Psoriasis In Children: A Guide For Parents
Psoriasis is a chronic condition that causes the development of dry, itchy and scaly patches on your skin. The disease can vary from mild to severe, but most children who are diagnosed with psoriasis show mild symptoms. It may be devastating to learn that the condition does not have a cure, but the symptoms can be treated relatively easily and with high levels of success. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the condition.
Causes of Psoriasis
The cause of psoriasis has not yet been established, but medical professionals believe it is a heritable condition. If both parents have psoriasis, their children have a 50% chance of developing the condition in their lifetimes. Often, bacterial infections like strep throat can trigger the condition in children, but genetic factors will play a more significant role in determining whether they will develop the disease.
Other factors that can increase the risk of developing psoriasis include obesity, cold weather, excessive stress, sunburns, skin rashes, and cuts and scratches on the skin. Some medications can also trigger the condition.
Symptoms of Psoriasis
The symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on the particular form of the condition, but in children, they are mostly seen on the face and around the joints. The most common type of psoriasis in children is plaque psoriasis, which causes the development of red and dry patches on the skin covered with a silvery build-up of dead skin cells. These patches can sometimes be painful, and in some cases, they will even bleed. Plaque psoriasis affects about 80% of people who have psoriasis.
The other common type of psoriasis in children is guttate psoriasis. This one affects about 20% of people with psoriasis, and it causes the development of small teardrop-shaped spots. The red patches that appear as a result of guttate psoriasis are typically much smaller than those which are caused by other forms of the disease. As mentioned earlier, the spots will mostly be seen on the face and joints. However, over time, the condition can spread to other parts of the body.
Other types of psoriasis include pustular psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, and erythrodermic psoriasis. These are all rare in children.
Psoriasis Treatment
Psoriasis is a lifelong condition, but the symptoms can improve significantly if treated. Managing the symptoms will also help to prevent the development of other diseases.
Your doctor is likely to prescribe some medication for your child, including some over-the-counter drugs. These medications can treat itches, dryness, and swelling of the skin. Here are some of the medicines used for this condition:
- Methotrexate
- Otezla or apremilast
- Dandruff shampoo
- Lotions made with coal tar
- Moisturizers
- Cortisone cream
- Vitamin A medications
Topical treatments (some of which contain steroids) are usually the first option given by doctors. These medications are primarily meant to slow down the growth of cells and also reduce inflammation.
If your child’s condition has advanced to moderate or severe psoriasis, you may need to give them systemic prescription drugs. These are strong enough to treat more advanced conditions. Systemic drugs can be taken intravenously or orally.
Another method of treating psoriasis is by using phototherapy. Also known as light therapy, this method involves the use of ultraviolet light rays to improve the reaction of the skin. In some cases, spending time in the sun can also improve the symptoms of the condition.
Psoriasis affects a sizable proportion of children under the age of 16. The condition causes the development of spots on the skin, and it can be unsettling for parents. Although there are several different types of the disease, the most common one is plaque psoriasis, which accounts for around 80% of all the cases of psoriasis in children. While the condition does not have a cure, the symptoms can be treated in a variety of ways with either prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications.