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 facing 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 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 an alteration in the replacement mechanism of the dermis layer. In a healthy person, this process lasts 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 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 extend 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 a debate about the nature of psoriasis for several decades. The most widespread are three theories about the appearance of the disease:
- 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 most patients have close relatives suffering from this disease.
Defenders 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;
- stable remission is possible.
Doctors have also identified the main factors that provoke the disease. Among them:
- Chronic inflamation;
- severe 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 bodies are affected by more than two factors from the list above are most at risk. 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 presents in different forms, but doctors distinguish three general stages:
- progressive;
- stationary;
- going back.
In the last stage, psoriatic manifestations fade and disappear completely. The entire process, depending on the severity and type of disease, lasts from two to six months.
The classification of psoriasis is complex and includes many varieties. According to the type of progression, two large groups are conventionally distinguished: pustular (with eruptions in the form of purulent pustules) and non-pustular. Depending on the severity, the area of damage and the intensity of the manifestations, psoriasis can be mild and 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 fungal infection of the sebaceous glands.
The symptoms of psoriasis subtypes are clearly visible, which allows a competent doctor to accurately diagnose the disease and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of psoriasis on the face.
Signs of the initial stage of the disease can be easily confused with allergy or irritation symptoms. In addition, they appear on the face during the periods of greatest skin vulnerability: in the autumn-winter period. Psoriasis may be suspected based on the following symptoms:
- redness of 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, very itchy papules.
Attention! Scratching the rashes accelerates the spread of the papules, which can leave scars.
Gradually, papules cover increasingly larger areas of skin and form on the lips, nose, ears and scalp. The plates begin to bleed when pressed, the scales stick 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 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 about the symptoms and course of the disease, as well as a visual examination. A great diagnostic value has the so-called psoriatic triad, which is discovered during the process of scraping the problem area of the skin. It includes three phenomena:
- stearin stain (increased peeling after scraping);
- terminal film - a smooth surface instead of removed scales;
- blood dew - the appearance of drops of blood.
Psoriasis sometimes looks like other diseases. Differential diagnosis is often carried out with pathologies such as:
- syphilis;
- some 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, upon discovering 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 to 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 are required. Commonly used treatment methods include:
- drug therapy;
- local impact;
- phototherapy;
- physiotherapy;
- home remedies.
It is also important to follow a special diet.
Pharmacotherapy
Medications are prescribed for the treatment of seborrheic psoriasis on the face in its advanced form. 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 a complex treatment to relieve stress. You can take valerian or motherwort extracts;
- Folic acid helps normalize pigmentation and cleanse the skin.
Attention! Any medication should be taken strictly as prescribed by your doctor.
If the use of these drugs does not produce a positive result, use cyclosporine. It is prescribed in the most serious 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, therefore it is strictly prohibited to use them independently.
Attention! You cannot mask psoriatic plaques with a cosmetic base! It will clog the pores and block oxygen access 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 accelerate the healing process.
Physiotherapy
In most cases, patients with psoriasis will need to undergo phototherapy treatment; 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, hardware manipulations such as:
- X-ray therapy;
- Ural Federal District;
- electrosleep;
- laser exposure;
- ultrasound;
- magnetotherapy.
These procedures directly affect the sources of inflammation, contribute to their localization and elimination. Improves the general condition of the patient, including the psychological one. Recipes of traditional medicine will be a good addition to conservative treatment.
Home remedies
Home remedies based on herbs and medicinal plants will help relieve the most unpleasant symptoms of the acute period of psoriasis. Here are some popular recipes:
- Prepare a tablespoon of chamomile flowers with 200 g of hot water and let it steep (about an hour). In the cooled and strained solution, generously moisten a cotton cloth 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 it to act for 20 minutes. Wash and lubricate your face with moisturizer;
- Place some 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 salt washes are very useful for psoriasis. In addition to facial care, proper and balanced nutrition 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 can not eat:
- sweet baked goods;
- chocolate;
- milk with a high percentage of fat content;
- walnuts;
- any citrus fruit;
- 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 predisposed to psoriasis should take simple precautions:
- wash with special products with a moisturizing effect;
- Cleanse your face daily with decoctions based on chamomile or hops, especially in hot or frosty weather;
- give up smoking;
- avoid prolonged stay in dusty or humid areas;
- spend more time in the sun.
Visit your dermatologist regularly to prevent the condition from worsening. It is impossible to completely cure psoriasis. However, if you observe preventive measures and follow medical recommendations, you can achieve stable remission and lead a satisfactory lifestyle.