Definition
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease. The body forms antibodies against the body’s own structures. It is not yet known what the antibodies in psoriasis are directed against.
The autoimmunological reaction leads to an inflammation and associated skin changes. This can result in red, sore skin areas on any part of the body, accompanied by psoriasis and incrustation. This skin reaction can also occur on the face.
Since the face is always visible and there is no way to hide the areas, this localization represents a psychologically stressful situation for the affected person. The psoriasis in the face is accompanied by a high degree of suffering. Therefore it is important to recognize and treat psoriasis in the face at an early stage. Psoriasis of the face is characterized by severe scaling of the skin. However, these scales do not detach from the face, but stick to the skin.
Causes of psoriasis
Psoriasis is genetically determined. The autoimmunological reaction leads to an attacked skin with scaling and crust formation. The scales are caused by the imbalance of the skin.
New skin is formed more quickly through repair processes. The upper layers of the skin die more often and the dead skin is scaled off. The special thing about psoriasis is that the scales do not fall off, but stick to the affected skin areas.
This is a criterion for the diagnosis of psoriasis. The itching associated with psoriasis can be particularly distressing. This is particularly distressing in the face and leads to an aggravation of the symptoms. The itching here leads to even more intense redness and possibly scratch marks.
Diagnosis
Often psoriasis is a diagnosis of gaze. So the diagnosis can be made by an experienced dermatologist based on the skin findings. In difficult or unclear cases, the disease can be confirmed by a skin biopsy.
In acute cases an in-patient therapy in a dermatological clinic is recommended. This is necessary as soon as the relapse is severe and intravenous therapy becomes necessary. If this is not the case, the therapy can be administered orally or locally at home.
