The manifestation of psoriasis on the face is a rare and atypical phenomenon. The main danger lies not in physiology, but in the field of psychology. A person dealing with such a disease often withdraws, experiences difficulties in communication and runs 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 consult a specialist in time, and not to self-medicate.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic non-infectious disease, accompanied by very unpleasant symptoms, including a reddish rash and peeling of the damaged skin area.
They arise due to disturbances in the mechanism of replacement of the dermis layer. In healthy people, this process takes an average of 30 days; in sick people, the skin is renewed in less than a week. The body perceives the formation of new cells so quickly as an aggressive invasion and gives an immune response, "sending" an increased number of leukocytes and red blood cells to the site of possible damage, which causes inflammation.
More often, the rash characteristic of the disease is formed on the elbows and knees, armpits and on the head under the hair. In rare cases, pathological manifestations spread to the face. Scientists still understand the cause and mechanism of the disease.
Psoriasis causes and risk factors
In the scientific community, there has been debate about the nature of psoriasis for decades. Three theories of the occurrence of this disease are the most widespread:
- autoimmune;
- endocrine;
- psychosomatic.
In recent years, genetic explanations for the appearance of psoriasis have 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 things:
- 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 trigger this disease. Among them:
- chronic inflammation;
- serious traumatic damage to the skin;
- metabolic disorders;
- severe poisoning;
- weak immunity;
- constant pressure;
- frostbite;
- contagious disease;
- alcoholism;
- certain medications (such as beta blockers and antibiotics).
People whose body is affected by more than two factors from the list above are most at risk. There is a possibility that they will face the most unpleasant and unusual form of the disease.
The mechanism of appearance of psoriasis on the face
Psoriasis on the face is characterized by rapid development due to very sensitive skin. It happens in different ways, but doctors distinguish three general stages:
- progressive;
- stationary;
- retreat.
In the last stage, psoriatic manifestations fade and disappear completely. The entire process, depending on the severity and type of disease, takes from two to six months.
The classification of psoriasis is complex and involves many types. Based on the type of development, two large groups are conventionally distinguished: pustular (with a rash in the form of purulent pustules) and non-pustular. According to severity, area of damage and intensity of manifestation, psoriasis can be mild and severe. The characteristic severe form of facial psoriasis, seborrheic, is not included under 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
Early signs of the disease can easily be confused with symptoms of allergies or irritation. Moreover, they appear on the face during the period of greatest skin vulnerability - in the autumn-winter period. Psoriasis can be suspected based on the following symptoms:
- redness of the skin;
- appearance of dandruff;
- itching;
- small wound;
- exfoliate;
- yellowish crust formation.
The first spot is no bigger than a pinhead and appears on the forehead and cheeks. Then they grow and, merging with each other, turn into very itchy red papules.
Attention! Scratching the rash accelerates the spread of the papule, which can leave scars.
Gradually, papules cover an increasingly large area of skin and form on the lips, nose, ears and scalp. Plaque begins 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 in the early stages of the disease. Only a dermatologist can determine the extent 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 visual examination. The so-called psoriatic triad, which is found during the process of scraping the skin problem area, has a great diagnostic value. It includes three phenomena:
- stearin stain (increased flaking after scraping);
- terminal film - a smooth surface replaces the removed scale;
- blood dew - the appearance of bloody drops.
Psoriasis sometimes looks similar to other diseases. Differential diagnosis is often carried out with pathologies such as:
- syphilis;
- several types of lichen;
- pityriasis;
- chronic dermatitis;
- eczema;
- parapsoriasis.
To clarify the diagnosis in controversial cases, the following is established:
- allergy testing;
- blood tests for biochemistry;
- histological examination of the skin;
- UAC;
- stool examination for dysbacteriosis;
- Ultrasound;
- x-ray (to rule out psoriatic arthritis).
Unfortunately, after 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 that you can forget about unpleasant diseases 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 effects;
- 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 commonly used:
- antimicrobials help reduce the intensity of psoriatic manifestations;
- drugs with succinic acid normalize cellular immunity and increase oxygen flow to tissues;
- antihistamines reduce itching and swelling;
- glucocorticosteroids;
- Sedatives are included in the complex treatment for stress relief. You can take valerian or motherwort extract;
- Folic acid helps normalize pigmentation and clear the skin.
Attention! Any medication should be taken strictly as prescribed by your doctor.
If the use of these drugs does not bring positive results, use Cyclosporine. It is prescribed in the worst cases due to a large number of side effects.
Local agent
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 very severe cases, dermatologists may recommend topical hormone medications. They have several contraindications, so using them freely is strictly prohibited.
Attention! You can't cover psoriatic plaques with cosmetic foundations! It will clog the pores and block the access of oxygen to the damaged tissue.
The effect of medicated ointment 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, psoriasis patients need to undergo a course of phototherapy - this method restores the tissue's ability 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 manipulation such as:
- X-ray therapy;
- Ural Federal District;
- electrosleep;
- laser exposure;
- ultrasound;
- magnetotherapy.
This procedure directly affects the focus of inflammation, contributing to their localization and elimination. Improving the patient's general condition, including psychology. Traditional medicine recipes will be a good addition to conservative treatment.
People's recovery
Homemade remedies based on herbs and medicinal plants will help relieve the most unpleasant symptoms in the acute period of psoriasis. Here are some popular recipes:
- Mix a spoonful of chamomile flowers with 200 g of hot water and let it brew (about an hour). In the cooled and filtered solution, moisten a cotton cloth generously 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 area and leave it for 20 minutes. Wash and lubricate your face with moisturizer;
- Put some aloe vera leaves in the refrigerator for a week, then take them out, cut them and apply them to your face for 30 minutes.
Essential oil based products and sea salt washes are very useful for psoriasis. Besides taking care of your face, a proper and balanced diet plays a big role in getting rid of psoriasis.
Diet
Diet for psoriasis should include all the substances necessary for the body. It is very important to eat more fiber. The diet must contain 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;
- beans;
- any citrus fruit;
- spices and herbs;
- alcoholic beverages.
Dishes should not be fatty, fried, smoked or too spicy. Once a week it is worth organizing a fasting day "on kefir".
Prevention
People prone to psoriasis should take simple precautions:
- wash with special products with a moisturizing effect;
- Wipe your face daily with a decoction based on chamomile or hops, especially in hot or frosty weather;
- stop smoking;
- avoid long stays in dusty or humid areas;
- spend more time in the sun.
Visit your dermatologist regularly to prevent the condition from getting worse. It is impossible to cure psoriasis completely. However, by observing preventive measures and following medical recommendations, you can achieve stable remission and lead a satisfying lifestyle.