Treating Psoriasis on Your Face

Psoriasis on Your Eyelids

If you have psoriasis on your eyelids:

Scales may cover the lashes.
The edges of the lids may get red and crusty.
The rims may turn up or down if they’re inflamed for a long time.

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 tacrolimus (Protopic) or pimecrolimus (Elidel). They don't cause the side effects of steroids. They can sting the first few days you use them, though.

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.

Psoriasis in the Ears

In some cases, scales build up and can block your ear canal, causing hearing loss. Your doctor can remove the blockage to restore your hearing. Usually, psoriasis doesn’t affect the inner part of the ear.

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

Psoriasis Around Your Mouth and Nose

It’s rare, but psoriasis can appear:

On the gums or tongue
Inside the cheek
Inside the nose
On your lips

Your doctor may recommend:

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
Tacrolimus or pimecrolimus

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.