Tired of fighting psoriasis on your face? Don’t know what can provoke its appearance and how to accurately recognize this disease? Would you like to know traditional treatment recipes? Are you looking for information about modern hardware techniques to combat this disease? You will find this and other interesting information in our article!
What is psoriasis on the face?
An autoimmune disease of a non-infectious nature, manifested in severe redness of the skin with the appearance of small scales (papules) on its surface, gradually increasing in size and merging with each other, is called psoriasis. In this case, the person experiences itching and discomfort associated with the disgust of others who do not understand that this disease is not transmitted through everyday contact.
It is impossible to reliably identify the cause of this insidious disease even with the modern level of development of medicine. It is believed that the disease is provoked by a hereditary factor, disruptions in the immune or endocrine systems, lipid metabolism disorders, as well as constant stressful situations.
Most often, the localization of psoriasis on the face is the area around the eyes and temples, eyebrows, nasolabial folds, as well as the border zones near the scalp.
There are 2 types of psoriasis – vulgar (the most common) and seborrheic. Unlike vulgar seborrheic, it is considered a more complex form of the disease, as it is characterized by the appearance of particularly dense and large papules, as well as scales covered with a layer of sebum with a yellowish tint. The common belief that seborrhea (increased production of sebum) is the cause of the development of this form of psoriasis is erroneous.
The course of the disease is accompanied by periods of remission (disappearance of symptoms), as well as relapses (symptoms that reappear after a certain period of time).
Characteristic signs of psoriasis
In order to correctly recognize and determine the presence of psoriasis, and not some other dermatological problem, you need to know the following main symptoms of this disease.
- If you run your nail plate over the plaques with scales that appear on the surface of the skin, you will notice subsequent increased peeling in this area. This sign is called a stearin stain due to its resemblance to a drop of frozen wax, which, when touched with a finger, forms many peeling plates.
- When thoroughly cleansing the skin of the scales that have appeared, a thin film on the surface of the epidermis, colored bright red, will be visible. This feature is called terminal film.
- After removing the terminal film from the surface of the skin by scraping it, small multiple pinpoint bleeding in the form of small drops is observed. This bleeding is caused by the close location of capillaries to the epidermis, which are easily damaged during the course of the disease. This phenomenon is called blood dew.
Plaques and papules in psoriasis grow, rapidly increasing in size. Merging, they form single conglomerates that disfigure the affected area of the face. Do not comb or remove crusts from the affected areas of the skin, so as not to provoke the appearance of scars.
Stages of psoriasis
There are 3 main stages of the clinical manifestation of psoriasis on the skin of the face:
- Progressive. It is characterized by an increase in the size of existing plaques and their merging into a single spot with the active appearance of new papules, as well as a bright red rash with a flaky structure against a background of severe itching. When scratching, new rashes appear.
- Stationary. Its peculiarity is the cessation of the growth of papules with a noticeable decrease in peeling. Existing plaques acquire a blue tint, and the itching becomes less pronounced.
- Regressive. This stage is associated with masking all symptoms of the disease. All manifestations of psoriasis become almost invisible. Peeling and itching completely disappear, papules and plaques begin to resolve.
Recommendations for skin care for psoriasis
The correct thing to do in such a situation would be to immediately contact a specialist - a dermatologist, who will conduct a comprehensive examination of the body, identify the extent of skin damage, prescribe professional treatment, and also tell you how to properly care for skin affected by psoriasis. If for some reason you cannot see a doctor now, then listen to the following tips and recommendations.
- Use cosmetic cleansing and facial care products designed for sensitive skin to prevent injury and subsequent exacerbation of the disease.
- Avoid vigorously rubbing the affected skin surface after washing. It is best to dry these areas using a paper napkin, gently applying it to the problem areas.
- It is worthwhile to temporarily (before visiting a doctor) stop using any cosmetics, including decorative ones.
- You should not use scrubs and peeling compounds, which can provoke inflammatory reactions and worsen the situation.
- Men who use razors should replace them with an electric razor, which is less damaging to the surface of the epidermis.
Possible treatment options for the disease
We present the treatment method for general information and information only. Do not self-medicate! Be sure to contact a specialist to receive individual and comprehensive therapy that is right for you!
After examining and assessing the nature of the disease, a dermatologist will select the best treatment option for you, which may include:
- Medicines for internal use (tablets, injections).
- Appropriate ointments, emulsions and compositions of cosmetic vegetable oils for external use.
- All kinds of physiotherapeutic procedures using special devices and instruments.
- Properly selected diet, as well as lifestyle recommendations.
- Products for home use (lotions, ointments).
Drugs used for internal treatment
As a rule, such a disease involves taking the following medications: cytostatics, immunosuppressants, glucocorticosteroids, biologically active drugs.
Systemic therapy may be prescribed in the form of taking pills or performing injections of drugs that act purposefully and comprehensively, and also relieve the feeling of itching.
As preparations for external use, naphthalene and salicylic ointments, as well as mixtures containing corticosteroids, are most often prescribed.
Moisturizing and vitamin compositions are used for general toning and strengthening the local immunity of the skin.
Physiotherapeutic treatments
- Ultraviolet lamps, the action of which is based on the effect of UV rays, which consists in slowing down the growth of pathological cells of the epidermis and the general improvement of the skin. The method has been found to be quite effective.
- Phototherapy, carried out under the supervision of a specialist, is based on exposure to certain frequencies of UV radiation. This method has many positive reviews.
- The excimer laser, used in specialized clinics, is considered the most modern and effective device that helps actively fight psoriasis.
Diet indications
It is recommended to eat a large amount of vegetables, fruits, berries, herbs, fish, lean meats, dairy products and cereals.
The ban included fatty, hot, spicy, smoked, fried foods and dishes, as well as sweets, baked goods, nuts and whole milk.
During the treatment period, smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited.
Ointments and creams used
To treat psoriasis on the face, non-hormonal ointments and creams are mainly used, as they are considered the safest. As an example, we can cite the most common and frequently prescribed ointments based on grease, essential oils and plant extracts, the use of which must fully comply with the instructions. They give temporary results, and after long-term use they have an addictive effect.
Folk recipes
By making an effort to find and select the necessary components for making homemade ointments, you can obtain an effective treatment for psoriasis, which will have a therapeutic effect after 4 weeks of regular use.
Apply these compounds exclusively to clean, dry skin in a small amount and in a thin layer.
| Recipe number | Components in the composition, quantity | Manufacturing Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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After mixing all the components of the composition, it is kept in a dark, cool place for 15 days. |
| 2 |
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All ingredients are thoroughly mixed and infused in a cool, dark place for 3 days. |
| 3 |
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The components are thoroughly mixed and kept in a dark place for 3 days. |
Treatment of psoriasis with Dead Sea salt has a good effect, thanks to the special composition of its minerals, which easily penetrate the epidermis, providing a healing, anti-inflammatory and astringent (drying) effect. It is recommended to add this salt to thermal water and spray problem areas of the epidermis with this composition several times a day.
Natural essential oils of coconut, borage, juniper, evening primrose, lavender, jojoba, tamanu, sea buckthorn have shown excellent results when used regularly.
Compositions for internal use
- A tincture of the fruits of Chinese lemongrass, consumed 20-30 drops before meals 3 times a day, will help the body actively fight against adverse environmental factors.
- It is recommended to drink a decoction of common chicory ¼ cup 4 times a day. It improves immunity and has a calming effect.
- Applications made from Kalanchoe pulp (the leaves are ground to form a paste) perfectly cleanse the skin of plaques and papules. Using a patch, the mixture is applied to the affected areas of the skin and left for 4 hours.
- Celandine juice (fresh plant) is mixed with calendula infusion in a 1: 1 ratio. Once a day, apply this mixture to problem areas.
Use folk remedies, but do not forget to consult your doctor!