Childhood psoriasis is often a distressing diagnosis for many parents. According to the WHO , 2 percent of the population suffers from it. ...
Psoriasis is a skin problem that causes areas of red, scaly skin. These plaques form when skin cells accumulate on the surface of the skin and can appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the scalp, knees, elbows, and upper body.
This disease is not contagious, but it is hereditary. In other words, if your child has psoriasis, it is because someone in your family has suffered or suffered from it. As of 2014 the WHO recognized psoriasis as a "chronic, non-communicable, painful, and disfiguring" disease. The resolution also raises awareness of the psychosocial burdens of the disease and those that people with psoriasis suffer from due to lack of awareness and access to treatments.
Childhood Psoriasis
As with adults, the most common form of psoriasis in children is plaque psoriasis. It appears as well-defined patches of a reddish color, with a silvery-white surface.
You may find small, scaly patches around your child's hairline, or in places like the knees and elbows. You should not be alarmed, but you should consult a doctor to avoid discomfort, since they usually cause itching, in addition to the psychological consequences caused by carrying the spots on the skin.
What is Causing it?
The exact causes are not well defined, and the hereditary factor is very important, but some of the factors that predispose the appearance of this dermatosis are:
Bacterial or viral infections
Air dry or dry skin
Skin lesions and other skin rashes
Some medications (antimalarials, beta-blockers, and lithium)
Stress
very little sunlight
Too much sunlight (sunburn)
Weakened immune system
Psoriasis and Childhood Stress
Mounting evidence indicates that the same processes that trigger skin inflammation in psoriasis can also trigger changes in the brain that affect emotional states. Scientists are now learning more about the correlation between stress, depression, and psoriatic disease, and are testing new therapies that could treat all of those things.
Therefore, stress can trigger psoriasis. In children, psoriasis can be a cause of emotional stress, among other factors. It is a vicious circle; On the one hand, the symptoms of psoriasis probably appear after exposure to a high degree of stress, but on the other, that stress continues to grow after the embarrassment and frustration caused by the child's spots on the skin and the frequent itching.
Opening a dialogue with the children, so that they can express their concerns, and explaining to them thoroughly what the disease is about, will make them face it with more naturalness and autonomy.
Is there a Difference between Psoriasis in Adults?
The biggest difference between psoriasis in adults and children is simply the age of onset. Children with psoriasis will experience many of the same symptoms and triggers as an adult.
Other possible differences in children have to do with a greater psychological impact due to interactions with their group of friends, and the place of calving of the patches, which tend to form around the scalp, buttocks, and face.
Types of psoriasis in children
In general, the symptoms of psoriasis are itchy, dry, scaly reddish skin with whitish crusts, joint or tendon pain or discomfort, thick or brownish nails, and profuse dandruff on the scalp.
There are several types of psoriasis, and in children, they manifest themselves in different ways:
Plaque psoriasis: This is the most common type of psoriasis, causing dry red patches and silvery scales. Often the first place these patches occur in children is on the scalp. They can be itchy and sore and can crack and bleed.
Guttate psoriasis: It is associated with several small raindrop-like patches that form in large clusters. When guttate psoriasis occurs in children and adolescents, it is often the result of a secondary infection in the throat, such as strep throat. Other upper respiratory infections are also common triggers for psoriasis to begin. Although this is not always the case, guttate psoriasis can clear up within a few months and not come back.
Pustular psoriasis: This type of psoriasis causes the skin to become red, swollen, and covered with pus-filled bumps. Usually, this is on the soles of the feet or the palms of the hands and fingers. Sometimes, however, it covers large areas of the body. This is known as generalized pustular psoriasis, and can sometimes be accompanied by fever, chills, intense itching, and fatigue.
What will the Pediatrician do?
Before the appearance of any type of stain on your child's skin, you should not medicate it or apply any homemade ointment. The best thing is to make the corresponding consultation with your trusted pediatrician because he will know how to alleviate such annoying symptoms so that your child can feel better.
There are topical treatments that work very well and significantly minimize blemishes. The doctor may also prescribe UV therapy or oral or injected medications. Any of the treatments that the doctor recommends can help, so you must trust the pediatrician, as he will find the best option for your child.
Meanwhile, what can I do?
Psoriasis is a chronic disease, so treatment must be followed for as long as the doctor indicates. In addition, in children, this disease can affect them psychologically, so the emotional support of the family is important and, in any case, the help of a professional. In the meantime, this is what you can do:
Follow the treatment given by the pediatrician to the letter
Teach your child, if he is a little older, to be responsible for applying the creams and to maintain skin hygiene
Provide a healthy diet
Create a stress-free family environment
Keep your child clean and his skin moisturized to relieve itching
If stress is unavoidable, try to schedule activities that relax you
Support your child emotionally in this trance. Tell him that together you can face it and that the spots on his skin do not define him as a person. Talk to the school authorities, if necessary, to achieve a comprehensive and cooperative environment of understanding and empathy. If the whole family and those around them make an effort to help the little one, the emotional impact can be much less and their quality of life even more so.
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