Psoriasis in Children
Psoriasis is a chronic disease that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. Up to 40 percent of people with psoriasis develop symptoms before they turn 16 years old, and ten percent develop the condition before they turn 10. Although the condition is lifelong and does not have a cure, psoriasis symptoms can be effectively managed with medication. Children can have mild, moderate or severe psoriasis. The majority of pediatric psoriasis cases are mild and improve with treatment.
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There are five types of psoriasis. The two types children are most likely to get are:
- Plaque psoriasis. This is the most common type of psoriasis to affect children. It causes red, dry patches (plaques) and sometimes silvery scales. The condition usually appears on the knees, elbows, lower back and scalp. The plaques can be itchy, red and sometimes painful. Plaque psoriasis patches are smaller, thinner, and less scaly in children than in adults.
- Guttate psoriasis. Also referred to as “drop-like” psoriasis, this type causes small red dots to form on the trunk, back, arms and legs, and is most likely triggered by a strep infection. Children who get this type of psoriasis often also develop plaque psoriasis.
Additionally, children under two years old can develop psoriatic diaper rash. This condition may appear like plaque psoriasis or as bright red rash.
What Causes Psoriasis?
Although the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, experts do know that the body’s immune system is involved. Overactive immune system cells produce skin cells at a faster rate than the body can shed them, causing them to pile up as plaques on the skin. In addition, certain genes have been linked to psoriasis. Of people with psoriasis, approximately 40 percent have a family member who also has the condition. Psoriasis is not contagious.
How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed?
Physicians usually diagnose psoriasis by examining the skin, scalp and nails. They will also ask questions about your family history and habits to see how many risk factors your child has. Rarely, doctors might take a skin sample (a biopsy) to determine if the condition is psoriasis or another disorder with similar symptoms.
How Is Psoriasis Treated?
Your child’s dermatologist will evaluate the skin and provide an individualized treatment plan that may include:
- Topical treatments such as moisturizers, corticosteroids, anthralin, vitamin D creams and shampoos made with salicylic acid or coal tar
- Medications taken by mouth or injected medicines
- Ultraviolet (UV) light therapy: either via home or office treatments
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1-866-298-0350