Psoriasis on Face: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Manage It
Discover the causes and symptoms of facial psoriasis, along with effective tips to manage flare-ups, reduce irritation, and maintain healthy skin.
Written by Dr Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that accelerates the growth of skin cells, leading to the formation of red, scaly patches. While psoriasis commonly affects areas like the scalp, elbows, and knees, psoriasis on face is also possible and can be more challenging due to its visible location. In this article, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for psoriasis on face, and how to manage it effectively.
What is Psoriasis on Face?
Psoriasis on face is particularly challenging due to the sensitivity of facial skin and the high visibility of the lesions. It can affect various parts of the face, including the eyebrows, the skin between the nose and upper lip, the upper forehead, and the hairline. The skin on the face is thinner and more sensitive compared to other parts of the body, which can make facial psoriasis more uncomfortable and challenging to treat.
Facial psoriasis can cause significant emotional distress due to its visibility, potentially leading to self-consciousness, anxiety, and social isolation.
Types of Psoriasis That Affect the Face
There are several types of psoriasis that can manifest on the face:
Plaque Psoriasis: The most common form, characterised by raised, red patches covered with silvery scales.
Inverse Psoriasis: Appears as smooth, red patches in areas where skin rubs together, such as under the chin or around the nose.
Guttate Psoriasis: Small, drop-shaped lesions that can appear on the face.
Seborrheic Psoriasis: Often confused with seborrheic dermatitis, this form causes greasy, scaly patches, typically around the eyebrows, scalp, and sides of the nose.
Symptoms of Psoriasis on Face
The symptoms of psoriasis on face can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:
Red, Inflamed Patches: Characterised by raised, red areas often covered with silvery scales. These patches can appear around the hairline, eyebrows, and the area between the nose and upper lip.
Flaky, Scaly Skin: The affected areas may become flaky and scaly, leading to a rough, uneven texture. This scaling can cause the skin to look dry and irritated.
Persistent Itching and Burning: Facial psoriasis often causes persistent itching and a burning sensation, which can be particularly bothersome and may interfere with daily activities and sleep.
Cracking and Bleeding: In more severe cases, the skin may crack and bleed, leading to further discomfort and an increased risk of infection.
Swelling and Dryness: The areas affected by psoriasis can become swollen and extremely dry, exacerbating discomfort and making the skin more prone to cracking.
Sensitivity to Touch: The affected skin can be particularly sensitive to touch, leading to discomfort during routine activities such as washing the face or applying skincare products.
Consult Top Doctors For Psoriasis
What Causes Psoriasis on Face?
Psoriasis may result from an overactive immune system that speeds up skin cell turnover. However, specific triggers can cause the condition to flare up on the face. Common triggers include:
Genetics: Psoriasis on face is hereditary, meaning it can run in families. If a close family member has psoriasis on face, your risk of developing it is higher.
Stress: Emotional stress is a common trigger for many people with psoriasis, causing flare-ups.
Weather: Cold, dry air can lead to skin dryness, which exacerbates psoriasis symptoms.
Skin injuries: Cuts, scrapes, or even sunburn can trigger psoriasis lesions (known as the Koebner phenomenon).
Infections: Throat infections, particularly strep throat, can trigger guttate psoriasis, which sometimes appears on the face.
Medications: Certain drugs, like beta-blockers or lithium, may provoke psoriasis flare-ups.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those during pregnancy or menopause, can also trigger or worsen psoriasis on face.
Is Psoriasis on Face Dangerous?
Psoriasis on face is generally not life-threatening, but it can significantly impact your quality of life. The main concern is how it affects your appearance, which can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, or depression. Psoriasis on face can also be more challenging to treat due to the delicate nature of facial skin. While not dangerous in itself, untreated psoriasis on face can lead to complications, such as:
Infections: Cracked skin on the face can increase the risk of infections.
Eye Issues: If not correctly managed, psoriasis affecting the eyelids can lead to dryness, irritation, or even conjunctivitis.
Hyperpigmentation or Scarring: If psoriasis lesions are scratched or picked at, it can cause scarring or changes in skin color.
Diagnosing Psoriasis on Face
Facial psoriasis can be easily confused with other skin conditions, such as eczema or rosacea. For an accurate diagnosis, it’s essential to consult a dermatologist. The doctor will review your medical and family history, along with your specific symptoms, to determine whether psoriasis is the cause. A thorough evaluation helps differentiate psoriasis on face from similar skin conditions, ensuring the right treatment approach. In some cases, skin biopsy may be performed by taking a small sample of affected skin for microscopic examination.
How to Treat Psoriasis on Face
Although psoriasis on face can be difficult to manage, effective treatments are available to help reduce symptoms and improve appearance. Treatment for facial psoriasis should be gentle to avoid irritation on sensitive facial skin. Here are some treatment options:
1. Topical Treatments
Low-Potency Corticosteroids: Mild corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone cream, reduce inflammation and itching. They are gentle enough for facial use and safe for short periods.
Vitamin D Analogues: Treatments like calcipotriol (Dovonex) slow down the growth of skin cells and are less irritating, making them effective for facial plaques.
Calcineurin Inhibitors: Medications such as tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel) reduce inflammation with fewer side effects than steroids. They are suitable for long-term use on sensitive facial skin.
Moisturisers and Emollients: Fragrance-free moisturizers, like Cetaphil or Eucerin, keep the skin hydrated, reduce flakiness, and create a protective barrier.
Aloe Vera Gel: Known for its soothing properties, aloe vera gel reduces redness and irritation. It can be used alongside other treatments.
Salicylic Acid Preparations: These help remove scales and smooth the skin. Products containing salicylic acid promote the shedding of dead skin cells and should be used cautiously on the face to avoid irritation.
2. Phototherapy (Light Therapy)
Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to controlled doses of ultraviolet (UV) light. This can be an effective treatment for psoriasis on face, but it must be done under the strict supervision of a dermatologist to avoid overexposure and skin damage.
3. Systemic Treatments
When topical treatments are insufficient, systemic treatments may be considered for managing psoriasis on face. These treatments work throughout the body and are typically used for moderate to severe cases. Here are some common systemic treatments:
Oral Medications: Drugs like acitretin, methotrexate or cyclosporine may be used for more severecases but are typically avoided for long-term treatment due to side effects.
Biologics: These are injectable medications that target specific parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation and slow skin cell growth.
4. Gentle Skincare Practices
A gentle skincare regimen is crucial for managing psoriasis on face:
Moisturising: Keeping the skin hydrated is crucial for managing facial psoriasis. Use a fragrance-free moisturiser to prevent dryness and scaling.
Mild Cleansers: Use non-irritating, gentle cleansers to avoid exacerbating inflammation.
Sunscreen: Protect your skin from sunburn, as sunlight can trigger flare-ups in some individuals. Choose a gentle, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
5. Lifestyle Adjustments
Making certain lifestyle changes can significantly help manage the symptoms of psoriasis on face:
Stress Management: Stress is a common trigger for psoriasis on face, so finding ways to manage stress, such as meditation or yoga, can help reduce flare-ups.
Diet: While there is no specific "psoriasis diet," some people find that anti-inflammatory foods, such as omega-3-rich fish, fruits, and vegetables, help control symptoms.
Conclusion
Psoriasis on face can be frustrating and challenging, but with the right treatment plan, it is possible to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. If you notice signs of psoriasis on face, it’s important to consult with a dermatologist to get an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment approach. By using gentle skincare, identifying triggers, and following your doctor’s recommendations, you can keep symptoms under control and feel more confident in your appearance.
Consult Top Dermatologist
Consult Top Doctors For Psoriasis
Dr. Hemalatha Naidu M
Dermatologist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
(250+ Patients)
Dr Ritika Shanmugam
Dermatologist
9 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology, venereology, Leprosy)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
Dr Usha B K
Dermatologist
4 Years • MBBS,MD (Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy), DNB (Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy), Fellowship in Trichology
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Kavitha Killaparthy
Dermatologist
23 Years • MBBS,DIPLOMA(DERMATOLOGY,VENEREOLOGY,LEPROSY)
Hyderabad
JDS Skin & Hair Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. Mayuri Jain
Dermatologist
11 Years • MBBS, MD Dermatology , Venereology & Leprosy
Delhi
Dr Mayuri Jain Clinic, Delhi
Consult Top Dermatologist
Dr. Hemalatha Naidu M
Dermatologist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
(250+ Patients)
Dr Ritika Shanmugam
Dermatologist
9 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology, venereology, Leprosy)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
Dr Usha B K
Dermatologist
4 Years • MBBS,MD (Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy), DNB (Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy), Fellowship in Trichology
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Kavitha Killaparthy
Dermatologist
23 Years • MBBS,DIPLOMA(DERMATOLOGY,VENEREOLOGY,LEPROSY)
Hyderabad
JDS Skin & Hair Clinic, Hyderabad
Dr. Mayuri Jain
Dermatologist
11 Years • MBBS, MD Dermatology , Venereology & Leprosy
Delhi
Dr Mayuri Jain Clinic, Delhi
