More Than Skin Troubles
A 2017 study from the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that people with psoriasis that covers 10% of their body or more are 64% more likely than those without psoriasis to develop type 2 diabetes. “About 30% of people with psoriasis also might develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes destructive inflammation in your joints,” says dermatologist Dr. Gideon Smith. Psoriasis also may signal a higher risk for fatty liver disease and heart attacks.
What Should I Do If I Have Psoriasis In A Sensitive Area
Consult your doctor, who may refer you to a dermatologist. You will need expert advice on the correct treatment in sensitive areas. Psoriasis affecting the hairline and scalp is dealt with in more detail in Scalp Psoriasis.
There are organisations that specialise in camouflage make-up, including the British Association of Skin Camouflage, Changing Faces and the Skin Camouflage Network. You can find their contact details at the end of this leaflet.
However, make-up could interfere with the effectiveness of your topical psoriasis treatments and this is something that should be considered very carefully and discussed with your doctor. It is likely that make-up can be applied following treatment if enough time has reasonably elapsed.
The treatments used for facial psoriasis should be used carefully and sparingly as creams and ointments can irritate the eyes and mouth areas. They should always be used under the guidance of your doctor. If you are unsure about using over-the-counter products such as make-up and moisturisers then, again, you should consult your doctor or your pharmacist. This is because facial skin is delicate and irritation can easily occur. Using steroid medication, for instance, may cause facial skin to thin, appear shiny and be prone to spider veins.
Skin Care Products To Try For Facial Psoriasis
Finding a skin care routine that helps with your facial psoriasis is key, although you may have to experiment a bit with different products to perfect it.
In addition to discussing prescription creams with your doctor, you may find it helps to use an over-the-counter emollient. These soothe the skin and can create a barrier of oil to protect your skin from drying out.
Humectants, like glycerin and aloe vera, can also help hydrate your skin.
You may also want to look for products with salicylic acid, which can help your skin shed psoriasis scales, or coal tar, which can reduce itching and inflammation.
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Medications For Moderate To Severe Psoriasis
Medications that you take by pill or injection affect the whole body. Your doctor may recommend one of these types of drugs if you haven’t responded to topical creams or light therapy.
1. Cyclosporine
What it is: Cyclosporine is used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. It is also approved for treating psoriasis.
How it works: It suppresses the immune system and slows the growth of certain immune cells. Cyclosporine is given by capsule or liquid.
Side effects can include flu-like symptoms, headache, high blood pressure, higher cholesterol, sensitive skin, tingling in the arms or legs, upset stomach, fatigue, kidney damage, excess hair growth, and an increased risk for cancer.
2. Methotrexate
What it is: A drug that was first used to treat cancer.
How it works: Methotrexate slows the rate of skin cell growth. Methotrexate can be given by pill, liquid, or injection.
Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headache, lightheadedness, easy bruising and bleeding, fever, mouth ulcers, trouble sleeping, sensitivity to sunlight, hair loss, dry cough, shortness of breath, stomach pain, a blistering or peeling rash, blood in your pee or poop, peeing less often, and liver damage.
Pregnant women are at risk of having a baby with birth defects while taking this drug. Methotrexate can also affect sperm, so men should avoid this medication if trying to have a baby.
3. Biologic Treatments
Biologic drugs include:
4. Vitamin A Derivatives
Are Psoriasis Shampoos Available
Coal tar shampoos are very useful in controlling psoriasis of the scalp. Using the shampoo daily can be very beneficial adjunctive therapy. There are a variety of over-the-counter shampoos available without a prescription. There is no evidence that one shampoo is superior to another. Generally, the selection of a tar shampoo is simply a matter of personal preference.
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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.
Otc Treatments And Home Remedies
In addition to using steroids, rinsing the facial skin with a saline solution can also help reduce discomfort and pain.
Available OTC treatments include:
- tazarotene cream or gel, an off-label treatment that currently has approval for treating acne
- UV light, which a person should only use under a doctors supervision
If psoriasis affects the skin around the eyes, a doctor will advise taking great care when applying medications to the area. This is because many OTC psoriasis treatments can cause damage to the eyes that may lead to the development of glaucoma or cataracts.
That said, doctors sometimes recommend two off-label eczema treatments that may work especially well for treating psoriasis on the face.
These prescription drugs are tacrolimus ointment and pimecrolimus cream . People using these medications should apply them very carefully and sparingly, being sure to avoid the eyes.
These medications are unlikely to cause glaucoma. However, using them may lead to uncomfortable side effects, such as a stinging sensation.
In addition to using these topical medications, there are several precautions a person can take to reduce irritation as much as possible. These include:
- using gentle, non-soap cleansers to keep the skin clean
- applying moisturizers often
- regularly putting on sunscreen to reduce the effects of UV radiation
Practicing frequent and thorough self-care can help a person control their facial psoriasis as much as possible.
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Get Some Sun But Not Too Much
The ultraviolet rays in sunlight slow the growth of skin cells, so getting moderate doses of sun is good. But make it brief — about 20 minutes or so at a time. And use sunscreen. Sunburn can trigger psoriasis, and it raises your risk of skin cancer. Some medications can make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet rays, so talk to your doctor first. Read more on the risks and benefits of sunlight for psoriasis.
There Are Ways To Shorten Flare
Psoriasis is a big star on TV drug ads, but this autoimmune skin disease is something most people try to keep well hidden.
“Psoriasis is among the most common skin conditions, affecting about 2% of the U.S. population, and while the condition doesn’t affect everyone the same way, the approach to treatment and prevention is often similar,” says Dr. Gideon Smith, an assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital.
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What Else Should I Know
Making healthy choices can help with psoriasis. Here are some things you can do:
- If you smoke, quit. Smoking can trigger outbreaks of psoriasis in some people.
- Avoid alcohol. It can make psoriasis treatments less effective.
- Eat healthy foods. Eating a lot of fruits and vegetables can help fend off diseases that might trigger psoriasis.
- Stay at a healthy weight. This decreases the risk of inverse psoriasis.
- Keep skin clean and well moisturized. Bathing daily with bath salts or oils and then applying moisturizer can help ease the symptoms of psoriasis.
People who have psoriasis may feel self-conscious about how it looks. That’s one reason why some people turn to a therapist or join a support group of people who understand what they might be going through.
The key to psoriasis treatment is keeping up on whatever your doctor prescribes. If that means applying an ointment twice a day, then find a way to remind yourself to do it so you don’t forget. Psoriasis is one of those things that you need to stay focused on treating, even when you’re feeling OK.
Whether your psoriasis is mild or severe, learn all you can about it. Talk to your doctor or check websites like:
Home Remedies For Facial Psoriasis
At-home self-care is about the basics — trying not to scratch affected areas, avoiding the things that seem to trigger flare-ups, using cold compresses and moisturizer to soothe affected areas , and keeping up with your treatment.
No supplements or herbal remedies have been proven to treat psoriasis on the face or any other part of the body.
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Avoid Scrapes Cuts Bumps And Infections
It’s extra important for people with psoriasis to avoid bumps and cuts. Trauma to the skin can cause a flare, a condition called “Koebner’s phenomenon.” Infections can also cause problems. Be especially careful when shaving. Avoid acupuncture, tattoos, and do your best to prevent insect bites and chafing. Get more information on Koebner’s phenomenon and psoriasis.
Why Does Psoriasis In Sensitive Areas Sometimes Require Specific Treatments
The absence of scales is most obvious in the skin flexures or folds because the continual friction between the two skin surfaces rubs them off. The enclosed area of a skin fold and the thinness of the skin in sensitive areas can affect the action of topically applied treatments . With both of these factors there is a tendency for an increase in the absorption of the treatment through the skin, thereby enhancing its effect and any adverse side effects, such as skin thinning. In addition, the potential for a cream or ointment to cause irritation is increased when it is applied in a flexure and comes into contact with two skin surfaces that are rubbing together.
For these reasons particular creams and ointments are better than others for use in sensitive areas of the skin. Some others are not recommended at all.
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How To Treat Facial Psoriasis
Facial psoriasis affects up to 46% of people with psoriasis on the body. It can cause silvery scales, itchy rashes, and even open lesions on the skin. On a general level, facial psoriasis can be relieved with moisturizers and petroleum jelly. However, some more severe cases can be challenging to treat.
How to Treat Facial Psoriasis
Those who are affected by this skin condition should pay close attention to what triggers a flare-up. If swimming in a chlorinated pool, specific facial wash ingredients, or other factors cause your psoriasis to become nearly unmanageable, it is essential that you cease those activities and remove those products from your daily routine.
Topical steroids are one way to treat psoriasis on the face and body however, their use should be limited as it can cause the skin to thin out over time. It is important to discuss treatment options with your Denver skin care specialist, as your skin may not react the same way as someone elses.
Facial psoriasis comes with a variety of mental challenges, as it is difficult to cover up and can result in decreased self-esteem. However, the right combination of treatment and support can help those affected by the condition get through their day. There are also a variety of cover-up options that can be experimented with, as there are some companies that create cosmetics specifically for those with psoriasis, dermatitis, and other conditions.
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Are There Complications Of Psoriasis
In some people, psoriasis causes more than itchiness and red skin. It can lead to swollen joints and arthritis. If you have psoriasis, you may be at higher risk of:
- Use medicated shampoo for scales on your scalp.
Other steps you should take to stay as healthy as possible:
- Talk to your healthcare provider about lowering your risk for related conditions, such as heart disease, depression and diabetes.
- Lower your stress with meditation, exercise or seeing a mental health professional.
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How To Safely Remove Psoriasis Patches
Removing the silvery scales from plaques may improve the look and feel of the plaques and may reduce some symptoms or make them more tolerable. Removing dead skin may also make medications more effective, as they can absorb into active skin cells rather than old or dead skin cells. Some options may include:
How Do You Clear Up Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that isnt currently curable. However, a range of treatments can be used to improve symptoms. Here, we look at ways to clear up those itchy patches!
Psoriasis is a long lasting, auto-immune condition that causes inflammation in the body.
Although it is a complex disorder and not yet fully understood scientists believe it results from the immune system attacking its own healthy skin cells.
Characterised by inflamed patches on the skin that are sometimes covered with scales, psoriasis can be itchy and painful, impacting on quality of life. But despite not being curable , the good news is that psoriasis responds well to several treatments.
Even though it appears on the surface, psoriasis is more than skin deep, starting inside the body, in the immune system. With this in mind, it is really important to treat it holistically, making changes inside and out.
Here are our pro top tips for clearing up psoriasis:
Keep your skin moisturised: moisture-rich skin is the enemy of psoriasis and its important to take action before skin dries out. Simple topical treatments like oils and salves, applied throughout the day, keep skin supple.
Avoid chemicals: when it comes to skin conditions, natural is often best. Fragrances, colours and dyes can all aggravate psoriasis. Look closely at labels, choosing products suitable for sensitive skin.
Recommended products for skin prone to psoriasis:
Important Note
Find out more on Psoriasis
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How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed
Doctors usually diagnose psoriasis by examining the skin, scalp, and nails. They’ll also ask whether someone else in your family has psoriasis and if you recently had an illness or started taking a new medicine.
Rarely, doctors might take a skin sample to check more closely. A can tell the doctor whether it’s psoriasis or another condition with similar symptoms.
Managing Psoriasis With Topical Treatments
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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
Treatment Of Psoriasis: An Algorithm
ASHA G. PARDASANI, M.D., STEVEN R. FELDMAN, M.D., PH.D., and ADELE R. CLARK, P.A.-C., Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Am Fam Physician. 2000 Feb 1 61:725-733.
See related patient information handout on psoriasis, written by the authors of this article.
Psoriasis is characterized by red, thickened plaques with a silvery scale. The lesions vary in size and degree of inflammation. Psoriasis is categorized as localized or generalized, based on the severity of the disease and its overall impact on the patient’s quality of life and well-being. Patient education about the disease and the treatment options is important. Medical treatment for localized psoriasis begins with a combination of topical corticosteroids and coal tar or calcipotriene. For lesions that are difficult to control with initial therapy, anthralin or tazarotene may be tried. The primary goal of therapy is to maintain control of the lesions. Cure is seldom achieved. If control becomes difficult or if psoriasis is generalized, the patient may benefit from phototherapy, systemic therapy and referral to a physician who specializes in the treatment of psoriasis.
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Heres My Diet And The List Of Products I Use:
Nothing sold in a convenient store, all that is garbage.
No beef or cured pork.
No white bread.
Coffee thats diluted with an inch of milk. When Im at home, I use coconut milk.
IPAs and hard ciders are the only alcohols that dont trigger my psoriasis. I have read online other people who say IPAs do not cause outbreaks either. If I drink a Bud or Coors or whiskey, my skin gets bad immediately.
I drink one to two cups of detox tea a day.