I Have Psoriasis On My Face

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

What Are The Symptoms

Scalp psoriasis causes redness and scaliness, which may also involve the hairline, the forehead, behind the ears and the back of the neck. It can range from very mild with slight fine scaling to very severe, crusted thick scaling covering the entire scalp. Hair loss during the flare-up can occur in some cases, but the hair will normally grow back. Psoriasis can be itchy, make the scalp feel tight and occasionally cause soreness, especially if there are cracks in the skin.

What About Those Psoriasis Scales On Face And Forehead

Natural healing takes time. Results dont come over night. You would start seeing some results in 4-6 weeks. Then, gradually, these psoriasis patches would start getting thinner and then they would disappear. It is a long term commitment.

Hence, it is not a bad idea to discuss some safe and effective quick-fix ideas to minimize psoriasis symptoms on your face.

Your face is quite sensitive and facial skin is thinner than other body parts. Applying steroids based topical creams on your facial skin is not a good idea at all. Most of these pharma based creams have coal tar and salicylic acid as chief ingredients. Coal tar is a by-product of coal processing-when coal is converted into coal gas. It doesnt give me a good feeling if I have to use something on my face which is obtained by burning of coal.

Salicylic acid is no less. Salicylic acid is extensively used as a stain remover. Some people use salicylic acid to remove rust also. So, how can you expect mercy from these two hardcore chemicals if we apply them regularly on your face. These chemicals work harshly to rub off the psoriasis scales from your skin without bothering for the natural beauty of your skin.

Let us opt for safe and effective natural alternatives!!

A very effective way to manage Facial Psoriasis is:

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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.

Intimacy Can Still Be Possible

If you are feeling anxious about sexual activity because of psoriasis, talk to your partner and educate them about psoriasis. Let them know that psoriasis isnt contagious and help to put them at ease. It is always a good idea to discuss psoriasis before you are intimate, so it is not a surprise.

To reduce friction and pain during sexual activity, use lubricants during sex. Choose products labeled cooling over warming lubricants. Warming lubricants often contain ingredients that inflame sensitive skin and might trigger psoriasis flares.

You can also make your own lubricant using olive oil, aloe vera, or coconut oil. However, oil-based lubricants should not be used with latex condoms, as they can degrade the latex and lead to condom failure.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following ways to reduce irritation with sexual intercourse.

• Postpone sex when the skin around the genitals is raw or inflamed.
• Before sex, gently cleanse intimate areas using mild, fragrance-free cleansers.
• During sex, use lubricated condoms to reduce irritation in intimate areas affected by psoriasis.
• After sex, gently wash and dry intimate areas to reduce irritation.
• Reapply topical medications after sexual intercourse.

Following your treatment plan and taking your medications as prescribed can help to improve psoriasis symptoms regardless of where they are located on the body.

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Can Psoriasis Cause Rashes Around The Anus

Inverse psoriasis generally causes lesions of smooth, shiny skin in the areas where the skin folds. It can cause red or purple itchy patches on the anus and the crease between the buttocks.

Skin plaques in these two areas can cause rectal bleeding and difficulty with passing stools. Fortunately, clear skin with inverse psoriasis is possible with appropriate treatment.

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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Tips For Putting On Makeup When You Have Psoriasis On Your Face

For years, Ive had psoriasis on my bodytypically my knees and elbows. It was usually easy enough to apply a topical treatment, cover it up, and forget about it. But two years ago, I started getting patches of psoriasis on my face, and it was a whole different story.

While I wanted to go makeup-free as much as possible to keep my skin clean and free from products, I knew I would feel more comfortable if I could conceal my psoriasis when I was going out. And a quick application of tinted moisturizer followed by my trusty concealer stick just didnt cut it any more.

Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition, can cause red, scaly patches that may itch, crack, and bleed. And, if theyre on your face, those patches can make applying makeup evenly a more difficult process, Sarika Ramachandran, M.D., an assistant professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, tell SELF.

I dont have all the answers and there are still days when my skin is really unpredictable. But here are four tips Ive learned that make it a little easier to apply makeup when I have psoriasis on my face.

Laser Treatments And Chemical Peels

Laser treatments are particularly effective if the person needs help with skin conditions like scarring or uneven skin tone. Since its a non-invasive treatment, its a popular option for many patients who may not have the time or money to go through surgery. By using lasers of different intensities and wavelengths, providers can achieve a wide variety of skin improvements like scar reduction, skin tone correction, and treating fine lines and wrinkles.

Chemical peels are also a viable option, though its only limited by how deep the peels can reach into the layers of skin. Most patients will opt for light peels since theyre the easiest to heal from, though older patients may try medium or deep peels for better results. However, anything more than light peels should only be done by professionals to avoid adverse effects.

These treatments can all be used on a person who has psoriasis, but its important to note that they should be cleared by their doctor before undergoing the procedure. Cosmetic providers may refuse to provide these services to psoriasis patients without prior medical approval.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Psoriasis

Psoriasis causes different symptoms in different people. Symptoms normally develop before age 45.

The most common symptoms are dry, raised, red patches of skin covered with silvery scales. The patches usually appear on the knees, elbow, lower back and scalp, but they can appear anywhere on the body.

Psoriasis can also cause dents and discolouration of the nails.

Some people get small, drop-shaped sores on the chest, arms, legs or scalp. Some people get swollen, painful joints.

The symptoms of some rare types of psoriasis include pus-filled blisters or a red, peeling rash that itches or burns intensely.

Cross section illustration of psoriasis

Close-up of psoriasis on skin

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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Articles On Psoriasis Locations

Psoriasis on the face is different than on other parts of the body. Your skin there is thinner and may be more sensitive to treatments. In this area, the condition usually affects your:

• Eyebrows
• Skin between your nose and upper lip
• Upper forehead
• Hairline

You have a lot of options for treating psoriasis in these areas. Work closely with your doctor to find what works best for you.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor

• How long does treatment last?
• Will I have to be on medicine for the rest of my life?
• Should I make any changes to my skin care routine?
• Are there any skin products or foods that I should avoid?
• If symptoms get worse, when should I call the doctor?
• If I have psoriasis, will my children get it?
• Is there a support group that you recommend?

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Do I Have Psoriasis On My Face

Facial psoriasis occurs on the eyebrows and the skin between the nose and upper lip. It can also appear on the forehead and the hairline.

Before treatment can begin, you need a biopsy to confirm that it is psoriasis.

Treatment Options

There must be a careful treatment for psoriasis on and around the face. The skin here is rather delicate. Treatment options include:

• Corticosteroids
• UVB Phototherapy
• Elidel and Protopic FDA-approved drugs for eczema

Again, you should only apply little medication to the face. Too much can cause skin and eye irritation. Furthermore, the prolonged use of steroids may cause facial skin to become thin. Additionally, it can cause your face to become shiny, with enlarged capillaries. Likewise, make sure to talk to your dermatologist about every risk.

Around the Eyes

Generally speaking, theres a chance that psoriasis around the eyelids may blanket the lashes. Thus, it can make the eyelids red and crusty. For the most part, if infected for long periods, the rims of the lids may turn up or down. In essence, if the edge turns down, lashes can rub against the eyeball and irritate.

For example, Protopic ointment or Elidel cream is an effective treatment on the eyelids. And, it would not cause you to develop glaucoma. Still, it can sting for the first few days of use. Even so, using Elidel or Protopic for eyelid psoriasis may help you avoid the potential side effects of topical steroids.

In the Ears

Around the mouth and nose

Answer: Minoxidil Beards And Psoriasis

Minoxidil doesn’t work for beard growth for everyone, but if you have psoriasis and plan to use it, you may want to use it under monitoring of a dermatologist. It’s unlikely to flare as I often use minoxidil for treatment patients with psoriasis who have male pattern balding. But you are right. Anything that irritates could trigger a flare. Use cautiously under care of your doctor and if you flare you’ll have a plan to stop the flare quickly.

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Apply Topical Treatments With Care

If you use a topical treatment for facial psoriasis, make sure you follow the directions for use, and are aware of any side effects. Some treatments can result in temporary skin irritation, burning, or stinging, Apply the treatment carefully in small amounts, taking special care if applying it around the delicate eye area. Your doctor may prescribe just one treatment or a mixture, so make sure you follow instructions.

Ways To Manage Psoriasis On Your Face

by Health Writer

Psoriasis on the face may affect the eyelids, the eyebrows, the skin between the nose and upper lip, the upper forehead, the ears, and the hairline. Because the skin on the face is thinner and more delicate than skin on other parts of the body, it may be more sensitive to treatments. Its therefore crucial to choose products carefully taking your doctor or dermatologists advice and recommendations on board and look out for any adverse reactions.

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What Causes Psoriasis On The Lips

The causes of psoriasis on the lips are the same as those of psoriasis diagnosed elsewhere on the body.

Researchers are not exactly sure what causes psoriasis, but it is believed to result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, meaning it occurs when the immune system is overactive and mistakenly attacks the bodys own healthy tissues. Psoriasis symptoms may be triggered by specific factors, such as an infection or dry weather. When a person with psoriasis experiences a trigger, their skin cells multiply faster than normal in certain areas , causing the scales and itchy, red plaques characteristic of the disease. There are also several risk factors for psoriasis, including smoking, excessive stress, and having a family history of the condition.

Certain irritants, such as spicy foods, salty foods, or acidic foods, may make psoriasis on the lips worse and irritate open sores on the mouth.

Several other conditions, including eczema and contact dermatitis, could cause lip lesions that might look like psoriasis. If there is any doubt as to what is causing your symptoms, talk to your doctor. They are your best resource when it comes to diagnosing and treating your condition.

Heal Psoriasis From Inside

Psoriasis is an auto-immune illness where your faulty immune system causes rapid growth of skin cells resulting in thick psoriasis patches on various parts of the body.

An auto-immune condition like psoriasis triggers when the level of toxins in your body goes out of control slashing the safety limit. When you eat food, your digestive system process that food to get energy and various vital nutrients to sustain a healthy life. After getting these stuffs, it is the responsibility of your liver and kidney to flush off the remaining food wastes from your body in the form of stool and urine. This is how your body works.

If due to any reason, this equilibrium gets disturbed- either you start injecting more toxins or your liver becomes incapable to remove the toxins-then these toxins would pile up. This increased level of toxins would seep through the pores of the intestinal walls to enter into the bloodstream. With blood circulation, these toxins would reach every part of your body and would start accumulating in body cells. Your impaired liver would seek help from skin. Your skin is the largest body organ and after liver and kidney, it is the third most important organ responsible for elimination of toxins from the body. Your skin would facilitate elimination of these accumulated body toxins from your body in the form of psoriasis scales.

So, to heal psoriasis, first of all, we have to identify the factors that can increase body toxins:

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What Are The Complications Of Psoriasis

People with severe psoriasis have an increased risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, obesity, some types of cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and other immuneârelated disorders, and liver and kidney disease.

The condition can affect the nails and joints, and can seriously affect someone’s emotional and social wellbeing. It may affect their ability to work, go to school or participate in physical activities.

How Can Parents Help

For some children, psoriasis is just a minor inconvenience. For others, it is a difficult medical condition.

To manage symptoms and make outbreaks less likely, your child should:

• Wash hands well and often and stay away from people who are sick to prevent infections.
• Manage stress through exercise, yoga, or meditation.
• Not smoke or drink alcohol.
• Keep a healthy weight. People who are overweight tend to have more severe psoriasis symptoms.

Kids and teens with psoriasis may feel uncomfortable with the way their skin looks. Help your child understand that psoriasis is common and treatments can help.

Whether your child’s psoriasis is mild or severe, learn about the condition together. Offer to help find a therapist or join a support group if that might help. Talk to your doctor or check websites like:

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Pay Attention To The Pigment Ratio In Your Products

The phrase pigment ratio meant nothing to me before I got psoriasis on my face. Basically, it refers to the amount of coverage you can get for the amount of product you put onand you want to get high coverage with the least amount of product possible to avoid aggravating the area.

If you need four coats of concealer or foundation to successfully cover an area, its probably not good enough, makeup artist Allison Depriestre tells SELF. One or two thin coats should be pigmented enough to conceal your psoriasis.

Ive had great results with Vichy Dermablend 3D Correction Oil-Free Foundation, $29, which Depriestre also recommends highly. It works amazingly with psoriasis, she says. It covers the most vibrant red or pigmented skin colorations but also resurfaces skin affected by psoriasis. It also contains anti-inflammatory ingredients, and makes skin looks smoother. She suggests Dermacolor as another brand with a great pigment-to-thickness ratio.

If you dont want a heavy makeup look on your whole face , take a two-pronged approach. Keep in mind that you have two different skin textures on your face, which need different things, Depriestre says. To keep makeup natural looking, she suggests using a light foundation on the entire face, including the areas with psoriasis, then applying a highly pigmented concealer on the psoriatic lesions. Blend the edges towards the rest of your face. Then blend some more. The idea is to conceal problem areas without creating a mask.