Psoriasis is a non-infectious skin disorder wherein the skin cells multiply faster than usual, leading to the build-up of scales on the skin’s surface. It is characterized by round, reddish rashes called plaques, which may itch, burn, and sting. The exact cause for this skin disease is unknown, but genetics and an overactive immune system might be the reasons behind it.
Plaques mostly appear on the knees, elbows, scalp, and torso. Certain triggers can cause the symptoms to flare up or worsen, and these triggers can be different for different people. Pediatric psoriasis can be more pruritic (itchy), and the lesions can be relatively thinner, softer, and less scaly than those found in the elderly.
Read on as we give you details about the signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and the treatment options 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 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.
2. Plaque psoriasis:
It is characterized by raised 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 can 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:
When To See The Doctor?
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. 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.
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: These include lotions, ointments, and creams applied topically to provide relief from itching and burning sensations. Your child’s doctor might prescribe Salicylic acid as a keratolytic agent to treat small plaques on the scalp, palms, and soles in children older than six years (2). Sometimes, they may also prescribe vitamin D creams.
Topical treatments are said to be effective with fewer side effects, but might have to be applied multiple times throughout the day. 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.
- Phototherapy: Exposure to ultraviolet radiation, known as phototherapy, is said to reduce lesions and inflammation. However, both natural and artificial light might be effective in reducing the symptoms of psoriasis. Opt for phototherapy only if the doctor prescribes it, and also take care that your child is not overexposed to artificial light, as it might worsen the symptoms (5)
- Oral medications: Your child’s doctor might prescribe oral medications with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties in the case of severe psoriasis. Usage of oral medications should be done only when the other treatment options fail to work, as these medications have side effects, including growth retardation in children (2).
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.
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.
- Applying aloe vera extract is said to show higher rates of recovery with low side effects.
- A herbal mixture of Achillea Herba, Allium Sativum, Calendula Flos, Taraxaci Radix, Urtica Folium, and Veronica Officinalis, when applied topically, is said to reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms.
- Applying turmeric mixture on lesions is also said to be effective, as turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (6).
- Anecdotal evidence suggests that layering the skin with heavy cream or petroleum jelly can reduce the redness by locking in the moisture.
- According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, organic apple cider vinegar is said to relieve itching from scalp psoriasis. Dilute vinegar and water in a one-to-one ratio and apply it on the scalp.
- Soaking your child’s skin in warm water mixed with the Dead Sea or Epsom salts might help remove the scaling.
- Anecdotal evidence suggests that using shampoos and creams containing tea tree oil also helps relieve the symptoms of psoriasis. However, make sure your child is not allergic to it.
- Massaging may also help in improving lymph circulation and aid relaxation (7).
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.
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 also 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.
If your child is a teenager, psoriasis may affect their self-esteem and negatively impact their personality. So, ask your doctor to speak to your child about their skin condition, and make them understand that psoriasis is not their mistake. With proper care and diet, the symptoms can be kept at bay.
