The onset of psoriasis in children is a common occurrence. Psoriasis is a non-transmittable skin condition where a child’s skin cells multiply rapidly, leading to skin changes. A typical sign of this condition is the build-up of scales on the skin surface. Additionally, a characteristic small, round, red rash called the plague could develop on the skin, causing itchiness and a burning sensation in children. The plagues commonly arise in the scalp, knees, trunk, and elbows. Though the exact cause of this disorder is unknown, it could be caused by the overactivity of the immune system and genetic factors. Additionally, a few varying triggers are known to worsen the signs of this condition in children. Browse through this post to learn more about the signs and symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatments for psoriasis in children.
Can A Child Get Psoriasis?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, children of any age, from newborns to teenagers, can get psoriasis (1). Another study found that 40% of adult patients with psoriasis reported the symptoms in their childhood, and one-third among them showed signs of the disorder before 16 years (2).
Signs And Symptoms Of Psoriasis In Children
The symptoms of pediatric psoriasis depend on the type, as they are unique to each kind, and often can be mistaken for diaper rash, cradle cap, or yeast infection. However, here are a few common symptoms that might help you make the initial diagnosis.
Round, well-circumscribed spots covered in silvery-white scale Lesions on the scalp, elbow, knees, and gluteal creases Pitted fingernails that might itch Bright red rash in the skin’s folds near the diaper area Itching, pinpoint bleeding, and burning sensation near the lesions
There is no permanent treatment for psoriasis, but you can manage the symptoms and prevent them from worsening with proper medication. Usually, psoriasis occurs in cycles, with the condition flaring for a few weeks or months, lessening over a period, and then returning. To understand more about your child’s psoriasis, you need to know about the various types of psoriasis.
Types Of Psoriasis In Children
Psoriasis can be classified into five types, with each type displaying different symptoms. The guttate and plaque psoriasis types are most common among children. Let’s first discuss these two types.
1. Guttate psoriasis:
This type of psoriasis is more frequent in older children and young adults. In many children, guttate psoriasis is often seen after one to three weeks of Streptococcal infection. The lesions are round, about 3cm in diameter, and are distributed symmetrically on the trunk, shoulders, elbow, wrists, hands, fingers, and sometimes, on the thighs and legs. Generally, plaques are not seen in this type of psoriasis.
2. Plaque psoriasis:
It is characterized by raised hard, and inflamed red patches, also called plaques, which may be painful and itchy. Sometimes, these red patches are covered with a silvery white build-up of dead cells. The plaques can be found anywhere on the skin, but usually appear on the scalp, knees, elbows, and torso. Each of these types exhibits specific symptoms, and so, what could be the causes of psoriasis in children?
Causes Of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, wherein an overactive immune system causes the skin to regenerate faster than usual. Although the exact causes behind the aggravated immune system are unknown, research indicates that genetics and environmental factors might trigger the disorder (3). Psoriasis can occur in cycles, meaning the symptoms come and stay for a few weeks to a couple of months; then go away completely and suddenly return. Here are a few triggers that might flare up or worsen the symptoms of psoriasis (2).
Infections (Streptococcus) Cold weather Stress Usage of drugs such as chloroquine and systemic corticosteroids Obesity
Risks And Complications Of Psoriasis In Children
Studies found that patients diagnosed with psoriasis under the age of 18 have a two-fold risk of developing:
Hyperlipidemia Obesity Hypertension Diabetes mellitus Rheumatoid arthritis (4)
When To See The Doctor?
Parents are generally confused about psoriasis. They consider it diaper rash, allergy, and heat rash. Consult your doctor if you notice rashes and scaling on your child’s skin, and if these rashes are persistent and do not go away with topical treatment. Psoriasis rashes in children can sometimes resemble diaper rashes or skin infections, so it is best to consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosis Of Psoriasis In Children
In most cases, psoriasis can be diagnosed with a simple physical examination. Your doctor might enquire about your family history, medications, and infections. Diagnosis is mainly clinical. In very rare cases skin biopsy is done. If the symptoms are not clear and your doctor feels the need for further diagnosis, they may do a skin biopsy, wherein a sample of the skin is sent to the lab for examination under the microscope. Psoriasis can also have an impact on your child’s psychological well-being. When the condition flares up, it may result in rashes, skin scaling, itching, and burning sensation. So, children may become self-conscious and stop interacting with other children. How can you help your child? The next section covers the treatment options for psoriasis. Volunteer mentor with the US National Psoriasis Foundation and psoriasis patient expert Sabrina Skiles says, “It is important to talk to your child about how they’re feeling when they experience a flare-up.”
Treatment For Psoriasis In Children
As of now, there is no specific cure for psoriasis, and treatment options aim at gradually subsiding the symptoms. Since psoriasis is a relapsing disorder, you might need a long-term treatment plan. There are various treatment options available, and your doctor will suggest the best course of action based on your child’s symptoms and severity of the case. Here are a few details about some of the treatment options available. These treatments might help reduce the symptoms of mild to severe psoriasis. Topical treatments are said to be effective with fewer side effects, but might have to be applied multiple times throughout the day. Petroleum jelly helps to keep the skin moist and prevent psoriasis. So, explain the situation to your child and remind them to apply the medication on time. You can also use electronic reminders to schedule the timings in a day. Another important aspect in treating psoriasis is to make sure your child is not scared of a visit to the doctor. “If your child is five and under, take a doctor’s appointment. Saying things like ‘the doctor is going to make you feel so much better. He is going to give you a special medicine to help with your psoriasis spots’, might help,” says Sabrina.
Prevention Of Psoriasis In Children
You cannot prevent psoriasis as it is an autoimmune disease, but you can minimize the flare-ups by eliminating the triggers. Identify what is causing the symptoms and try to eliminate them from your child’s life. Stress is an important triggering factor. Stress of exams or tensions at home or other kids promote psoriasis. A volunteer with The National Psoriasis Foundation, US, and a psoriasis patient expert Alisha M. Bridges recommends these tips to, minimize and manage psoriasis flare-ups:
Staying on top of the treatment regimen and communicating with the doctor. Trying to get a head-start on flare-ups by paying attention to the child’s body, and recognizing any new spots, or areas that feel itchier. Moisturizing the skin, especially in winter. Changing shower and bath water to cooler temperatures.”
Eating healthy, exercising, and getting adequate sleep can also help your child’s body cope with the symptoms of psoriasis. Also, keeping your child’s skin clean and moisturized might reduce irritation and itching.
Home Remedies For Psoriasis In Children
Along with your doctor’s treatment plan, you can also try a few home remedies to manage the symptoms of psoriasis in children. However, it should be noted that these remedies do not have any scientific backing and should be used only after consulting with your child’s doctor.
Less Common Types Of Psoriasis In Children
The other three types of psoriasis are as follows. These rarely occur in children, but it is important to know details about them.
1. Pustular psoriasis:
If the lesions show as painful, white, pus-filled bumps, it could be pustular psoriasis. The skin around these bumps appears inflamed or reddened. In this type, the patient could suddenly develop symptoms, which could often be accompanied by fever, chills, severe itching, changes in heart rate, fatigue, and muscle weakness. These may need oral medications. There are three different types of pustular psoriasis.
General pustular psoriasis (GPP): It affects large areas of the body and is accompanied by flu-like symptoms.
Localized pustular psoriasis or palmoplantar pustular psoriasis (PPPP): In this type, lesions are found on the palms, soles of the feet, the base of thumbs, and sides of heels.
Acropustulosis: One of the rare types, symptoms may include itchy bumps or pustules on the fingers or toe tips.
2. Inverse psoriasis:
This type of psoriasis is characterized by smooth patches of red skin in the folds of the skin, such as the armpits, groin, and under the breasts. Rubbing of the skin and sweating can further aggravate the symptoms. It is commonly found in obese people with skin folds.
3. Erythrodermic psoriasis:
One of the rare forms of psoriasis, it disrupts the body’s normal temperature and fluid balance, leading to chills, swelling of feet and ankles, and elevated risk of pneumonia. You might also notice severe skin redness and skin shedding over a large area and in large sheets with severe pain and itching. A condition related to psoriasis is psoriatic arthritis, a rare form of arthritis that affects those with psoriasis. It causes red, scaly, and itchy rashes along with inflamed joints. It is commonly seen in adults from ages 30 to 50, but might rarely appear in children. Psoriasis may not just affect your child’s body, but also significantly impact their mental health. When the child has lesions or rashes in sensitive areas, such as the face or the genitals, they might get embarrassed to go out in public, fearing judgment and ridicule from peers. So, it is important that you monitor your child’s mental state and offer them emotional support. “You can simply say they are not doing anything wrong and the plaques are just part of the disease. Another important thing you can do for your child is to help them be their own advocate,” observes Sabrina.
