What is Facial Psoriasis?
Facial psoriasis is a troublesome skin condition that produces silvery scales, itchy rashes and open lesions on the skin (in severe cases). Facial psoriasis affects both men and women with a usual incidence during late teens or early twenties and a second peak during the fifties.
Facial psoriasis is commonly found on the eyebrows, above the lip and at the hairline appearing as red, elevated plaques with silvery scales.
What Causes Facial Psoriasis?
When cells in the outer layer of the skin reproduce faster than normal (and pile up on the skin’s surface), scaling results. Psoriasis on the face can have many causes – that may range from genetic factors to factors in the environment.
Psychological issues may also make an individual prone to facial psoriasis, such as emotional issues (trauma, emotional pain or worry) and stress.
Physical factors may include:
- Sunburn
- Viral rashes
- Drug rashes
- Skin damage such as sunburn
- Bug bites
- Abrasions
- A cold, dry atmosphere
- Smoking or excessive alcohol consumption
- Types of infections, such as strep throat
- Some prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications
- A weakened immune system
Diagnosing Facial Psoriasis
Diagnosis will rely on an examination of skin lesions and a personal history. A biopsy may also be performed to rule out other skin diseases (such as seborrheic dermatitis).
Treatments for Facial Psoriasis
Conventional treatments often include topical steroid creams, such as hydrocortisone creams. Such steroids should be limited, as long-term use can cause skin thinning and other side effects so it is best to talk to your physician about steroid treatments and risk factors.
Any rich creams may be irritating on the skin, so you should work with your doctor to find a way to address this concern. Prolonged use of steroids may cause it to become thin, shiny and/or prone to enlarged capillaries (spider veins).
Natural Remedies
Natural products such as herbal and homeopathic remedies can help keep skin supple and moisturized. Herbal and homeopathic remedies present a gentle option – without the harsh side effects of chemicals and synthetic ointments.
Spirulina can help to promote skin metabolism and lessen the appearance of fine lines and creases while the herb Dandelion can be used to naturally detox the skin and purify the blood and lymphatic system, thus promoting moisturized skin through adequate hydration.
Other herbs such as Horsetail and Rosemary can also be beneficial helping to texture, strength and tone the skin while Kali sulph and Silicea nourish skin cells from the inside on a cellular level and support healthy fluid balance in skin tissues.