Plaque psoriasis Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, January 2009.
Answers to questions about plaque psoriasis
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- What can I do to conceal psoriasis on my face?
- Why does my psoriasis seem to be affected by the weather?
- How will my psoriasis be affected if I become pregnant?
What can I do to conceal psoriasis on my face?
Some treatments are designed specifically to treat psoriasis on the face. It may also be possible to use camouflage make-up to conceal your psoriasis.
Explanation
Your facial skin is more sensitive than the rest of your body, so some treatments that are designed for use on your body may irritate the skin on your face.
Your doctor will recommend treatments you can try that are specifically designed for use on the face. These may include creams containing steroids or vitamin D derivatives that are different to those used on the rest of your body. Using a moisturiser can also help to reduce scaling.
You may be able to use camouflage make-up to cover up psoriasis on your face. However, you should check with your doctor first as some make-up can irritate your skin, and can interfere with how well creams and ointments prescribed for psoriasis work.
Further information
- British Red Cross Skin Camouflage Service
www.redcross.org.uk - Skin Camouflage Network
www.skincamouflagenetwork.org.uk
Sources
- Guidelines for the general management of psoriasis. British Association of Dermatologists. www.bad.org.uk, accessed 29 May 2008
- Psoriasis in sensitive areas. The Psoriasis Association. www.psoriasis-association.org.uk, accessed 4 June 2008
Why does my psoriasis seem to be affected by the weather?
The availability of natural sunlight, humidity of the air and temperature can all have an effect on psoriasis.
Explanation
In many people with psoriasis, the condition seems to get worse in the winter. However, some people get more flare-ups in the summer, while others aren't affected by the weather at all.
In the summer, most people have a greater exposure to natural sunlight, which can often help with psoriasis. When it is humid (there is more moisture in the air), your skin is less likely to dry out, which can also help psoriasis. In the winter however, a combination of dry air, decreased exposure to sunlight and colder temperatures can all contribute to psoriasis getting worse.
In a small number of people, exposure to sunlight seems to worsen their psoriasis - these people may, therefore, be more likely to get flare-ups in the summer.
Sources
- Frequently asked questions. National Psoriasis Foundation. www.psoriasis.org, accessed 12 June 2008
How will my psoriasis be affected if I become pregnant?
Pregnancy itself can affect your psoriasis. In addition, your treatment may need to be altered as certain medicines for psoriasis cannot be taken while you are pregnant.
Explanation
Many women find that their plaque psoriasis improves during pregnancy. This is thought to be due to increased levels of certain hormones during pregnancy, which "dampen down" the immune system.
Some medicines for psoriasis can cause severe damage to an unborn baby. If you are planning on trying for a baby, discuss this with your dermatologist, who will advise you if it is a safe time for you to become pregnant. Your dermatologist may try to gradually reduce your treatment before you try for a baby, or adjust your treatment to try and get control of your psoriasis first.
Many creams and ointments, such as emollients and steroid creams are still considered safe to use during pregnancy. You will usually be advised against using vitamin D and coal tar products, and will not be able to take creams containing vitamin A derivatives.
The main treatments that are used for severe psoriasis during pregnancy are UVB light therapy and, as a last resort, ciclosporin. PUVA light therapy and other medicines cannot be taken during pregnancy.
It is quite common to have a flare-up of psoriasis within six weeks of giving birth. Your dermatologist may plan for this in advance, so that you get prompt treatment if this happens.
Sources
- Weatherhead S, Robson SC, Reynolds NJ. Management of psoriasis in pregnancy. BMJ 2007; 334: 1218-1220.
- Joint Formulary Committee, British National Formulary. 54th ed. London: British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2008: 603-610
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr Mike Ardern-Jones, BSc, MBBS, MRCP, DPhil, Consultant Dermatologist, Southampton University NHS Trust and Spire Southampton Hospital, and by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: January 2009
Plaque psoriasis factsheet
Visit the plaque psoriasis health factsheet for more information.
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