Psoriasis in Children

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that mostly affects the skin. Children with psoriasis have red, itchy, and raised skin patches anywhere on their body, but mostly on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. It can cause pain and discomfort. There is no cure for psoriasis, but treatment options are available which can manage the symptoms and help children live comfortable lives. Most children have mild to moderate psoriasis and get better with the right treatment plan.

Types of Psoriasis in Children

Psoriasis in children can exhibit various types, but some are much more common than others.

The types children are most likely to get are:

1. Plaque Psoriasis:

This is most common type which causes raised, red, dry, and itchy skin patches (called plaques) covered with silvery scales. Plaques mostly appear on the scalp, elbows, lower back, and knees and they can be painful and also bleed. The patches are smaller, thinner, and less scaly in children than in adults.

2. Guttate Psoriasis:

This type is also called “drop-like” psoriasis which causes small drop-like lesions appear on arms, legs, back, and trunk. It is usually triggered by bacterial infections like strep throat. Many kids who get this type of psoriasis also get plague psoriasis.

For kids under 2 years, they can get psoriatic diaper rash which occurs on the skin that’s covered by the diaper. The difference between psoriatic diaper rash and regular diaper rash is pretty evident because the former doesn’t get better with regular diaper rash treatment.

Less common types of psoriasis in children include:

1. Inverse Psoriasis:

This mostly affects the skin folds like groin region, under the arms, behind the knees, etc. There may not be scaling of the skin, but the child can still experience irritation and discomfort.

2. Pustular Psoriasis:

The raised blisters are filled with pus. The blisters can be widespread or appear on small areas of the body. This is a rare type of psoriasis.

3. Nail Psoriasis:

When psoriasis affects the nails, it can lead to discolouration, pitting, and thickening of nails. Sometimes, the nails may get separated from the nail bed. If left untreated, it can lead to nail deformities.

4. Erythrodermic Psoriasis:

This is a rare but severe form of psoriasis. The rashes and scaling of skin can appear all over the body. The child will have severe itching, pain, and other issues like fever and dehydration. It can be life-threatening.

Symptoms

Some common signs and symptoms of psoriasis in children are:

• Plaques which can appear anywhere on the child’s body, like elbows, scalp, knees, and torso. The plaques are raised, red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales.

• Itchiness, pain, discomfort, or a burning sensation near the affected areas

• Dry, cracked skin, which can cause bleeding and pain

• Yellowing, pitting, and thickening of nails

• Joint pain and swelling, particularly in the fingers and toes

Treatment

• Topical Treatment:

This is commonly prescribed for mild to moderate psoriasis to help reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms. Topical treatments, which come in the form of lotion, ointments, or cream that’s spread onto the skin. These include corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, and coal tar.

• Light Therapy:

This mode of treatment involves exposing the affected areas to natural or artificial light (UV light), which can help reduce inflammation. Your doctor will recommend light therapy if the child has not responded to topical treatment.

• Systemic Medications:

Medicines are prescribed only in severe cases when the child has not responded to any treatments. Systemic medications can have severe side effects for which they are kept as a last resort.

• Lifestyle Changes:

Changes in lifestyle can help reduce the severity of psoriasis. These include a well-balanced and anti-inflammatory diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. Avoid foods that trigger inflammation, such as processed foods and foods high in saturated fats, like red meat.