What Are Other Types Of Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type. About 80% to 90% of people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis.
Other, less common types of psoriasis include:
- Inverse psoriasis appears in skin folds. It may look like thin pink plaques without scale.
- Guttate psoriasis may appear after a sore throat caused by a streptococcal infection. It looks like small, red, drop-shaped scaly spots in children and young adults.
- Pustular psoriasis has small, pus-filled bumps on top of the red patches or plaques.
- Sebopsoriasis typically appears on the face and scalp as red bumps and plaques with greasy yellow scale. This type is a cross between psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.
When To Contact A Medical Professional
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of psoriasis or if your skin irritation continues despite treatment.
Tell your provider if you have joint pain or fever with your psoriasis attacks.
If you have symptoms of arthritis, talk to your dermatologist or rheumatologist.
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number if you have a severe outbreak that covers all or most of your body.
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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Stop Smoking And Limit Alcohol
Smoking can trigger flares. Talk to your doctor to help you decide the best way to quit. For some, nicotine patches make psoriasis worse.
Heavy drinking can also trigger symptoms. It can even be dangerous when combined with some psoriasis drugs. If you drink, keep it moderate — thatâs up to one drink a day for women or two for men.
Show Sources
National Psoriasis Foundation: “Faqs: Questions About Lifestyle And Living With Psoriasis,” “Mild Psoriasis: Over the Counter ,” “For Teens: Lifestyle Factors and Social Life,” “Ask the Expert,” “Phototherapy.”
The Psoriasis Association: “Frequently Asked Questions.”
American College of Physicians. Complete Home Medical Guide, DK Publishing Inc., 2003.
Psoriasis Net: American Academy of Dermatology: “Psoriasis Triggers.”
Cram, D. Coping With Psoriasis. Addicus Books Inc., 2000.
Adjust Your Bathing Habits
When your psoriasis is especially itchy, its crucial to avoid showering or bathing in water that is too hot because the heat can just make you itchier, the American Academy of Dermatology explains.
You might also find it helpful to limit your time in the shower or bath because spending a long time in the water can actually make your skin drier. The AAD recommends keeping showers under 5 minutes and baths under 15 minutes.
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Keep Your Skin Moisturized
Keeping your skin lubricated can go a long way in preventing or worsening dry, itchy skin caused by a psoriasis flare-up. It can also help reduce redness and heal the skin, making your flare-up easier to manage.
The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends using heavy creams or ointments that lock in water. Look for moisturizers that are fragrance-free or alcohol-free. Fragrances and alcohol can actually dry out your skin.
If youre looking for a natural or cost-effective solution, you can use cooking oils or shortening to keep your skin moisturized. When in doubt, ask your dermatologist for a recommendation.
Take shorter showers with lukewarm water to help protect your skins moisture. Be sure to use fragrance-free soaps. Always apply moisturizer after showering, washing your face, or washing your hands.
Add oil to bathwater if you prefer taking baths, or are looking to soothe dry, itchy skin. Soaking in Epsom or Dead Sea salts is recommended for itchy skin. Be sure to limit your bath time to 15 minutes and moisturize immediately afterward.
Try putting your creams or moisturizers in the refrigerator. This can help soothe the burning sensation that often accompanies the itching during a flare-up.
Psoralen Plus Ultraviolet A
For this treatment, you’ll first be given a tablet containing compounds called psoralens, or psoralen may be applied directly to the skin. This makes your skin more sensitive to light.
Your skin is then exposed to a wavelength of light called ultraviolet A . This light penetrates your skin more deeply than ultraviolet B light.
This treatment may be used if you have severe psoriasis that has not responded to other treatment.
Side effects include nausea, headaches, burning and itchiness. You may need to wear special glasses for 24 hours after taking the tablet to prevent the development of cataracts.
Long-term use of this treatment is not encouraged, as it can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
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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.
What Causes Redness On Face
As youll see from our discussion below, there are many, many factors that can cause redness on the face–ones that range from how your body responds to external factors to how your own system works internally. Before we talk about how to reduce redness on the face, lets talk about whats causing that redness in the first place.
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Methotrexate : A Longer
Methotrexate , is a folic acid antagonist, meaning it blocks the action of folic acid. Methotrexate is often abbreviated MTX.
- Methotrexate comes as a once-weekly oral tablet or injection that suppresses the immune system and DNA synthesis to slow down skin cell turnover.
- MTX can be used long-term for moderate to severe psoriasis and for psoriatic arthritis, but results with MTX may not be seen for several months. Review MTX dosing here.
- Your doctor may also prescribe folic acid in addition to MTX to help lessen stomach and other side effects.
- MTX can be toxic to the liver and other organs lab monitoring will be needed.
MTX should NOT be used in women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy men should also stop its use 3 months before conception. Use effective contraception during and after treatment with methotrexate.
- Effective birth control is recommended for females of reproductive potential during therapy and for at least 6 months after the final dose.
- Effective contraception is recommended for males with female partners of reproductive potential during therapy and for at least 3 months after the final dose of methotrexate.
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What Else Should I Ask My Healthcare Provider
If you have psoriasis, ask your healthcare provider:
- How can I prevent outbreaks and control symptoms?
- What medication will work best for me?
- What else should I do to improve symptoms?
- What are my options if creams dont work?
- Will psoriasis ever go away?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Psoriasis, an itchy skin condition, can come and go throughout your life. Its related to an overactive immune response and is not contagious. If you have skin changes that arent going away, talk to your healthcare provider. There is no cure for psoriasis, but psoriasis treatments can improve symptoms. Your provider may prescribe a special cream or moisturizer or medications. Other therapies are available if creams or medicines dont work. Maintaining your overall health will also help improve symptoms.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/17/2020.
References
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Try A Moisturizer With A Keratolytic Ingredient
For particularly thick plaques, Dr. Newsom suggests applying a lotion that contains a keratolytic, or a softening and peeling agent, like salicylic acid, lactic acid, or urea. That will help dissolve some of the scales. For instance, check out CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream, $19, or Gold Bond Ultimate Psoriasis Relief Cream, $8.
However, note these ingredients, particularly salicylic acid, can irritate the skin, exacerbate dryness, and in extreme cases be toxic. So be sure to use keratolytic moisturizers as directed and only on the thickest plaques rather than across large swaths of skin.
When To See A Doctor To Address Face Redness
While you may be able to treat your face redness with home remedies, you may want to consider seeing a doctor to have your condition checked out and diagnosed. You should see a doctor if:
- Redness continues for extended periods of time
- You experience burning and irritation around your eyes
- Youre having a flare-up
A doctor may also be able to administer treatments that you couldnt do yourself, such as laser treatment and allergy testing. Overall, youre always better off safe than sorry, so if facial redness persists, it cant hurt to see a doctor to have it checked out. The sooner you talk to a professional, the quicker you can get redness under control with the right treatment.
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Or Try One With Vitamin A Or D
Meanwhile, products containing vitamins A or Dincluding their synthetic versions and derivativescan also reduce the symptoms of a flare-up thanks to their anti-inflammatory effects, Dr. Stein says.
For example, your derm may recommend trying a prescription retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A, like tazarotene. Medications like this increase cell turnover while reducing the buildup of psoriasis scales, making retinoids a great option for those who deal with thick plaques during flares.
Synthetic forms of vitamin D can also be useful because they help regulate the cell turnover process and, therefore, help reduce scales.
Try Not To Scratch And Pick
There’s no doubt about it: When you itch, you want to scratch. But scratching can tear open your skin, making way for infection-causing germs. It may also make sores appear where there weren’t any before. Keep your nails short, and take an antihistamine if you are itchy.
And picking at your skin can lead to infection. When you have an urge, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and gently rub on moisturizer instead.
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Common Triggers And Risk Factors Of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition affecting the skin. This means that the immune system is weakened and misfiring, attacking healthy cells such as the skin instead of the true invaders. Lifestyle plays a major role in most autoimmune conditions. Lets take a look at what can trigger or cause psoriasis.
Ways You Could Be Making Facial Redness Worse
Facial redness can affect anyone at any age, but there are certain triggers that can contribute to red skin. Make sure youre not unwittingly adding flame to the fire. Here are five things that can make your facial redness worse:
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How To Get Rid Of Face Redness Quickly
If you wake up the morning of a big event with a beet red face, dont panic. There are many ways to get rid of face redness quickly that dont require a trip to the dermatologists office. Some things to try are:
- Makeup: Foundation and concealer are easy to apply and reduce the visibility of your redness instantly.
- Soothing masks: You can use a face mask with soothing ingredients that reduce redness and inflammation. Ingredients like chamomile, aloe, and cucumber are great at reducing face redness.
- Switch up your products: If youre suddenly experiencing red spots on your face, it could be because of a certain skin product youre using. If you think this is the case, stop using all your skin products, go back to the basics, and see how your skin reacts.
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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The First Line Of Therapy
Mild to moderate psoriasis is initially treated with a low to mid-potency corticosteroid cream, lotion, spray or ointment such as:
- hydrocortisone
Lower potency products, such as fluocinolone can be use on the face or other sensitive areas.
Lotions or foams are best for the scalp, creams are best for oozing lesions, and ointments can treat dry, raised, or scaly lesions.
Higher potency topicals are reserved for thicker, tough-to-treat areas like elbows or knees. Topical treatments work best on mild and smaller areas of psoriasis.
- betamethasone topical is a higher potency spray used in mild to moderate psoriasis.
- halobetasol propionate lotion 0.01% from Ortho Dermatologics is also a high-potency topical corticosteroid formulation.
Home Remedies For Psoriasis
Many patients feel natural home remedies help ease their psoriasis symptoms, or reduce the frequency of psoriasis flares . Ask your doctor about home remedies and discuss any herbal supplements you take as these may interact with medications you are prescribed.
Hydration of the skin can reduce symptoms of psoriasis so drinking plenty of water is important, as is moisturizing the skin. The use of skin emollients such as petroleum jelly or thick creams should be applied immediately after bathing. Other products are used to moisturize or soothe the skin and may contain jojoba or zinc pyrithione.
Herbal remediesâ The National Psoriasis Foundation notes the following:
Many people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis take vitamins and supplements. Before taking any nutritional supplement, talk to your doctor to make sure they don’t interact with any medications you take. Some supplements people with psoriasis may find helpful include:
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Is Psoriasis The Same As Eczema
Psoriasis and eczema are two different skin conditions. They differ in where the disease appears on the body, how much it itches and how it looks. Eczema tends to appear more often behind the knees and inside the elbows. Eczema also causes more intense itching than psoriasis. Many people, especially children, can get both eczema and psoriasis.
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How To Reduce Redness From Acne
The keys to reducing redness from acne are to apply anti-inflammatory compounds while being gentle to your skin. Thats right gentle. This means dont try to use every scrub or irritating product to treat your acne. Instead, try using a keep it simple approach.
If you apply too many oil-removing products, your skin could react the opposite way: It could start to overproduce oil, which will worsen your acne. The goal is to keep your skin clean and apply targeted products to reduce redness while your blemishes heal.
Here are some tips for reducing redness:
Sometimes, youll need to call in the professionals for consistent, painful, and inflamed pimples. A dermatologist can evaluate your skin and prescribe professional-level treatments, such as topical applications, chemical peels, or laser therapy.
Acne can also closely resemble rosacea, a condition that causes significant skin redness. Because the treatments for rosacea can be different from traditional acne-fighting approaches, its a good idea to see a dermatologist if youre not sure.
You can also apply a mild cortisone cream to an inflamed pimple to decrease redness and swelling. This should be done sparingly and only as a spot treatment, as topical steroids themselves can actually cause acne, as well other potential side effects such as skin thinning.
Youll want to use products that are all oil-free and noncomedogenic when concealing your pimple. Otherwise, youll run the risk of making it worse.
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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 patients 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.