Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by the appearance of red and squamous spots in various parts of the body, including the face. The presence of psoriasis in the face can be especially distressing and considerably affecting the sel f-esteem of a person. Fortunately, there are several treatment options to control psoriasis outbreaks in the face, which help reduce symptoms and improve the general appearance of the skin.
One of the main methods of treatment of facial psoriasis is the use of topical medications. These medications apply directly to the affected areas and can help relieve inflammation and reduce the thickness of the scales. Topical corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, are usually prescribed to reduce redness and itching. However, it is important to keep in mind that the prolonged use of powerful corticosteroids in the face can cause side effects, such as the thinning of the skin, so they should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
IMPORTANT: Avoid the use of powerful corticosteroids in the face without medical supervision due to its possible side effects.
In addition to corticosteroids, doctors can also prescribe topical inhibitors of calcineurin, such as tacrolimus or pimecrolimus, to treat facial psoriasis. These medications act by suppressing the response of the immune system, thus reducing inflammation and peeling. They are especially useful in sensitive areas, since they have a lower risk of side effects compared to corticosteroids. However, it is essential to use these medications following the instructions of a healthcare professional and respect the recommended duration of treatment.
- Topical corticosteroids can help relieve inflammation and itching.
- Topical inhibitors of calcineurin suppress the immune response, reducing inflammation and peeling.
Another treatment option that can be recommended for facial psoriasis is phototherapy. It consists of exposing the skin affected to controlled amounts of natural or artificial ultraviolet (UV). Phototherapy can help stop the rapid growth of skin cells and reduce inflammation. However, care must be taken when applying phototherapy in the face, since the skin of this area is more sensitive and may require a lower intensity or specific phototherapy.
| Treatment option | Description |
|---|---|
| Topical medications | They apply directly to the affected areas to reduce inflammation and peeling. |
| Phototherapy | Exposure to controlled amounts of UV light to slow down cell growth and reduce inflammation. |
- Treatment Options for Psoriasis on the Face
- Understanding Psoriasis and Its Impact on the Face
- Topical Treatments for Psoriasis on the Face
- Systemic Medications for Psoriasis on the Face
- Light Therapy as an Effective Treatment Option for Facial Psoriasis
- Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes to Manage Facial Psoriasis
- Consulting a Dermatologist for the Best Treatment Plan for Facial Psoriasis
Treatment Options for Psoriasis on the Face
1. Topical treatments: topical medications are usually the first line of treatment of facial psoriasis. These medications may include corticosteroids, which help reduce inflammation and itching, as well as vitamin D anologists that slow down the growth of skin cells. Another option is calcineurine inhibitors, which can help reduce inflammation by acting on the immune response. It is important to keep in mind that the prolonged use of corticosteroids in the face must be supervised by a healthcare professional due to the risk of thinning of the skin and other possible side effects.
- Corticosteroids: These topical medications help reduce inflammation and itching.
- Vitamin D anologists: These medications slow down skin cells.
- Calcineurine inhibitors: These medications act on the immune response to reduce inflammation.
“Topical treatments, such as corticosteroids, vitamin D anologists and calcineurine inhibitors, are usually the frontline approach to control psoriasis in the face.”
2. 2. Phototherapy: phototherapy consists in exposing the affected skin to artificial ultraviolet light (UV). This treatment can help stop the rapid growth of skin cells and reduce inflammation. Narrow band UVB therapy is usually used for facial psoriasis, since it is specifically directed to the affected areas without exposing the entire body to UV radiation. Phototherapy can be recommended to people with moderate to severe psoriasis in the face that have not experienced improvement with topical treatments.
- Narrow band UVB therapy: This type of phototherapy is specifically directed to the psoriasis of the face.
By combining these treatment options with proper skin care and lifestyle modifications, people with facial psoriasis can effectively manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. It is essential to consult a dermatologist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the severity and specific needs of each person.
Understanding Psoriasis and Its Impact on the Face
Psoriasis on the face: Psoriasis can affect any area of the face, such as the forehead, cheeks, nose, and around the eyes and mouth. The severity of the disease can vary from person to person, from mild spots to more widespread and debilitating symptoms.
The impact on daily life: Facial psoriasis can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, causing physical discomfort, emotional distress and social anxiety. The visible nature of facial psoriasis can lead to shyness and social avoidance, affecting personal relationships, job opportunities and general well-being.
- Common symptoms: The most common symptoms of facial psoriasis are redness, inflammation, peeling, itching and dryness. In some cases, these symptoms may be accompanied by pain or a burning sensation.
- Possible triggers: Although the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, certain factors can trigger or worsen flare-ups on the face. These include stress, skin lesions, infections, cold, excessive sun exposure, alcohol consumption and certain medications.
- Treatment options: Treatment of facial psoriasis usually consists of a combination of topical treatments, oral medications, and lifestyle modifications. It is essential to work closely with a dermatologist to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses each patient’s specific needs and concerns.
Topical Treatments for Psoriasis on the Face
1. Topical corticosteroids: These medications, available in different concentrations, are commonly prescribed for facial psoriasis. They work by reducing inflammation and gradually improving the appearance of the affected skin. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and duration of use to avoid possible side effects such as thinning of the skin.
Important: Topical corticosteroids should be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional and should not be used for long periods of time as they can cause thinning of the skin and other side effects.
2. Calcineurine inhibitors: Tacrolimus and Pimecrolimus are calcineurine inhibitors that are often recommended to treat psoriasis in the face, especially in sensitive areas such as around the eyes and mouth. They act by suppressing the immune response and reducing inflammation. These medications can be used alone or in combination with topical corticosteroids.
3. Vitamin D anologists: Vitamin D derivatives, topical preparations such as calcipotriene and calcitriol can stop the growth of skin cells and help normalize their production. They are usually used as maintenance therapy to prevent outbreaks, and can be especially effective for facial psoriasis when combined with other topical treatments.
| Treatment | Action mode | Common side effects |
|---|---|---|
| Topical corticosteroids | They reduce inflammation | Skin thinning, acne |
| Calcineurine inhibitors | Suppress the immune response | Burning or stinging sensation |
| Vitamin D anologists | They slow down the growth of skin cells | Irritation, itching |
Systemic Medications for Psoriasis on the Face
Systemic medications for facial psoriasis are designed to treat the underlying dysfunction of the immune system that causes psoriasis outbreaks. These medications are taken orally or injected and act throughout the body to reduce inflammation, stop the growth of skin cells and relieve symptoms.
1. Metotrexate: Metotrexate is a widely used systemic medication for psoriasis. It acts suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation. Metotrexate is usually prescribed for moderate to severe psoriasis on the face when other treatments have not been effective.
- 2. CYCLOSPORIN: Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive that helps suppress the activity of the immune system that contributes to psoriasis. This medicine is known for its rapid start of action and can relieve severe psoriasis of the face. However, prolonged use of cyclosporine can have potential side effects, so it is normally prescribed for shorter periods.
- 3. Acitretin: Acitretin is a retinoid medication that can be effective in the treatment of facial psoriasis. It acts by reducing the growth of skin cells and inflammation. Acitretina is usually prescribed in combination with other treatments to increase its effectiveness.
It is important to keep in mind that systemic medications for facial psoriasis should be prescribed and controlled by a healthcare professional with experience in the treatment of psoriasis. These medications can have potential side effects and require regular monitoring to guarantee their safe and effective use.
| Systemic medications | Action mode | Common side effects |
|---|---|---|
| Metotrexate | Suppresses the immune system, reduces inflammation | Nausea, fatigue, liver toxicity |
| Cyclosporine | Suppresses the activity of the immune system | Kidney damage, hypertension, greater risk of infection |
| Acitretina | Reduces cellular cell growth, inflammation decreases | Dry skin, hair loss, high blood lipid levels |
Light Therapy as an Effective Treatment Option for Facial Psoriasis
A promising treatment for facial psoriasis is phototherapy. This no n-invasive treatment method uses specific light wavelengths to treat the affected areas of the skin, helping to reduce the symptoms and severity of psoriasis. Phototherapy can be administered through various methods, such as UVB therapy and directed phototherapy.
UVB therapy: UVB therapy consists in exposing the affected areas of the UVB light. This type of therapy is effective in reducing inflammation and curbing rapid growth of skin cells, characteristics of psoriasis. UVB therapy can be performed in a health center or at home with a prescribed UVB light device.
Directed phototherapy: directed phototherapy is a more localized form of phototherapy, specifically designed to treat small areas of psoriasis in the face. This treatment method uses devices such as lasers of lameters or portable lamps to emit high intensity light in affected areas, avoiding surrounding healthy skin. Directed phototherapy allows precise treatment and helps minimize the risk of side effects or damage to healthy skin.
| Advantages | Explanation |
|---|---|
| No n-invasive | Phototherapy does not require the use of drugs or invasive procedures, so it is a safer option for people with facial psoriasis. |
| Reduced side effects | Compared to systemic medications, phototherapy usually has fewer side effects, which reduces the risk of systemic complications for patients. |
| Specific treatment | Both UVB therapy and directed phototherapy allow precise treatment, minimizing the exposure of healthy skin and possible damage. |
Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes to Manage Facial Psoriasis
1. Regularly hydrate: Maintaining hydrated skin is crucial to control facial psoriasis. Hydrate it regularly can help reduce dryness and itching, as well as prevent outbreaks. Opt for soft moisturizing creams without perfume, and apply them several times a day.
- Tip: Look for moisturizing creams containing ingredients such as ceramids, hyaluronic acid or urea, since they help restore and retain the moisture of the skin.
- Tip: Apply the moisturizer immediately after showering or washing your face to fix the hydration.
Note: It is important to avoid moisturizing creams containing aggressive ingredients, such as alcohol or fragrances, since they can irritate the skin and worsen the symptoms of facial psoriasis.
2. 2. Use soft cleaning products: When cleaning the face, it is essential to choose soft and delicate cleaners that do not strip the skin of their natural oils. Aggressive soaps or cleaners can cause dryness and irritation, and further aggravate facial psoriasis.
- Tip: Opt for hypoallergenic and perfume cleaners specifically formulated for sensitive skin.
- Tip: Avoid rubbing or strongly rub the affected areas, since it can irritate the skin and worsen the condition.
3. Protect sun skin: sun exposure can trigger or worsen facial psoriasis. It is crucial to protect the skin of the harmful UV rays using sunscreen with a high sun protection factor.
| Tips to protect yourself from the sun: |
|---|
| – Choose a broad spectrum sun protector that protects against UVA and UVB rays. |
| – Greatly apply sunscreen in all exposed areas at least 15 minutes before going abroad. |
| – Repeal the sunscreen every two hours, especially if it will spend a lot of time outdoors. |
| – Use protective clothing, such as wide wing hats and sunglasses, to protect yourself even more from the sun. |
Note: See with a dermatologist the adequate sun protection options for your skin type.
Consulting a Dermatologist for the Best Treatment Plan for Facial Psoriasis
The first step to consult a dermatologist is to arrange an appointment with a healthcare professional in dermatology. During the initial consultation, the dermatologist will carefully examine the affected areas of his face and evaluate the seriousness of his psoriasis. You will also take into account your medical history, the factors related to your lifestyle and any previous treatment you have tried. This exhaustive evaluation will help the dermatologist to understand their specific needs and to develop a treatment plan as you better adapt to you.
Important information:
- The dermatologist will take into account various factors before determining the best therapeutic approach for facial psoriasis, since the condition of each patient is unique.
- There are multiple treatment options for facial psoriasis, such as topical medications, phototherapy, oral medications and biological drugs.
- It is essential to follow carefully the instructions of the dermatologist and periodically inform you of the evolution of the disease so that the treatment plan remains effective.
Topical medications are usually the firs t-line treatment for facial psoriasis. These medications are presented in the form of creams, ointments, gels or solutions, and apply directly to the affected areas of the face. They act by reducing inflammation, controlling itching and favoring healing psoriatic lesions. Among the most common topical medications for facial psoriasis are corticosteroids, vitamin D anologists, retinoids and calcineurin inhibitors.
Phototherapy consists in exposing the skin to controlled amounts of ultraviolet light (UV). This treatment option can be beneficial for facial psoriasis, since it helps stop excessive growth of skin cells and reduce inflammation. Phototherapy can be administered in various ways, such as Narrow Band UVB, Puva (Psoraleno plus UVA) or excimer laser. The dermatologist will determine the most appropriate type of phototherapy based on the severity and location of its facial psoriasis.
The dermatologist may recommend oral medications if topical treatments and phototherapy themselves are not enough to treat facial psoriasis. These medications act internally about the immune system and help control the hyperactive response caused by psoriasis. The most common oral medications for facial psoriasis are methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin and ammilast. The dermatologist will carefully monitor its evolution and adjust the dose and the treatment plan as necessary.
Biological drugs are a new class of medications approved for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis, including facial psoriasis. These drugs are derived from living organisms and are directed to specific molecules of the immune system responsible for psoriasis. Biological drugs are usually administered by injections or infusions, and can significantly improve symptoms and control lon g-term disease. However, they are usually reserved for people who have not responded well to other treatment options or suffering from severe psoriasis.
