What is psoriasis? Catalogue Search Other Websites Information Products
Psoriasis is a common skin condition affecting 3% of the population
of the United Kingdom and Ireland. Of these, about 10% of adults
with psoriasis develop the condition before the age of 10 years.
What does it look like?
Psoriasis appears as raised red patches of skin covered with silvery
scales. It is very simply a speeding up of the
usual replacement processes of the skin. This process is the same
wherever psoriasis occurs on the body.
How does psoriasis affect children?
The most common form of psoriasis in children is plaque psoriasis
affecting the elbows, knees and lower back. The scalp can also be
involved in children, along with the face and flexures eg,
the groin, armpit and behind the knees.
Guttate psoriasis is also more common in childhood and teenage
years. This form of psoriasis often follows a throat infection and
appears as a generalised rash of small, scaly patches up to 10mm in
diameter. The patches usually affect the trunk, limbs and occasionally
scalp. Guttate psoriasis generally clears well, but may take several
weeks or months.
Why has my child got psoriasis?
Psoriasis is not yet a fully understood condition. However, around
30% of people with psoriasis have a family history of the condition,
and certain genes have been identified as being linked to psoriasis.
A trigger is still required for psoriasis to develop, regardless of a family
history. Triggers include injury to the skin scratches or bites,
sore throat, stress and emotional problems and puberty.
Do babies get psoriasis?
It is exceedingly rare for babies to have psoriasis particularly if there
is no history in the family. Rashes in the nappy area may be psoriasis
or may be a straightforward nappy rash. Psoriasis in the nappy area
will look red and shiny with little scaling, and it will be very clear where the psoriasis stops and regular skin begins.
What treatments are available for children?
Moisturisers and emollients are vital in the treatment of psoriasis -
they will help soothe, smooth and hydrate your child’s skin in order
to keep it in good condition and help the active treatment creams and
ointments work more effectively. There are lots of emollients and
moisturisers to choose, from oils to put in the bath, to creams, lotions
and ointments to put directly onto the skin. For some children,
moisturisers and emollients are all they will require to manage their
psoriasis. Other more active creams and ointments include coal tar
based applications, vitamin D analogues, topical steroid treatments
and dithranol.
If your child’s psoriasis becomes more severe, they may be referred to
a dermatologist. Dermatologists are able to offer other stronger forms
of treatment such as ultraviolet light (UV) therapy and tablets.
Immunisations
All the usual immunisation procedures may be safely given but it is
worth remembering that a patch of psoriasis may come up at any site
where the skin has been injured e.g. following immunisation with BCG.
Helpful Hints
• Children should lead as normal a life as possible - psoriasis is only
a part of who they are.
• Parents and children may have different views about treatments -
it is important to talk this through and respect their views.
• Cotton clothing, underwear and bedding may be more
comfortable for your child during a psoriasis flare.
• Inform your child’s teacher in case they need time off school to
attend doctors appointments, or help in explaining the condition
to their classmates - for example, that it is not contagious.
• Establish a treatment routine, but do not let it rule you or
your child’s life.
• Have a small pot of moisturiser that will fit in a handbag or school
bag to use when away from home - this can help soothe itchy
skin that may be bothersome in the daytime.