
The mechanism of the appearance of psoriasis on the face
Psoriasis of the face is characterized by rapid development due to the particularly sensitive skin. It proceeds in different ways, but doctors distinguish three main stages:
- progressive;
- stationary;
- regressing.
At the last stage, psoriasis manifestations fade and disappear completely. The whole process, depending on the severity and type of the disease, takes from two to six months.
The classification of psoriasis is complex and includes many varieties. Based on the type of progression, two large groups are conditionally distinguished: pustular (with rashes in the form of purulent pustules) and non-pustular. According to the severity, the area of damage and the intensity of the manifestations, psoriasis can be mild or severe. The severe form of psoriasis, characteristic of the face, seborrheic, does not fall into the general classification.
attention! A dangerous complication of this form of the disease is infection of the sebaceous glands by fungi.
The 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 allergy or irritation. In addition, they appear on the face in periods of greatest skin vulnerability - during the autumn-winter period. Psoriasis can be suspected based on 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, merging with each other, turn 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 areas of the skin and form on the lips, nose, ears and scalp. The plaques begin to bleed under pressure, the scales stick together from the secretion of the sebaceous glands, forming a thick yellow crust. The epidermis thins and loses its ability to perform protective functions from external influences. It is better to start the treatment at an early stage of the disease. Only a dermatologist can determine the degree and type of the disease.
Differential diagnosis
Establishing the correct diagnosis is not difficult for a competent specialist. It is based on data on the symptoms and the course of the disease, as well as on a visual examination. Of great diagnostic value is the so-called psoriatic triad, which is detected during the process of scraping the problem area of the skin. It includes three phenomena:
- stearic stain (increased peeling after scraping);
- terminal film - a smooth surface at the site of the removed scales;
- blood dew - the appearance of blood droplets.
Psoriasis sometimes looks like 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 disputed cases, the following are prescribed:
- 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, finding 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 disease for a long time.
Tactics of treatment
To successfully get rid of psoriasis, an integrated approach and strict adherence to medical recommendations is required. Commonly used treatment methods include:
- drug therapy;
- local impact;
- phototherapy;
- physical therapy;
- public funds.
It is also important to follow a special diet.
Medication 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:
- antimicrobial agents help reduce the intensity of psoriatic manifestations;
- medicine with succinic acid normalizes cellular immunity and increases oxygen flow to tissues;
- antihistamines reduce itching and swelling;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- sedatives are included in the 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 lead to 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 drugs include ointments:
- salicylic;
- naphthalene;
- Sulphur-tar.
In extremely severe cases, the dermatologist may recommend local hormonal drugs. They have a number of contraindications, so their use on their own is strictly prohibited.
attention! You cannot mask psoriatic plaques with a cosmetic base! It will clog the pores and block the access of oxygen to the damaged tissues.
The effect of healing 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 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. Recipes of traditional medicine will be a good addition to conservative treatment.
People's funds
Homemade 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:
- Steam a tablespoon of chamomile flowers with 200 g of hot water and let it brew (about an hour). Moisten a cotton rag abundantly 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 on the affected areas and leave for 20 minutes. Wash and moisturize your face;
- Put a few aloe leaves in the refrigerator for a week, then take out, cut 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 facial care, proper and balanced nutrition plays a big role in eliminating psoriasis.
Diet
Diet for psoriasis should include all the substances needed by the body. It is especially important to get more fiber. The diet should include a sufficient amount of fruits, vegetables and dairy products. You cannot eat:
- sweet pastries;
- chocolate;
- high-fat milk;
- nuts;
- any citrus fruits;
- spices and herbs;
- alcoholic beverages.
Dishes should not be greasy, fried, smoked or too spicy. Once a week it is worth organizing fasting days "on kefir".
Prevention
People who are prone to psoriasis should take simple precautions:
- wash with special products with a moisturizing effect;
- Daily wipe your face with decoctions based on chamomile or hops, especially in hot weather or frost;
- give up smoking;
- avoid prolonged stay in dusty or damp rooms;
- spend more time in the sun.
Visit your dermatologist regularly to prevent the condition from worsening. It is impossible to completely cure psoriasis. However, by observing preventive measures and following medical recommendations, you can achieve a stable remission and lead a fulfilling lifestyle.