Psoriasis on the face and scalp: what to know

On the scalp, plaques may extend to the hairline, forehead, behind the ears, or the back of the neck. On the face, patches may affect the eyebrows, eyelids, nose folds, or area around the mouth. Colour can look red, purple, brown, or lighter depending on natural skin tone and inflammation. Flaking can resemble dandruff, eczema, or irritation from cosmetics, so a clinician may need to inspect the pattern and skin surface.

Cleanse with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free product; pat dry rather than rubbing. Use facial treatments only as directed, and keep scalp products away from the eyes and lips unless specifically prescribed for those areas. Avoid picking scale, harsh exfoliation, fragranced oils, and new cosmetics during a flare. Use a simple moisturiser if tolerated and note whether hair products, sun exposure, stress, or friction seem to worsen symptoms.

Arrange a review for symptoms near the eyes, persistent facial plaques, painful cracking, or a flare that interferes with sleep or daily care. Seek prompt advice for eye pain, vision changes, marked swelling, pus, fever, or rapidly spreading warmth and redness. A clinician can choose a treatment strength appropriate for thin facial skin.

Which facial areas can I treat, and for how long? Is my scalp product safe near the hairline or ears? Could this be another rash? What moisturiser and cleanser would suit my skin?