Guttate Psoriasis: Small Red Spots
Guttate psoriasis the second most common type of psoriasis is characterized by multiple small, round red spots on the skin, usually widespread across the trunk and limbs. Often resulting from a bacterial or viral infection in children, such as strep throat, these spots come on suddenly and sometimes require oral medication or injections. Mild cases, however, may clear up without treatment.
What Kind Of Doctor Treats Psoriasis
There are several types of doctors who may treat psoriasis. Dermatologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders, including psoriasis. Rheumatologists specialize in the treatment of joint disorders, including psoriatic arthritis. Family physicians, internal medicine physicians, rheumatologists, dermatologists, and other medical doctors may all be involved in the care and treatment of patients with psoriasis.
Articles On Types Of Psoriasis
Knowing which kind of psoriasis you have helps you and your doctor make a treatment plan. Most people have only one type at a time. Sometimes, after your symptoms go away, a new form of psoriasis will crop up in response to a trigger.
In general, most types of psoriasis result from the same triggers:
- Diet
- Weather
Here’s how you can spot the 7 types of psoriasis and what you can do to treat them.
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The Different Types Of Psoriasis
There are seven unique types of psoriasis. In some cases, you may experience more than one of these at a time:
- Plaque
The most common type of psoriasis causes red or white patches of flaky skin to form anywhere on the body.
- Guttate
Small, droplet-shaped, sores may appear on the arms, legs, and neck. The second most-common type of psoriasis, it is most common with children and young adults however, it can happen at any age.
- Scalp
Scalp psoriasis can appear on your scalp, ears or forehead, and travel down to the back of your neck. It can be very mild, but it can also cause a severe itch and produce crusted sores. In the worst cases, it can lead to skin infections and hair loss.
- Inverse
Unlike plaque psoriasis, inverse psoriasis has a smooth texture and usually does not produce scaly patches. It is commonly found around the armpits, breasts, genital area, and groin.
- Pustular
Pustular psoriasis is a less-common type of psoriasis that can cause pus-filled blisters on the hands, feet, and fingertips. It usually only affects adults.
- Erythrodermic
Erythrodermic psoriasis infects your whole body with a red rash that can burn, itch, and irritate your skin.
- Nail
Nail psoriasis can appear on your fingernails and toenails. With this type of psoriasis, your nails may turn yellow, brown, or green, and lift away from the nailbed.
- Erythrodermic
Erythrodermic psoriasis produces a rash that causes inflamed skin to peel off into very thin layers, resulting in intense itching and burning.
Dry Cracked Skin: Irritation That Can Lead To Infection
Dry, cracked skin is a psoriasis symptom. However, dry air can also cause your skin to become dry and itchy. When the skin is dry and irritated , it’s more likely to get infected. Infection may cause your skin to become red and swollen. If you have any skin rashes that keep coming back or won’t go away, see your doctor. Most cases of psoriasis can be diagnosed with a physical examination but because psoriasis can look like many other skin conditions, a skin biopsy may have to be done to definitively diagnose it.
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How Psoriasis On The Face Can Take A Psychological Toll
Having psoriasis in general is linked to emotional problems.
We do know that in patients with psoriasis, the prevalence of depression may be as high as 50 percent, Dr. Farah says. But she suspects that depression may be even more common among people who develop psoriasis on their face.
Its there for everyone to see, and this bothers some people more than others, Farah says.
What Causes Facial Psoriasis
The causes of facial psoriasis are the same as for psoriasis in general. Psoriasis is associated with inappropriate activation of the immune system resulting in inflammation and increased proliferation of skin cells. There is a geneticpredisposition, but environmental influences are important, including stress, infection, injuries and certain medications.
Facial psoriasis may also be aggravated by:
- Ultraviolet radiation some patients have where the psoriasis is aggravated by exposure to the sun
- Skin flora, particularly the yeast Malassezia
- Smoking.
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How Psoriasis Is Diagnosed
A GP can often diagnose psoriasis based on the appearance of your skin.
In rare cases, a small sample of skin called a biopsy will be sent to the laboratory for examination under a microscope.
This determines the exact type of psoriasis and rules out other skin disorders, such as seborrhoeic dermatitis, lichen planus, lichen simplex and pityriasis rosea.
You may be referred to a specialist in diagnosing and treating skin conditions if your doctor is uncertain about your diagnosis, or if your condition is severe.
If your doctor suspects you have psoriatic arthritis, which is sometimes a complication of psoriasis, you may be referred to a doctor who specialises in arthritis .
You may have blood tests to rule out other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and X-rays of the affected joints may be taken.
Red Butterfly Rash On Face
Often called the butterfly rash because of its unique shape, the malar rash is one of the most recognizable symptoms of lupus. Historians even suspect historical figures, such as Louisa May Alcott, may have suffered from lupus due to the identifiable flush painted across her face in her portraits. Malar rash is so identifiable, in fact, that the butterfly has become the international symbol for lupus as well as part of the logo and branding scheme for many lupus.
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Reasons Your Skin Is Peelingand How To Deal
Of all the possible weird skin symptoms you could experience, skin peeling might be one of the most disconcertingand uncomfortable. So whats actually causing that peeling? And what kind of skin-peeling treatments are out there?
When the top layer of your skin flakes off or peels off, thats usually a result of some type of inflammation underneath the skin or something that the skin has come into contact with, Isha Tiernan, M.D., a dermatologist at Tufts Medical Center, tells SELF. More specifically, topical allergies or sensitivities, as well as chronic conditions like eczema or psoriasis, are common causes of peeling skin.
That said, peeling skin can be one of several alarming symptoms of infections or life-threatening illnessesalthough these instances are much rarer.
In other words, theres a wide range of conditions that can potentially cause skin peeling on your face and body. Effectively managing your peeling skin is just a matter of figuring out which ones to blame. Heres what you need to know about some of the most common causes of peeling and flaking skin, from how to identify them to how to treat them.
What Is Facial Psoriasis
Facial psoriasis is a chronic skin condition in which there are one or more, persistent, thickened, red and dry patches on the face.
Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that may affect any skin site. Facial involvement occurs at some time in about half those affected by psoriasis. Although it is usually mild, facial psoriasis is occasionally very extensive involving the hairline, forehead, neck, ears and facial skin.
It is extremely rare to have psoriasis occurring solely on the face. Most patients also have scalp psoriasis and they may also have moderate to severe psoriasis at other sites.
Patients with facial psoriasis often suffer from psychosocial problems due to the presence of unsightly red, scalyplaques on highly visible areas.
Facial involvement presents as a therapeutic challenge because facial skin is thin, sensitive and more complicated to treat.
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Skin Rashes On Forehead
Your kids skin is a shield from the world around him. All too often, this protective layer becomes dry, irritated and blotchy. It can be stressful to see angry rashes or itchy patches pop up on your kids, but as Vancouver dermatologist Sunil Kalia says: Sensitiveskin is quite common in babies and toddlers. In fact, most skin troubles .
Can Psoriasis Affect Only My Nails
In some cases, psoriasis may involve only the fingernails and toenails, although more commonly, nail symptoms will accompany psoriasis and arthritis symptoms. The appearance of the nails may be altered, and affected nails may have small pinpoint pits or large yellow-colored separations on the nail plate called “oil spots.” Nail psoriasis can be hard to treat but may respond to medications taken for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Treatments include topical steroids applied to the cuticle, steroid injections at the cuticle, or oral medications.
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What Type Of Psoriasis Treatment Will I Need
Several treatment options can relieve psoriasis. Creams or ointments may be enough to improve the rash in small areas of skin. If the rash affects larger areas, or you also have joint pain, you may need other treatments. Joint pain may be a sign that you have arthritis.
Your provider will decide on a treatment plan based on:
- Severity of the rash.
- Vitamin A or retinoid creams.
How To Treat The Toughest Psoriasis
Do you feel like youve tried every prescription, over-the-counter and alternative psoriasis remedy available but your plaques wont go away? Are you wondering whether there are any other options?
Join us as our expert guests discuss the most hard-to-treat psoriasis and what to do when stubborn psoriasis just wont go away. Youll learn about new combinations and approaches with existing treatment techniques, find out how to cope with low self-esteem and depression, which often accompany severe psoriasis, and hear why and when it might be a good idea to take a treatment break, at least for a little while.
As always, our expert guests answer questions from the audience.
Announcer:
Welcome to this HealthTalk webcast. Before we begin, we remind you that the opinions expressed on this webcast are solely the views of our guests. They are not necessarily the views of HealthTalk, our sponsors or any outside organization. And, as always, please consult your own physician for the medical advice most appropriate for you.
Now here’s your host, Heather Stark.
Heather Stark:
Dr. Miller, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Jami L. Miller:
Thank you for having me.
Heather:
Dr. Miller, a lot of people think of psoriasis as a skin disorder and don’t understand why it’s so challenging to treat. Can you tell us what psoriasis is and how it manifests into the skin problems that we see?
Dr. Miller:
Heather:
Dr. Miller:
Heather:
Heather:
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What Are The Clinical Features Of Facial Psoriasis
Facial psoriasis has various clinical presentations. There are three main subtypes:
- Hairline psoriasis
- An extension of scalp psoriasis beyond the hairline onto facial skin
- Bright red, thickened plaques with variable white scale
Psoriasis affecting hairline
- Patchy involvement of the hairline
- Often affects the eyelids, eyebrows, nasolabial folds and beard area
- Salmon-pink, thin plaques with bran-like scale
- Usually associated with diffuse or patchy scalp psoriasis
- Psoriasis may or may not be present at other sites
Sebopsoriasis
- Sharply demarcated, red, scaly plaques
- May affect any part of the face
- Plaques tend to be symmetrical
- Associated with psoriasis at other sites including ears, genitals, scalp, elbows, knees, and trunk
- Soreness and skin sensitivity, which are usually mild
How Is Psoriasis Treated
Psoriasis is usually treated by a dermatologist . A rheumatologist may also help with treatment. Treatments can include:
- ultraviolet light from the sun or from home or office treatments. But in some people, sunlight can make psoriasis worse.
- creams, lotions, ointments, and shampoos such as moisturizers, corticosteroids, vitamin D creams, and shampoos made with salicylic acid or coal tar
- medicines taken by mouth or injected medicines
A doctor might try one therapy for a while and then switch to another. Or a doctor may combine different therapies. It’s all about finding one that works for each person.
Sometimes what works for a while might stop working. This is one reason why it’s important to work closely with a doctor. Trying out new treatments can get a little frustrating, but most people eventually find one that works.
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Psoriasis Skin Rash On Face
A rash is an area of irritated or swollen skin that can be itchy, red, and painful and may involve blisters, bumps, or areas of raw skin. Rashes are symptoms of conditions that can come about in response to an allergy, toxin, infection, or larger systemic disease. The appearance of a rash can range from an almost incidental swelling of tissues to an outbreak of painful eruptive sores.
Diy Remedies And Skin Care
Skin care is self-care, fam. A bomb skin care routine can totes help you manage psoriasis symptoms.
Here are some DIY treatments that can help:
- Salicylic acid can slough off dead skin cells.
- Rinse with a saline solution to ease pain and discomfort.
- Look for soaps and shampoos designed with psoriasis in mind.
- Humectants are hella good at hydrating your skin.
- Some oils might help soothe sad skin. But theres little research to back this up.
- Coal tar used to be one of the go-to remedies for psoriasis. But TBH, theres little evidence to prove its legit.
- For sebopsoriasis in particular, it can be helpful to use anti-dandruff shampoos as face wash .
P.S. Finding the right skin care routine will prob take some trial and error. So dont worry if your skin doesnt bounce back ASAP!
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It Can Affect The Scalp Hairline Forehead Back Of The Neck And Skin Around The Ears
Did You Know?
Symptoms may include fine scaling that looks like dandruff, or appear as thick, crusted plaques that cover the entire scalp. Other skin disorders, such as seborrheic dermatitis, may resemble psoriasis. However, scalp psoriasis appears powdery with a silvery sheen, while seborrheic dermatitis looks yellowish and greasy. Scalp psoriasis is common in patients of color, but treating it can be particularly tough due to the hair type.
Scalp psoriasis may be an indicator of psoriatic arthritis , as many people have both. If you think you have scalp psoriasis, see a dermatologist to diagnose scalp psoriasis and visit a rheumatologist to screen for psoriatic arthritis.
No matter how severe your scalp psoriasis is, there are options for treating the itching and flakes â from over-the-counter shampoos and topicals to light therapy, oral treatments and biologics.
What Causes Psoriasis Outbreaks
Psoriasis outbreaks differ from person to person. No one knows exactly what causes flare-ups. Common psoriasis triggers may include:
- Skin injury .
- Streptococcal or other infection that affects the immune system.
- Certain prescription medications .
- Cold weather, when people have less exposure to sunlight and humidity and more to hot, dry indoor air.
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Treatments For Specific Areas
Eyelids
To treat this area, your doctor may recommend:
- Special corticosteroids to treat scaling. But donât overuse them. If they get into your eyes, they can lead to glaucoma or cataracts.
- The eczema drugs crisaborole ointment, pimecrolimus , or tacrolimus . They don’t cause the side effects of steroids. They can sting the first few days you use them.
Be careful when you treat psoriasis around your eyes. The skin on eyelids is delicate and gets damaged easily. Tell your doctor about any problems you have.
Psoriasis in the eye is very rare. If you have it, your eyes can be painfully dry. You may need antibiotics to treat an eye infection if you get one.
Ears
Psoriasis medications can put your eardrum at risk, so be cautious when you apply any inside the ear. Your doctor may recommend:
- A prescription corticosteroid you can drip in your ear or apply to the outside of your ear canal
- Calcipotriene or tazarotene usually mixed with a corticosteroid cream or ointment
Mouth and Nose
- Steroid creams or ointments that are made for moist areas
- Rinsing often with a saline solution to relieve pain
- Low-potency corticosteroids like hydrocortisone 1% ointment
Types Of Rashes On Face
The texture of a facial rash can be flat, raised, bumpy, or scaly and include flaking off or peeling of skin cells. Facial rashes can appear as dots or spots or occur over a large, solid continuous area. Common causes of facial rashes include acne, dermatitis, mild allergic reactions, and inflammatory disorders. Many facial rashes do not cause any permanent harm and can be treated successfully by.
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Treatments Your Physician May Prescribe
There are many prescription-strength treatments that are helpful at controlling psoriasis. For mild or moderate cases, medicines applied directly to the skin may be prescribed:
- The mainstay of therapy for psoriasis is topical steroids, either in creams or ointment form. Higher-potency topical steroids are used for the body or scalp, and lower-potency topical steroids are best for the face and skinfold areas. Steroid solutions or liquids can be used on the scalp. Use should be limited to 14 weeks at a time because long-term use of steroids can lead to stretch marks and thinning of the skin.
- Calcipotriene is a vitamin D derivative cream that works as well as steroids, and it is even more effective when combined with topical steroids.
- Tazarotene is a vitamin A-based cream that may be prescribed. Women of childbearing age should be counseled to avoid pregnancy while using tazarotene because this treatment may cause birth defects.
- Topical immunosuppressants such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus may also be used, but they can cause skin burning and itching and are expensive. These treatments may possibly increase your risk for skin cancer and lymphoma.
- Coal tar-based therapies and anthralin creams are sometimes used, but they are used less frequently than other treatments because they have an odor, cause skin irritation, and can stain clothing and because neither is any more effective than calcipotriene.
For more extensive psoriasis: