Do you struggle with thick, discolored, scaly patches on your face? These can be uncomfortable and make you feel conscious. Facial psoriasis can be especially frustrating. Unlike psoriasis on areas that can be covered, redness, scaling, and irritation around the face can be difficult to hide and may affect how comfortable you feel in your own skin.
The good news is that options facial psoriasis treatment are available. And your condition can be managed with the help of a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Morgana Colombo. Working with a dermatologist can help determine what is causing your symptoms and which options are appropriate for the delicate skin of the face.
Why Is Psoriasis on the Face Different?
Psoriasis occurs when the immune system causes skin cells to develop too quickly, leading to inflammation and characteristic patches or scaling. This skin condition is an ongoing struggle for a number of women and men.
These issues are especially frustrating when they occur on the face and cannot be readily concealed. About 50% of people who have psoriasis experience symptoms on their face.
When it affects the face, treatment requires particular care because facial skin is thinner and more sensitive than skin on many other areas of the body. Facial psoriasis may appear around the eyebrows, hairline, ears, eyelids, or other areas of the face. It can also resemble other inflammatory skin conditions, which is one reason an accurate diagnosis matters.
Medication Options for Facial Psoriasis
The right facial psoriasis treatment depends on the location, severity, and characteristics of your symptoms. For mild facial psoriasis, a dermatologist may recommend a topical medication designed to reduce inflammation and scaling while minimizing irritation. Some medications that work well elsewhere on the body may be too irritating or inappropriate for long-term use on the face.
One option is low-potency corticosteroids, which are typically prescribed for only a short period of time. They can be applied to the affected area or areas in the form of an ointment, cream, lotion, or spray in an effort to minimize redness and swelling. Vitamin D medications are also able to reduce the severity of psoriasis, as they limit the rate of cellular reproduction. They can include calcipotriene (Dovonex, Sorilux) ointment or cream or Calcitriol (Rocaltrol, Vectical). Additionally, retinoids, such as tazarotene gel (Tazorac), aid in the removal of scales and calm inflammation.
In the event that topical treatments are ineffective, an oral medication may be prescribed. Medications can be used alone or in combination with other therapies to manage facial psoriasis. For more persistent or extensive psoriasis, your dermatologist may discuss additional prescription therapies or light-based treatments. The goal is to control inflammation while protecting the health and appearance of your skin.
Laser and Light-Based Facial Psoriasis Treatments
Laser light treatments can be performed in an office-setting to help slow skin cell growth and improve the tone, texture, and clarity of skin. Phototherapy options for facial psoriasis may include IPL (intense pulsed light), which delivers broad spectrum light pulses to affected areas.
Get Personalized Care for Facial Psoriasis in Northern Virginia
While psoriasis is a challenging skin condition, find comfort and confidence knowing that facial psoriasis treatments in Northern Virginia are available.
At Integrated Dermatology of Reston, we are committed to providing exceptional dermatological care. Led by Dr. Morgana Colombo, our experienced team is dedicated to delivering compassionate and professional service. Whether you need a medical, surgical, or cosmetic procedure, you can trust that you’ll receive personalized attention and expert care. We prioritize listening to our patients’ concerns and tailoring treatment plans to meet their unique needs. Our goal is to build lasting relationships with our patients, based on trust, respect, and open communication. Call us today at 703-437-7744 to schedule your appointment.
