Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease with bright pink rashes covered with silvery scales. The disease is not contagious, can manifest itself at any age, usually localized on the limbs and trunk. However, in some cases, the process extends to the skin of the face, bringing tremendous discomfort to the patient.
Causes of psoriasis on the face
Psoriasis on the face is rarely isolated, usually on the skin of the upper and / or lower extremities, torso there are similar rashes.
It has been statistically proven that facial skin lesions in people diagnosed with psoriasis occur in 42% of patients. Such indicators indicate a fairly widespread change. Before they began to closely study the problem, it was believed that psoriasis on the face is inherent in the Caucasian race, as it manifests itself several times more often. This assumption is explained by the weak exposure to sunlight and cold, in contrast to the population of African countries, the South American continent, the Eskimos and the Japanese.
How and from what psoriasis on the face begins is not precisely established, we can talk about several combined causes or one associated with a malfunction of the immune system, a change in a chromosome region, and so on. Reasons for the development of psoriatic rashes:
Hereditary and genetic predisposition. It has been established that the likelihood of developing a skin disease is higher in persons whose immediate relatives suffer from psoriasis. Several genes have also been identified that are responsible for the formation of a predisposition to the development of psoriasis (PSORS 1-13). Changes in the functioning of these genes lead to the development of an inflammatory reaction, disruption of the cell cycle, defects in the barrier function of the skin, etc.
Disruption of the immune system. In psoriasis, there is also a failure in the work of a number of immune cells (T-lymphocytes, antigen -presenting cells, and others) and signaling molecules (in particular, interleukins and interferons) involved in the development of the inflammatory process.
Prolonged exposure to a stressor or severe nervous shock.
Severe and moderate course of infectious diseases.
Injuries of the skin, especially professional ones affecting the same area of the body ( Koebner phenomenon ).
Taking a number of medications.
Tobacco and drug abuse, unhealthy diet.
There are different classifications of psoriasis, a number of researchers divide the disease into 2 types depending on the age when the rash first appeared:
Patients under 40 years of age, the peak of detection is 16-22 years. Characterized by the rapid spread of the rash, generalized nature, difficult to control course and frequent relapses.
Patients older than 40 years, peak – 57-60 years. There are mild symptoms, a sluggish process, easily amenable to pathogenetic therapy.
Psoriasis on the face in the initial stage may look like a simple dermatitis, for comparison, just look at the photo on the medical website. In order to get acquainted with what classic psoriasis looks like on the face, it is recommended to get acquainted with the photo.
Symptoms of psoriasis on the face
of manifestation of skin symptoms on the face differs from how and at what age psoriasis begins. At a young age, rashes are typical, they are difficult to confuse with other types of dermatitis, unlike older patients.
Psoriatic rashes are flat papules or plaques that rise above the skin, have clear outlines and a rounded shape. Rashes are usually painted in a bright pink color, prone to merging. On the surface of the elements, numerous dotted with white scales are determined, which easily fall off when rubbed and scraped.
The rash may spontaneously regress, leaving a slight pigmentation on the skin.
Rashes can be located on any part of the face, the most typical areas are the border with the scalp, the skin of the eyelids, nasolabial folds, the beard and mustache area.
The formation of plaques occurs in several stages, first new elements of pink color appear, which are partially covered with scales. The plaques unite and white-silvery scales are observed over the entire surface, which is typical for stopping the growth of rashes. Regression of rashes is accompanied by a decrease in local redness, infiltration, and peeling.
In dermatological practice, there are specific clinically significant symptoms characteristic only of psoriasis. Psoriatic triad:
Symptom of a stearin stain: peeling intensifies when a glass slide is scraped over the rash.
The appearance of the terminal film: when the scales are removed, the skin is bright red, even, shiny.
Auspitz symptom (blood dew): Scraping of the terminal film leads to pinpoint bleeding due to closely spaced capillaries.
Treatment of psoriasis on the face
Before starting to treat psoriasis on the face, a complete history of the life and disease of the patient, the performance of laboratory and instrumental diagnostic procedures will be required, it is important to establish the degree of activity, type and presence of complications for individual selection of therapy.
Treatment of psoriasis on the face with oral and parenteral drugs is prescribed in the case of a generalized, long -term or advanced form. For such treatment, cytostatics and immunosuppressants are mainly used ,
Topical remedies for psoriasis on the face are divided into hormonal and non-hormonal. It is important to note that hormonal liniment preparations have a quick, but not always lasting effect. In addition, prolonged application of active and highly active corticosteroids can cause skin atrophy and decreased visual acuity in psoriasis on the eyelids.
Corticosteroid ointments and creams are prescribed in a short course in combination with a vitamin D3 analogue or salicylic acid, which enhances the therapeutic effect.
Non-hormonal ointments and creams for the treatment of psoriasis on the face:
Salicylic ointment in a low concentration (2-5%) relieves inflammation and flaking.
Tar preparations help reduce inflammation and itching, affect the rate of cell division.
Kartalin has an antiphlogistic effect, regulates the division and maturation of epidermal cells.
Preparations containing grease in their composition also have similar effects.
Prevention of psoriasis on the face
Preventive measures are aimed at preventing the development of the disease or the transition of psoriasis from remission to the stage of exacerbation. They imply adherence to the regime of the day and rest, proper and balanced nutrition, the rejection of bad habits, the elimination of stress factors.
The main criteria for the care of delicate facial skin:
wash only with special moisturizers;
water at a comfortable temperature (30-36°C);
the remaining moisture is soaked with a soft towel;
the use of creams that protect against cold and ultraviolet rays;
wearing clothes (outerwear with a hood, a scarf) and accessories for the season (use an umbrella in rain and wind);
Men are advised to use an electric shaver.
Compliance with preventive measures and timely therapy prescribed by a profiling specialist will reduce the risk of spread and recurrence of the disease.