Topical Treatment For Psoriasis On Face

Steroid Creams Or Ointments

Steroid creams or ointments are commonly used to treat mild to moderate psoriasis in most areas of the body. The treatment works by reducing inflammation. This slows the production of skin cells and reduces itching.

Topical corticosteroids range in strength from mild to very strong. Only use them when recommended by your doctor.

Stronger topical corticosteroids can be prescribed by your doctor and should only be used on small areas of skin or on particularly thick patches. Overusing topical corticosteroids can lead to skin thinning.

Symptoms Of Facial Psoriasis

There are several forms of facial psoriasis. They all involve skin thats itchy, painful, and irritated.

Psoriasis around the eyes can lead to red, crusty eyelids, and eyelashes potentially rubbing against the eye. Psoriasis can also appear inside and around the ear, potentially affecting your hearing.

Scratching psoriasis lesions can also lead to broken skin and, in some cases, infection. Psoriasis can affect your self-image and general quality of life, too.

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form, and it tends to appear as raised, scaly patches. Guttate psoriasis, on the other hand, comes with pink spots that are smaller and less thick.

Erythrodermic psoriasis is rare. It tends to come with a widespread red rash, swings in body temperature, and a potentially increased vulnerability to infection.

Other types of psoriasis may appear alongside facial psoriasis for instance, scalp psoriasis affects about half of people with psoriasis.

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The three main subtypes of psoriasis that appear on the face are the following:

Psoriasis Lotion For Treatment

There is no cure for psoriasis, so treatment instead focuses on reducing outbreaks and addressing symptoms when flare-ups occur. Medical providers often recommend over-the-counter products for initial treatments. Some over-the-counter products use corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and soothe itching. Others help to remove built-up skin with ingredients like retinol and salicylic acid. Products with coal tar may ease itching and burning while minimizing scales.

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What Are My Options For Topical Psoriasis Treatments

People have been using topical medications to treat psoriasis for over a century. There are many different topical treatment options available. Some have been around for more than a hundred years, such as coal tar and anthralin. Others, such as corticosteroids and salicylic acid, have been around for decades. And a few are newer, such as calcipotriol, calcipotriol/betamethasone, and tazarotene.

Psoriasis occurs when the body’s T-cells become overactive. This leads to increased growth of the skin’s outer layer. The new skin cells grow faster than they can be shed, forming scales. Topical medications – medications that are applied to the surface of the body – work by acting on different parts of this process.

Topical medications also differ in their side effects, how long it takes them to start working, and how long they should be used for. To learn more, read the next sections in this feature: “Treating psoriasis: It’s all about timing,””Topical psoriasis treatments: What about side effects?” and “Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist about psoriasis treatments.”

Can Scalp Psoriasis Cause Hair Fall

The condition alone does not result in hair loss. However, if the severity of itchiness is too high, then constant scratching of the scalp can cause a person to lose their hair.

Harsh treatments can also result in hair fall. However, this is usually a temporary symptom. Your hair is most likely to grow back when your skin clears up.

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Coal Tar Creams Or Ointments

Coal tar is the oldest treatment for psoriasis. Its made from the byproducts of petroleum manufacturing. Coal tar products reduce scaling, itching, and inflammation. High concentrations are available by prescription.

These creams have some downsides, however. Coal tar is messy, and it can stain clothing and bedding. It can also have a strong and unpleasant odor.

Get A Prescription From Your Dermatologist

Your dermatologist may prescribe a low-potency corticosteroid ointment, cream, lotion, or spray to reduce redness and swelling. Another treatment for facial psoriasis is synthetic vitamin D, such as calcipotriene or calcitriol ointment or cream. Some dermatologists recommend pimecrolimus and tacrolimus , which are FDA-approved for atopic dermatitis, but should only be used for a short time.

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Tips For Living With Facial Psoriasis

Donât scratch your psoriasis. Be gentle with your skin. Use a cold compress on your psoriasis. To make a cold compress, dampen a cloth in cold water and squeeze out any extra water so itâs not dripping wet. You could also use an ice pack. But donât put ice directly onto your skin. Moisturizing the area can also help. You may want to pick a fragrance-free moisturizer.

Wear sunscreen every day. Youâd want to do this even if you didnât have psoriasis to help prevent skin cancer and wrinkles. With facial psoriasis, itâs also important to avoid sunburns because they can make your psoriasis worse.

Check on makeup. If you want to hide your psoriasis, you can ask your doctor if you can use makeup to conceal. Donât assume itâs OK to do, since some products can prevent treatment from working.

Practice stress management. Stress is a possible trigger for psoriasis. There are many healthy ways to handle stress, such as exercise, meditation, making time to relax, and spending time with people you like.

If youâre self-conscious about your facial psoriasis and itâs getting in the way of your life, consider talking to a licensed therapist. They can see if you have depression, and if you do, you can get it treated. Therapy can also help you start to build the confidence to move forward, without feeling like psoriasis is holding you back.

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When To Change Things Up

Many topical treatments can bother your skin. So over time, your doctor may suggest that you switch to different types of creams. You may also use them along with other kinds of treatments, like or medications you take by mouth or with shots.

And don’t be surprised if something that was working stops — or something thatâs never helped before starts to do some good. Let your doctor know what makes a difference and what doesnât. Together, you can find the treatment that’s right for you.

Before using topical treatments, make sure you understand the directions and the side effects they can cause. And stick with your treatment plan once you start. If you don’t use your medication regularly, your psoriasis could get worse.

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Bruce E. Strober, MD, PhD, associate director of dermatopharmacology, department of dermatology, New York University School of Medicine co-director, Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Center consultant for Amgen, Biogen, Genentech, Fujisawa, and 3M.

Jeffrey M. Weinberg, MD, director of the Clinical Research Center, St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York City assistant clinical professor of dermatology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons consultant for Amgen and Genentech.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

American Academy of Dermatology.

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Treatment Of Associated Conditions

Health conditions associated with psoriasis include psoriatic arthritis, sleep disturbance, and depression. Treatment for these may help skin disease.

Due to the association between psoriasis and metabolic syndrome, weight loss, smokingcessation, moderation of alcohol intake, and blood pressure control may also lead to improvements in skin disease .

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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Topical Herbal And Natural Treatments For Psoriasis

Psoriasis is the chronic skin condition that causes red and crusty patches of skin with silvery scales. These often occur on the elbows or knees but can appear anywhere on the body. This recent systematic review in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology discusses natural treatments for psoriasis. Here, I summarise the findings for some of the remedies in the review.

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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Light Therapy For Scalp Psoriasis

UV light can be used to reduce scalp psoriasis symptoms. This process uses a UV light that the scalp is exposed to, from time to time. This has to be done under your doctors supervision to prevent burns.

Note:

Do not expose yourself to tanning beds, as UV rays can cause a significant amount of damage to your skin.

Complementary And Alternative Treatments

Youll find plenty of these for treating psoriasis. The US Food and Drug Administration doesnt regulate these products. As such, few of these treatments have been studied. Those that have been studied were tested on small numbers of people, so we dont know how well these treatments work. We also dont know whether theyre safe.

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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.

What Causes Psoriasis On Your Face

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and skin cells to grow too quickly. Healthcare providers do not know why some people develop psoriasis while others do not. There appears to be a genetic factor because you are more likely to experience psoriasis if your parents have it.

Common triggers that lead to a psoriasis outbreak include stress, skin injury, infection, cold weather, and certain prescription medications. Facial psoriasis is not contagious, and you cannot give it to or get it from someone else.

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What If Those Psoriasis Treatments Dont Work

If psoriasis doesnt improve, your healthcare provider may recommend these treatments:

• Light therapy: UV light at specific wavelengths can decrease skin inflammation and help slow skin cell production.
• PUVA: This treatment combines a medication called psoralen with exposure to a special form of UV light.
• Methotrexate: Providers sometimes recommend this medication for severe cases. It may cause liver disease. If you take it, your provider will monitor you with blood tests. You may need periodic liver biopsies to check your liver health.
• Retinoids: These vitamin A-related drugs can cause side effects, including birth defects.
• Cyclosporine: This medicine can help severe psoriasis. But it may cause high blood pressure and kidney damage.
• Immune therapies: Newer immune therapy medications work by blocking the bodys immune system so it cant jumpstart an autoimmune disease such as psoriasis.

How A Dermatologist Can Help

With so many products, it can be difficult to know what to use. If you dont see the results you like with OTC treatment for psoriasis, you may want to see dermatologist. Dermatologists are the skin disease experts. They know how to tailor psoriasis treatment to the type of psoriasis you have. Sometimes, this requires combining treatments. You may also need one treatment plan to gain control over your psoriasis and another to maintain the results.

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ReferencesMenter A, Korman NJ, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Section 3: Guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with topical therapies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009 60:64359.

Paghdal KV, Schwartz RA. Coal tar: Back to the future. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2009 Aug 61:294-302.

All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology

The American Academy of Dermatology gratefully acknowledges the support from Amgen and .

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What Does Psoriasis Look Like On Your Face

Psoriasis on your face usually starts out as small, red bumps that grow into reddish-pinkish sores. The sores are then covered in silvery-white scales that may flake off.

Psoriasis signs can appear differently on various parts of the face. Sebo-psoriasis on the scalp usually presents as skin plaques with greasy, yellow scales.

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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Biologic Treatments For Psoriasis

Biologics are a systemic treatment option typically reserved for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Theyre often taken by injection or infusion. Biologics target specific proteins that are overproduced in the immune system, helping to reduce inflammation.

To learn more about how biologics work,

Talk to your dermatologist about your psoriasis symptoms to see what treatment options may be right for you.

Learn about a biologic treatment option for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis,

Use Organic Natural Makeup

Makeup can give you a much-needed confidence boost when you have psoriasis on your face. However, its important to use makeup products that wont irritate your skin further. Shah recommends using organic, natural makeup, and checking with your doctor first that the products wont prevent any topical treatments from working. Always apply makeup with clean fingertips, using a light touch to avoid removing any scales, which can worsen them or lead to the development of new rashes.

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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.

What Are The Side Effects Of Topical Steroids

If topical steroids are used as instructed in the patient information leaflet, they usually do not cause unwanted side effects. Many of the side effects that you may hear of being associated with corticosteroids are more common to taking them as oral tablets or injections, rather than applying them to the skin.

Topical steroids can sometimes cause burning, stinging, thinning of the skin, and hair growth, but these effects usually disappear after treatment has finished, or can be controlled by using a lower potency steroid. More serious side effects, such as a raise in blood pressure, or drop in calcium levels, are rare and usually only occur if the treatment has not been used properly, or for too long.

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Other Systemic Agents For Psoriasis

Antimetabolites, Immunosuppressives, and Biologic Response Modifiers

These agents are potent drugs given by mouth or injection. They block inflammation and have effects on the immune system. The effect on skin is probably secondary to the effect on white blood cells.

Adalimumab , etanercept , infliximab , ustekinumab , secukinumab , ixekizumab , methotrexate , cyclosporine , and apremilast are in this group of systemic drugs. They may be prescribed for moderate to severe psoriasis.

How these drugs work: These medications can block inflammation. They are used to treat people with severe disabling psoriasis who have not responded to or tolerated other treatments.

How To Apply Psoriasis Medication On Your Face

Here are a few basic tips:

• Use small amounts.
• Be careful when you apply creams and ointments around the eyes. Some treatments can irritate them.
• Follow your doctorâs instructions for taking the medication so you can prevent side effects, especially with steroids.
• Ask your doctor if you can use makeup to conceal the psoriasis on your face. Some products can prevent treatment from working.
• If your medication doesnât help or causes too many side effects, work with your doctor to figure out a treatment that will help.

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Psoriasis Causes And Risk Factors

Doctors arenât sure what causes psoriasis, but they know that genes and your immune system play a major role. About 40% of people with psoriasis have a close family member with the disease. Many of the genes linked to psoriasis are those that help run your immune system. In addition to your genes, these things can make you more likely to get psoriasis:

• Smoking
• Stress