Psoriasis in children: features of the disease in childhood

Psoriasis in children in the photo with description

Photo 1. Psoriasis in children

Photo 2. Psoriasis in children

Photo 3. Symptoms of psoriasis in children.

Photo 4. Symptoms of psoriasis in children.

Causes of psoriasis in children

In the case of psoriasis in children, the causes are not fully known. It is widely believed that the disease is caused by disturbances in the functioning of the immune system, which is not able to properly respond to external factors.

Other factors that can trigger a rash:

• Heredity. If there were psoriasis patients in the family, the likelihood that the child will have it increases by 30%. If both parents are sick, the risk increases by 80%. However, genetics is not a guarantee that the disease will appear.
• An infection caused by β-hemolytic streptococcus can trigger the appearance of one of the forms of the disease.
• Disorders of the nervous system, as well as severe stress.
• Endocrine disorders, in particular obesity, can cause psoriasis.

With psoriasis in children, the causes and treatment are often interrelated.

Typically, childhood psoriasis first appears in winter or autumn - during cold weather.

Causes of childhood psoriasis

Childhood psoriasis is systemic in nature. Its development is caused by disturbances in the functioning of the immune system, when the body cannot resist the harmful effects of external factors.

Doctors cannot single out one reason that provokes the onset of the disease in a child. But there are a number of scientifically based assumptions:

1. Hereditary predisposition - if cases of psoriasis have been diagnosed in the family, the likelihood of its development in a child increases by 30%. When both parents suffer from this disease, it increases to 80%. But only a predisposition to the disease is inherited, which means that with proper care for the child there is a chance of avoiding it.
2. Disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system - negative experiences, stress, psycho-emotional shocks, sudden changes in life (change of school, birth of a second child) can cause the onset of the disease.
3. Metabolic disorders – deficiency of vitamins and microelements.
4. The presence of parasites - helminths absorb useful substances and release large amounts of toxins, which has a detrimental effect on the child’s body. Skin reactions and psoriasis often appear.
5. Infections – in childhood, psoriasis often appears after suffering from infectious diseases. It can be triggered by a sore throat, flu, or cold.
6. Endocrine system dysfunction – hormonal imbalance provokes psoriasis.
7. Liver diseases – with dysfunction of this organ, the body cannot neutralize toxins, which can lead to the development of psoriasis.

Most often, psoriasis in children is first diagnosed in the cold season. Significantly increases the risk of its development and skin injury.

Symptoms of psoriasis in children

Psoriasis in a child has some features, but it can look the same as in adults - this is noticeable even in the photo of the initial stage.

One of the types of psoriasis characteristic of childhood is psoriasis in the diaper area. The rash often affects large folds and resembles diaper rash. It may be similar to candidiasis, diaper dermatitis or contact dermatitis. However, psoriasis has its own distinctive features:

• the rash is red or bright pink;
• the boundaries of the formations are clearly delineated;

The most obvious way to characterize psoriasis in children is a photo, including images of the initial stage.

The rash begins with redness of the skin and gradually progresses to the formation of papules. These are red, slightly raised rashes. They can merge with each other, forming larger plaques.

How does psoriasis manifest in children: symptoms and signs

It is important for parents to understand that the first signs of psoriasis in an infant can be very different from the symptoms of the disease in an adult. Most often, at the initial stage of the disease, children develop red rashes in the folds of the skin, as well as on the head, face and genitals. Sometimes the rash is localized in areas subject to constant friction with clothing. Externally, the rash resembles diaper rash, but the horny ball of papules quickly peels off and peeling appears.

The rash itches and brings great discomfort to the child; single small papules quickly unite, increasing in size. The child begins to scratch the papules and runs the risk of infection.

As in adults, children have three stages of disease development:

• Progressive . A small red rash appears. The rashes very quickly become covered with cracks and begin to bleed.
• Stationary. The growth of formations stops, the delicate skin becomes covered with a layer of scales. Unlike adults, children have virtually no terminal film stage.
• Regressive . The rash gradually regresses, and depigmented rims appear in its place.
• Remission . When the signs of the disease completely disappear, remission occurs, the duration of which depends on the characteristics of caring for the child and his diet. Relapse most often occurs after infectious diseases.

Stages of psoriasis in children

The disease lasts a long time. Symptoms usually go through three stages:

1. Progressive. A small rash forms on the skin. Psoriasis in infants often resembles heat rash. Color varies from bright pink to red. Peeling and sometimes cracks form on the surface of the rash. The rash increases in size and spreads to nearby areas. If the disease is severe, there is an increase in temperature, enlarged lymph nodes, swelling and noticeable redness of the skin.
2. Stationary. At this stage, new rashes stop appearing, and the growth of old lesions stops. Peeling becomes less. Psoriasis on a child’s head spreads to nearby areas.
3. Regressive. The rashes gradually resolve. After their removal, areas remain lighter or darker in color compared to the surrounding skin

When a child has psoriasis, photos demonstrate the situation more clearly than a description.

The absolute disappearance of symptoms means the beginning of remission. How long it will last depends on skin care and the child’s diet. Often the disease returns after an infectious disease.

What you need to know about psoriasis: causes, symptoms, treatment and complications

How to cure psoriasis once and for all is a common question for doctors. Only remission can be achieved. Psoriasis on the face is especially troubling for patients. To minimize its manifestations, you need to exclude risk factors and follow your doctor’s recommendations. Therapy is selected strictly individually, medications are changed periodically. This is necessary due to the rapid addiction to them and the reduction of their effect. Psoriasis on the elbows and other parts of the body can be treated with corticosteroid ointments. They are especially used in the acute stage of the disease, and then switch to non-hormonal drugs to fix the state of remission. “I treat psoriasis on my own” - this approach to this disease does not justify itself. Typically, therapy is prescribed by doctors using:

• physiotherapy (ultraviolet irradiation);
• plasmapheresis to remove toxins and autoantibodies;
• drug therapy.

The role of nutrition in treatment

Psoriasis on the head, elbows, and legs can be controlled with nutrition. The patient's menu should consist of 70-80% alkali-forming foods - fruits. It is recommended to eat apples, bananas and melons separately from everything else, not combining them with anything else. The situation is similar with citrus fruits. They should not be consumed in combination with whole grains. Acid-forming foods are also a good cure for psoriasis. This category includes: meat, potatoes, beans, cheese, grains, sugar, cream, etc. How to treat psoriasis with an appropriate diet is easier to predict and plan. It is recommended to include broccoli, fish, kefir, milk, bran, buckwheat in water, green vegetables, and lamb in the menu. Diet for psoriasis is a good enhancement to therapy.

Home remedies

Psoriasis requires treatment under the supervision of a doctor, but home remedies can help relieve symptoms. It is recommended to take baths using St. John's wort, celandine, and sage. A compress of water and soda (1 tablespoon per 30 ml of boiled water) will help reduce itching. Treatment with folk remedies will help to go from start to finish and put psoriasis into remission, but it requires consistency and regularity. You can take baths with baking soda before bed. For this you will need 1 kg. After the procedure, you need to generously lubricate the body with fatty cream. Over-the-counter ointment for psoriasis can be expensive and have side effects. But it can be replaced with healing mud from the Dead Sea, which is also on sale. An effective natural remedy can put psoriasis into remission when used systematically during an exacerbation.

The initial stage of psoriasis in children

In children under one year of age, the skin in the folds first turns red. This is clearly visible in the photo of signs of childhood psoriasis.

Afterwards, clear spots form, which over time begin to grow and merge together into larger formations.

The rash may be located on the face, genital area, or buttocks. Somewhat later, peeling on the surface of the rash becomes obvious. This is the key difference between psoriasis and dermatitis or simple diaper rash.

In children, the disease develops faster than in adult patients. For psoriasis in children, photos of the initial stages are available in large quantities on the Internet.

Types of childhood psoriasis

There are different types of psoriasis in children. They are classified depending on the characteristics of the symptoms and localization of the rash. Main forms of the disease:

Diaper psoriasis

Appears in children under one year of age. The rashes are localized mainly in the gluteal area. Due to constant contact with excrement and urine, as a result of rubbing with diapers, the skin in this area is irritated, so the disease is difficult to diagnose. Parents often mistake this rash for dermatitis, which makes it difficult to start timely treatment.

Plaque (common) psoriasis

The most common form of the disease in children. Its characteristic symptoms are the formation of red spots on the surface of the skin. At first they are small, but quickly increase in diameter and begin to peel off. The base of the papules has a dense texture. On top they are covered with a loose layer of scales that are easily separated. Plaque-like papules are localized in different parts of the body, but most often occur in the bending area of ​​the elbows, as well as the knees, and in the scalp.

Guttate psoriasis

The body is covered with a large number of rashes, which in shape look like a drop, have a small size and a convex shape. Papules rise above the surface of the epidermis and peel off. They cover the head, arms and legs, as well as the torso. The rash may disappear on its own or develop into plaque psoriasis. At the age of 4-5 years, this form of the disease is provoked by a streptococcal infection.

Generalized pustular psoriasis

It develops suddenly and very quickly. In a short period of time, large areas of the skin become inflamed and covered with ulcers. The affected areas of the epidermis hurt. This form of psoriasis is dangerous because it provokes serious complications. It can lead to diseases of internal organs, in particular the kidneys and heart.

Pustular psoriasis

Affects children over 7 years of age. It is rare in infants and preschoolers. This is a severe form of the disease, in which swelling of the skin appears, and its surface becomes covered with blisters filled with non-infectious exudate. Often accompanied by inflammation of the lymph nodes.

Erythrodermic psoriasis

A very dangerous form, provoked by dysfunctions of the body’s thermoregulation. Manifests itself in generalized inflammation of the epidermis, intense peeling. Accompanied by severe itching and painful sensations. Large areas of skin begin to peel off. Can be fatal, especially if the child is small.

Also on the topic: Psoriasis - ICD 10 code

Psoriasis of the flexor surfaces

Appears on the curves of the body, most often in the area of ​​the inner surface of the thigh, groin, and genitals. The body is covered with red spots. They are smooth and do not flake, but are slightly convex.

Nail psoriasis

Affects the nail plates. Its symptoms depend on the form. The following varieties are distinguished:

• thimble-shaped - small depressions form on the surface of the nails, which makes them visually look like a thimble;
• onychomadesis - nails peel off from the bed very quickly;
• onycholysis - nails gradually peel off from the bed, while there are no inflammatory processes, a yellow-pink border appears around the base of the nail;
• trachyonychia - the nail thickens, becomes rough, its surface becomes wavy, the edges rise;
• subungual hemorrhage - stripes and spots of a red-pink hue appear under the surface of the nail;
• Psoriatic paronychia - the skin around the nail and the finger itself thicken, this is accompanied by intense inflammatory processes.

Arthropathic psoriasis

Affects joints. Signs of this form of the disease are muscle rigidity, they cease to be mobile, joints and fingers swell and swell. Knees, fingers, ankles, wrists hurt, and there is a feeling of general discomfort. Conjunctivitis may appear. According to the type of psoriasis, it is divided into types:

• winter or summer - depending on the season when the relapse occurs, most children have the winter form;
• new - when symptoms appear for the first time;
• continuously relapsing - constant exacerbation of the disease;
• indefinite form.

This classification is taken into account by doctors when choosing a method of treating the disease.

Treatment of psoriasis in children

For psoriasis in children, treatment is reduced mainly to external medications. Especially if the child is small.

The strategy and methods of therapy are determined by a dermatologist after a thorough diagnosis and analysis of the patient’s condition.

In most cases, the following measures are applied:

• Local non-hormonal drugs. Ointments, gels and creams based on salicylic acid, D-panthenol, urea, provide skin hydration, reduce peeling, and have a calming effect. Additionally, drugs analogues of vitamin D3 and drugs from the group of calcineurin inhibitors (pimecrolimus, tacrolimus) are used.
• Hormonal drugs (glucocorticosteroids) are the most effective group of drugs. They have a quick effect, but are used with caution in children, taking into account the risks of side effects and the need for long-term application.
• Physiotherapy. Effective at all stages of the disease. May include several procedures. The most common are UVB, PUVA and excimer laser therapy.
• Diet. With psoriasis, careful nutritional control is essential. Typically, the doctor prescribes a diet that excludes junk food and potential trigger foods.

Psoriasis is a chronic disease. Therefore, it is impossible to get rid of it forever. Medicines help to weaken and relieve symptoms, as well as quickly transfer the first and second stages of the disease to the last.

More often they resort to complex treatment with local drugs. This approach has proven to be effective and allows you to extend the period of remission. One of the frequently prescribed external agents is “Losterin”. Losterin is intended for complex therapy of skin diseases, including dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis.

Treatment of psoriasis

There is no cure for psoriasis, but it can be suppressed. There are several methods.

Local therapy

This therapy is ideal for the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis in children and includes:

• Apply vitamin D ointment to affected areas twice daily.
• Use topical corticosteroids two to three times a week for a long time.
• Combination of betamethasone diproprionate and calcipotriol gel/ointment when applied once daily for four weeks.
• Using dithranol for instant relief, however, this drug is inconvenient to use: it stains clothes and irritates the skin.
• Using coal tar, which is ideal for treating scalp psoriasis (although this product has an unpleasant odor).

Phototherapy

Narrowband UV phototherapy is commonly used for children with psoriasis, especially those over 10 years of age. It is an ideal treatment for guttate and plaque psoriasis as they respond best.

The course of treatment, carried out in a hospital, usually requires the patient to be present three times a week for three months.

Methotrexate

If topical treatment and phototherapy do not help, methotrexate tablets can be used once a week. This method has proven effectiveness, although it is more often used to treat adults.

Various case studies have shown clinical improvement among 2-year-old children with good tolerance. Regular blood tests are necessary to ensure safety.

Biological agents

Biological agents such as intravenous infliximad and subcutaneous etanercept should be used only as a last resort. It can be used to treat severe psoriasis in children who have not responded well to other treatments.

Although they are safe, they have adverse side effects such as infections. Only after consultation with a dermatologist should a biological agent be used in each specific case.

Treatment of psoriasis in children with folk remedies

Traditional medicine contains an abundance of recipes for psoriasis. However, this does not mean that they are effective. You should be as careful as possible with home remedies, since it is natural ingredients that most often cause allergies and skin irritation. This may make the situation worse. Especially in children.

Before using this or that product, it is necessary to consult a doctor. The child’s body is not fully formed, so a number of folk remedies can disrupt its activity.

Conditions that increase the risk of developing psoriasis in children

Although the exact causes of psoriasis are unknown, there are various triggers that can cause a psoriasis flare-up:

• infection;
• skin irritation;
• stress;
• obesity;
• cold weather.

Managing triggers helps reduce the severity and frequency of psoriasis flare-ups.

Complex therapy of psoriasis in children using the “Losterin” line of products

"Losterin" is a topical drug that helps relieve the symptoms of psoriasis and serves as a skin care product during remission.

The product is produced in several forms. Some of the most convenient for children are:

• cream;
• shampoo (used for psoriasis on the scalp in children);
• shower gel.

All products are safe and can be effectively used in complex therapy. Suitable for both adults and children of all ages.

Prevention of psoriasis in children

Thus, the answer to the question “does psoriasis occur in children” is positive. To make the disease less of a concern, you need to follow the rules of prevention.

Prevention measures should be used both during treatment and during remission. In the first case, they relieve symptoms and speed up recovery, and in the second, they help prevent the appearance of another rash.

As precautionary measures, it is recommended to observe the following rules:

• Taking care of your skin. When bathing a child, do not use washcloths or towels with a hard surface. All this injures the epidermis.
• The right clothes. Loose fit and made from soft natural materials.
• Sun protection. It is necessary to avoid direct exposure of the skin to sunlight. Especially when they are at their most aggressive. 20 minutes before going outside, you need to apply a product with high-level SPF protection.
• Caution. Cuts, burns and all kinds of trauma to the skin can cause a rash. Their consequences are clearly visible in the photo of childhood psoriasis.
• Correct diet. Ideally, the treating doctor should prescribe an individual diet. However, there are general recommendations. Allergenic foods, such as citrus fruits, are removed from the menu. Avoid unhealthy foods: sweets and baked goods, fried and smoked, spicy, too salty, canned foods, foods with dyes and flavors. The basis of the diet should be raw vegetables, proteins and healthy fats. Prepared by boiling or steaming.
• Stable psychological state. The atmosphere in the house should be calm and friendly. Any stress, including conflicts and overwork (both physical and psychological), is contraindicated for the child. Older children will benefit from sessions with a psychologist - individually or in a group.
• Taking medications carefully. Some drugs can cause a rash. For example, antibiotics. Before giving your child any medication, it is a good idea to consult a doctor.

It is also important to visit the hospital regularly to check your body's condition. And follow all medical instructions. If you take the problem seriously, psoriasis will bother you less often.