Specific locations: face

On the face

Facial psoriasis most often affects the eyebrows, the skin between the nose and upper lip, the upper forehead and the hairline. You might need a biopsy to confirm that it is psoriasis.

Around the eyes

When psoriasis affects the eyelids, scales may cover lashes. The edges of the eyelids may become red and crusty. If inflamed for long periods, the rims of the lids may turn up or down. If the rim turns down, lashes can rub against the eyeball and cause irritation.

Psoriasis of the eye is extremely rare. When it does occur, it can cause inflammation, dryness and discomfort. It may impair vision. Topical antibiotics may be used to treat infection.

In the ears

Psoriasis in the ears can cause scale buildup that blocks the ear canal. This buildup may lead to temporary hearing loss. A doctor should remove this scale. Psoriasis generally occurs in the external ear canal, not inside the ear or behind the eardrum.

Around the mouth and nose

For a very small number of people, psoriasis lesions appear on the gums, the tongue, inside the cheek, inside the nose or on the lips. The lesions are usually white or gray. Psoriasis in these areas can be relatively uncomfortable. It can cause difficulty in chewing and swallowing food.