The skin disease psoriasis affects 1 percent to 2 percent of the population. Although it commonly affects elbows, knees, the back and buttocks, it can also affect the face. About 50 percent of all sufferers have it on the scalp and around the hairline, says the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF).

Types

Psoriasis on the face appears most often on the upper forehead, eyebrows and under the nose, according to the NPF. Physicians should treat it carefully, not only for cosmetic reasons, but also because the facial skin is very delicate.

Topical

Topical treatments are much the same as for other parts of the body. The NPF recommends mild topical steroids, corticosteroids and scale-removing products. The foundation also recommends two FDA approved eczema drugs, Protopic and Elidel.

Natural

Prolonged use of topical steroids will make skin thinner. Herbalists recommend patients use a number of natural remedies to keep skin supple and moisturized. These remedies include spirulina, dandelion, horsetail and rosemary.

Other Treatments

Dermatologists also apply light therapies with combinations of topical drugs and ultraviolet light, drugs given orally or injected and biological therapies (naturally occurring medications), says dermatologist Dr. Richard Langley.

Warning

Dr. Langley says patients must get an accurate diagnosis. What appears to be facial psoriasis might be another skin condition, like rosacea, contact dermatitis or seborrheic dermatitis.

Source:

National Psoriasis Foundation

Native Remedies

Scalp