What Psoriasis Creams And Topical Agents Can I Use
Medications applied directly to the skin are the first line of treatment options for psoriasis.
The main topical treatments are:
- corticosteroids,
- anthralin, or
- retinoids.
For more detailed information on each medication, see Understanding Psoriasis Medications. Generic drug names are listed below with examples of brands in parentheses.
Topical Medications
- Corticosteroids: Topical corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment in mild or limited psoriasis and come in a variety of forms. Foams and solutions are best for scalp psoriasis and other thickly hair-bearing areas, such as a hairy chest or hairy back. Creams are usually preferred by patients, but ointments are more potent than any other vehicles, even at the same percentage concentration.
- Super potent topical corticosteroids such as clobetasol propionate and betamethasone dipropionate augmented are commonly prescribed corticosteroids for use on non-facial, non-intertriginous areas .
- As the condition improves, one may be able to use potent steroids such as:
- mometasone furoate or
- halcinonide or
- mid-potency steroids such as triamcinolone acetonide or betamethasone valerate . These creams or ointments are usually applied once or twice a day, but the dose depends on the severity of psoriasis as well as the location and thickness of the plaque.
What Spa Treatments Should I Avoid
The spa treatments you should avoid will depend on the severity of your eczema or psoriasis, the parts of your body which are affected and the factors that could trigger a flare-up. As a general rule, body scrubs are probably best avoided, as they could irritate the skin. Likewise, hot tubs are likely to exacerbate your symptoms as they have a drying, aggravating effect on the skin. Its also a good idea to give steam rooms and saunas a miss. Getting hot and sweaty can contribute to the skin becoming very itchy and inflamed.
When your spa day comes to an end, be sure to wash off any chlorine or sweat that might be sitting on your skin. Then layer up with your usual moisturiser to keep your skin protected and nourished.
If youre looking for a tailored spa treatment or want to book one of our relaxing spa days, don’t hesitate to contact us today on 024 7671 6192 or .
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Psoriasis On The Toenails
The toenails are actually part of the skin. They grow out of the nail plate, which is directly under the cuticle. Because of abnormal growth in the nail plate, psoriasis may affect your toenails.
Toenails that are affected by psoriasis may look thick and ridged. They may lift from the nail bed, develop discoloration, or become pitted over time. Once the nail has grown, it cannot be altered unless it is cut or filed. Treating psoriasis on the toenails usually means treating the skin around the nail, including the nail bed, the cuticle, and the nail folds around the edges of the nail. Nails are difficult to treat but some of the newer biologics have greater success.
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So What Causes Facial Psoriasis Anyway
We still dont know the exact cause of psoriasis. But we do know its a chronic immune-mediated disorder, according to the American College of Rheumatology and National Psoriasis Foundation.
Psoriasis can happen when your immune system attack yours bodys cells. This can lead to a surplus of skin cells that build up on top of each other.
Research shows genetics also plays a role. Youre more likely to have psoriasis if it runs in your fam .
Facial psoriasis can be tricky to treat. The skin on your face is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of your skin. That means you have to be extra careful with your skin care.
Here are some of best treatment options.
Foods With Saturated Fats And Trans Fats
Fats in red meat, cheese, fried food, margarine, fast food and many processed snacks are known to trigger inflammation in the body. These fats increase the amount of low-density lipoprotein in your blood, also called bad cholesterol. Studies suggest there may be a link between excess fat in the body and development of psoriasis and worsening of psoriasis symptoms.
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Foods High In Added Sugar
Added sugars in soda, fruit juices, candy, baked goods and other sweets are different from natural sugars in food such as fruit. Our bodies produce insulin to process sugar, but too much added sugar forces our bodies to store that extra energy in fat cells and inflame the fat tissue. Foods with lots of added sugars can also lead to increased levels of inflammatory proteins called cytokines. Some studies suggest that artificial sweeteners such as aspartame may also lead to chronic inflammation.
How Menopause May Affect Psoriasis
Menopause is defined as going a full year without having a period. It usually happens in your late 40s to early 50s, with symptoms of perimenopause beginning up to 14 years earlier.
During perimenopause, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels gradually decline, leading to potentially exhausting symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. This period of time can also be stressful in general, as you may struggle to care for children and aging parents while taking on new responsibilities at work. And stress is a known trigger of psoriasis flares. All of these factors have an effect on overall health and may increase the risk of conditions that are separately linked to psoriasis, including osteoporosis, mood changes, and heart disease.
You may also find that you have more psoriasis flares around the time you go through menopause. It is possible that hormonal changes of menopause can contribute to psoriasis, says Unwala.
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What Is Cdc Doing About Psoriasis
In 2010, CDC worked with experts in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and public health to develop a public health perspective that considers how these conditions affect the entire population. The resulting report is Developing and Addressing the Public Health Agenda for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis pdf icon. You can read a short article about the agendaexternal icon in The American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
CDCs National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey , an intermittent source of national psoriasis data, has included questions about psoriasis as late as the 2013-2014 cycle. A recent analysis of NHANES data estimates that 7.4 million adults had psoriasis in 2013external icon.
- Psoriasis causes patches of thick red skin and silvery scales. Patches are typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of feet, but can affect other places . The most common type of psoriasis is called plaque psoriasis.
- Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory type of arthritis that eventually occurs in 10% to 20% of people with psoriasis. It is different from more common types of arthritis and is thought to be related to the underlying problem of psoriasis.
- Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are sometimes considered together as psoriatic disease.
Who is at risk for psoriasis?
Anyone can get psoriasis. It occurs mostly in adults, but children can also get it. Men and women seem to have equal risk.
Can I get psoriasis from someone who has it?
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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Foods Containing Refined Carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates are highly processed . Theyve been stripped of fiber and whole grains and tend to contain a lot of sugar, which can cause your blood sugar to spike. Refined carbohydrates also increase advanced glycation end products, which are substances in your blood that can lead to inflammation.
Wearing A Mask With Psoriasis On The Face
Hereâs how to make one, clean one and understand when to wear one, even if psoriasis impacts your face.
You clearly arenât living on another planet, so you have heard the ongoing discussion and messaging surrounding the importance of wearing a mask. It is absolutely essential to properly wear a mask over your mouth and nose when in public or around people with whom you do not live. Itâs important because it helps greatly in protecting those around you and stopping the spread of COVID-19, which has taken the lives of over 265,000 people in the U.S. to date.
As the U.S. approaches winter and the virus surges in many areas, the added pressure that the seasonal flu will put on the health care system makes it even more important that we each do our part to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and of course, we all need to get our flu shots as soon as possible.
All that said, people who experience psoriasis symptoms on the face could be understandably concerned about the impact of the mask itself on the skin, particularly the nose, ears and areas where the mask touches the face. It is still absolutely essential to wear a mask in the appropriate circumstances, so what can you do to mitigate the negative effects on the sensitive skin of your face?
Follow These Five Steps Every Time
How to Make a Mask
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Lip Balms And Other Moisturizers
A variety of moisturizers and lip balms claim to work for psoriasis on the lips. However, the efficacy of these moisturizers has not always been thoroughly tested. Thick, petrolatum-based ointments will provide the best protection for dry, cracked lips. You should work with a dermatologist to find the right one for you.
Many of our members recommend using coconut oil to help with psoriasis. Ive been using the organic coconut oil with a tea tree oil mixture. It helps the itching and redness, one member said. Food-grade coconut oil is safe for use on the lips.
What Does Psoriasis On The Feet Look And Feel Like
In many cases, psoriasis on the feet presents like psoriasis does elsewhere on the body. The most common type is plaque psoriasis . Psoriasis on the feet may appear with:
- Clearly defined red, purple, or brown patches or lesions on the skin, often covered with thick, silvery scales
- Patches of thick, dry skin that may crack or bleed easily and that may cover the entire sole
- Soreness, burning, or itching, either on a red patch of skin or over much of the foot
- Small patches of skin that are scaly but not necessarily red
- Signs of inflammation, such as heat and redness
- Small pustules on the bottom of the feet
Pain and discomfort from psoriasis on the feet may be worse than pain from psoriasis elsewhere on the body because of the pressure caused by walking. Feet are highly sensitive, which can make basic movements uncomfortable if they are affected by psoriasis. When your feet hurt, even getting out of bed or wearing socks can be painful. Many MyPsoriasisTeam members with psoriasis on their feet report that their feet feel like they are on fire. One member even said, My feet feel like Im walking on knives. Another member shared, My feet are inflamed, red, and painful.
Occasionally, different types of psoriasis will appear on the feet.
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What Treatments Can I Have If I Have Eczema Or Psoriasis
When it comes to the spa, there are some treatments that could soothe and potentially improve your condition. As stress is one of the potential triggers for flare-ups, a relaxing spa day might also help to control your symptoms.
In particular, any treatments involving minerals and mud can be beneficial for problem skin. Also, dont rule out a massage. Some of the carrier oils and essential oils can really help to soothe psoriasis. However, it is important to tell the therapist beforehand, so they can select massage oils that will improve, not irritate, any areas of sore skin. Theres no definitive safe list of essential oils. However, bergamot, clary sage, tea tree, lavender, chamomile, geranium, and rose are a few potentially calming and soothing oils to use in a treatment. Shea butter is also often used in massage treatments for those with dry and inflamed skin.
Its a good idea to pop in for a patch test a couple of weeks before your spa day, to see how your skin reacts to the products. Most spas offer personalised, tailored treatments, so your therapist can adapt the treatment to accommodate your condition. If youre really uncertain how your skin will react to the spas products, bring your own tried and tested products.
Treatments For Psoriasis Of The Face
Although theres no cure for facial psoriasis, it can be controlled with prescription and over-the-counter medications that are safe for thin, delicate skin. Consult with your dermatologist about treatment options that are right for you. They may include topical treatments, systemic treatments, phototherapy, and moisturizers.
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What Causes Psoriasis On The Face
The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but genetics and environmental factors are thought to play a role in the development of the disorder.
Psoriasis is thought to be an immune system disorder that causes skin cells to regenerate faster than normal. This rapid turnover rate of new skin cells causes the symptoms of plaque psoriasis , which includes scales and red patches on the skin.
Enhancing Your Skin As Safely As Possible
As experts in psoriasis, we know how frustrating flareups can be. When we develop a personalized plan to improve other skin issues you may be experiencing, we will keep your safety top-of-mind as we carefully navigate any existing psoriatic patches. If you are interested in learning more about skin treatments that are safe for psoriasis, call us today at 610.828.0400 to schedule your appointment with our medical dermatology team.
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What Parts Of The Face Does Psoriasis Affect
When psoriasis shows up on your face, it typically affects the following areas:
- Hairline A rash can develop on your upper forehead, around your hairline. This may be isolated or an extension of .
- In the ears If psoriasis scales build up in your ears, they can block your ear canal. Be sure to tell your doctor if this happens.
- Around your eyes Psoriasis scales can form on your eyelids and may cover your lashes. Areas around the eyebrows are also common sites for psoriasis on your face.
- Between the nose and upper lip This area is often sensitive. If scales form around your mouth, they may affect how you chew and swallow food. Rarely, psoriasis lesions can also surface inside your mouth, such as on the gums and tongue, or in the nose.
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Psoriasis On Lips: Symptoms And Treatments
At least 20 percent of people who have psoriasis have it somewhere on the face. However, psoriasis on the lips is extremely rare.
While it’s rare to have psoriasis on the lips, it does occur. If you think that you or someone you love might be experiencing psoriasis on the lips, its important that you get the right diagnosis and work with your dermatologist to find the best treatment for your skin.
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Staying Healthy As You Age
A few steps can help reduce your risk of osteoporosis, depression, and heart disease as you age. First and foremost, maintain a healthy diet. That means focusing on fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, and lean meat and dairy, while limiting processed foods, sodium, and added sugar. The National Institute on Aging recommends consuming 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium every day, depending on your age and sex, to build bone strength. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to see whats right for you.
Exercise also helps keep your bones and heart strong, reducing the risk of both osteoporosis and heart disease. Staying active additionally reduces the risk of depression, especially if you choose an activity that involves a lot of socializing, such as tennis or a swim class. As a bonus, exercise reduces the risk of dementia and supports cognitive function with age, including memory, comprehension, and problem-solving skills.
Lastly, be sure to discuss not just your skin but also your whole physical and mental health with your dermatologist. Let your doctor know if youre struggling to maintain a healthy diet, stay active, or quit smoking. A lot of people dont realize theyre at risk and may have gone many years without seeing a general practitioner, says Unwala. We feel that one of our roles is to make those connections for people.
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.
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