Facial psoriasis can be a challenging condition to manage, but there are several treatments available that can help alleviate symptoms and improve the appearance of the skin. Here are some ways to treat facial psoriasis:
- Topical medications: Topical creams or ointments containing corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, or retinoids can help reduce inflammation and scale formation. These medications are applied directly to the affected areas of the skin.
- Light therapy: Also known as phototherapy, this treatment involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light to slow down the growth of skin cells and reduce inflammation.
- Systemic medications: If topical treatments and light therapy are not effective, your doctor may prescribe systemic medications such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, or biologic drugs. These medications are taken orally or by injection and work by suppressing the immune system.
- Moisturize: Keeping the skin moisturized can help reduce itchiness and scaling. Use a non-fragrant, non-comedogenic moisturizer and apply it at least twice a day.
- Avoid triggers: Certain triggers such as stress, cold weather, and harsh skincare products can worsen psoriasis symptoms. Try to identify and avoid these triggers as much as possible.
It is important to consult with a dermatologist to determine the best course of treatment for your individual case of facial psoriasis.
Facial psoriasis affects up to 46% of people with psoriasis on the body. It can cause silvery scales, itchy rashes, and even open lesions on the skin. On a general level, facial psoriasis can be relieved with moisturizers and petroleum jelly. However, some more severe cases can be challenging to treat.
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.
Symptoms
They vary depending on what part of your face the psoriasis affects:
Eyelids
- Scales cover the lashes.
- The edges of your lids may get red and crusty.
- The rims may turn up or down if they’re inflamed for a long time.
Eyes
- Dry, inflamed, irritated eyes
- Trouble seeing
Ears
- Scales build up and can block your ear canal, causing hearing loss.
- Usually, psoriasis doesn’t affect the inner ear.
Mouth
You might have white and gray lesions:
- On your gums or tongue
- Inside the cheek
- Inside your nose
- On the lips
Psoriasis Causes and Risk Factors
Doctors aren’t 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
- Obesity
- Medications
- Infections
- Alcohol
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Stress
Treatments for Face Psoriasis
There are a few main types of treatments specifically for facial psoriasis. The type you use depends on which part of the face is affected.
How to Treat Facial Psoriasis
Those who are affected by this skin condition should pay close attention to what triggers a flare-up. If swimming in a chlorinated pool, specific facial wash ingredients, or other factors cause your psoriasis to become nearly unmanageable, it is essential that you cease those activities and remove those products from your daily routine.
Topical steroids are one way to treat psoriasis on the face and body; however, their use should be limited as it can cause the skin to thin out over time. It is important to discuss treatment options with your Denver skin care specialist, as your skin may not react the same way as someone else’s.
Facial psoriasis comes with a variety of mental challenges, as it is difficult to cover up and can result in decreased self-esteem. However, the right combination of treatment and support can help those affected by the condition get through their day. There are also a variety of cover-up options that can be experimented with, as there are some companies that create cosmetics specifically for those with psoriasis, dermatitis, and other conditions.
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe just one or a mixture of them, including treatments that go on your skin such as:
- Low-potency corticosteroids, which are ointments, creams, lotions, and sprays that reduce redness and swelling. Doctors usually prescribe them for just a few weeks at a time. If you use them for longer, they can make your skin thin, shiny, and bruise easily or give it stretch marks and new blood vessels.
- Synthetic vitamin D, such as calcipotriene (Dovonex, Sorilux) ointment or cream, slows the growth of skin cells. But it can also irritate your face. Calcitriol (Rocaltrol, Vectical) is a newer vitamin D drug for psoriasis that some studies suggest may be better for sensitive skin.
- Retinoids, such as tazarotene gel (Tazorac), help remove scales and may ease inflammation. But skin irritation is a side effect.
- Pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic) are two drugs the FDA has approved for eczema, a different skin condition. Some dermatologists recommend these drugs for psoriasis on the face. But talk to your doctor about whether you need these medicines. The FDA says people should use them only for a short time since some studies have linked the drugs to cancer risks.
- Crisaborole (Eucrisa) ointment is another topical medicine recently approved by the FDA for eczema that can reduce inflammation. It can cause temporary burning or stinging upon application.
- Coal tar. Derived from coal, this treatment comes in over-the-counter shampoos, creams, and oils. Prescription-strength products are also available.
- Lotion, creams, or other moisturizers. They can’t heal psoriasis, but they can make your skin feel better and ease itching, scaling, and dryness.
- Salicylic acid. Also available over-the-counter and by prescription in shampoos and scalp treatments, this remedy can help get rid of scales. Your doctor might pair it with steroids or coal tar.
Shot of a young woman inspecting her skin in front of the bathroom mirror and looking upset
If these treatments don’t help, ask your doctor if you should take prescription pills or shots for your condition. These include:
- Apremilast (Otezla)
- Cyclosporine (Neoral)
- Low-dose retinoids
- Methotrexate (Trexall)
- Biologics such as:
-
- Adalimumab (Humira)
- Adalimumab-atto (Amjevita)
- Brodalumad (Sliq)
- Etanercept (Enbrel)
- Etanercept-szzs (Erelzi)
- Infliximab (Remicade)
- Risankizumab-rzaa (SKYRIZI)
- Secukinumab (Cosentyx)
- Ustekinumab (Stelara)
Each works differently, but they can be helpful for moderate to severe psoriasis.
Light Treatment
Another option is treatment with ultraviolet (UV) light, called phototherapy, which slows skin cell growth. There are several types:
- Sunlight. You get ultraviolet rays from sunlight or artificial light.
- UVB phototherapy. You get UVB rays from an artificial source.
- Narrow band UVB phototherapy. This is a newer type of UVB treatment.
- Goeckerman therapy. This mixes UVB treatment with coal tar.
- Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA). Psoralen is a medication that makes your skin more sensitive to light. You take it before UVA therapy.
- Excimer laser. This is a controlled beam of UVB light that treats a small area.
Treatments for Specific Areas
Eyelids
To treat this area, your doctor may recommend:
- Special corticosteroids to treat scaling. But don’t overuse them. If they get into your eyes, they can lead to glaucoma or cataracts.
- The eczema drugs crisaborole (Eucrisa) ointment, pimecrolimus (Elidel), or tacrolimus (Protopic). They don’t cause the side effects of steroids. They can sting the first few days you use them.
Be careful when you treat psoriasis around your eyes. The skin on eyelids is delicate and gets damaged easily. Tell your doctor about any problems you have.
Psoriasis in the eye is very rare. If you have it, your eyes can be painfully dry. You may need antibiotics to treat an eye infection if you get one.
Ears
Psoriasis medications can put your eardrum at risk, so be cautious when you apply any inside the ear. Your doctor may recommend:
- A prescription corticosteroid you can drip in your ear or apply to the outside of your ear canal
- Calcipotriene or tazarotene usually mixed with a corticosteroid cream or ointment
- Steroid creams or ointments that are made for moist areas
- Rinsing often with a saline solution to relieve pain
- Low-potency corticosteroids like hydrocortisone 1% ointment
- Pimecrolimus or tacrolimus
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 doctor’s 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 doesn’t help or causes too many side effects, work with your doctor to figure out a treatment that will help.
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 (see below), 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.
Tips for Living With Facial Psoriasis
Don’t 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 it’s not dripping wet. You could also use an ice pack. But don’t put ice directly onto your skin. Moisturizing the area can also help. You may want to pick a fragrance-free moisturizer.
