Psoriasis: How to Care for Your Child

Psoriasis (suh-RYE-uh-sus) is a disease that causes a skin rash, and sometimes joint problems. It's a long-lasting (chronic) condition that can get better or worse at times. It may begin at any age and can run in families. It is not contagious (does not spread from person to person). Although psoriasis cannot be cured, treatment can help control symptoms. Your health care provider will work with you to figure out what treatment works best for your child.

• Use any medicines as instructed by your health care provider.

• If the health care provider recommended that your child see a dermatologist (skin doctor) or a rheumatologist (joint doctor), be sure to follow up as directed.

• Remind your child to keep skin clean and well-moisturized to help reduce itching and soreness. Encourage your child to use a moisturizer or petroleum jelly right after a bath or shower.

• Encourage your child to spend time outdoors. Natural sunlight in small amounts can help improve the symptoms of psoriasis.

• Keeping a healthy weight can be helpful for people with psoriasis, so make sure your child eats a healthy, balanced diet and gets lots of exercise.

• In some kids, stress can make psoriasis worse. For some, the skin rash can be a source of stress, sadness, or anxiety. Help your child find ways to relax, such as meditation and yoga. Other forms of emotional support can include talking with a therapist or joining a support group.

• Infections (like strep throat or a cold) can trigger a psoriasis flare-up. Make sure your child and family members wash their hands well and often using soap and water to prevent the spread of infections.

• Your child's psoriasis is getting worse or not improving after following the health care provider’s recommendations.

• Your child develops joint pain.

What happens with psoriasis? Children with psoriasis have red patches of thickened skin (called plaques) that may burn, itch, or feel sore. The plaques are often covered with silvery scales. Plaques are commonly found on the scalp, elbows, knees, palms, and soles of feet, but can happen anywhere on the body. Kids in diapers can have them in their diaper area. Children with psoriasis also may have changes to the fingernails or toenails. When joints are affected, they can be painful, stiff, and swollen (this is called arthritis).

What causes psoriasis? The exact cause of psoriasis isn't known. But experts do know that the immune (disease-fighting) system is involved. Immune system cells become overactive, causing skin cells to grow faster than they can be shed, and they pile up as plaques on the skin. Some medicines, stress, infections, and smoking can make psoriasis worse.

How is psoriasis treated? Treatments for psoriasis work by slowing the growth of skin cells or controlling the immune cells that lead to psoriasis. These include:

• ultraviolet light therapy (natural or artificial light)

• topical treatments (applied to the skin, such as creams and ointments)

• medicines taken by mouth

• injected medicines (also called systemic treatment)

 Sometimes more than one treatment is needed to help control symptoms.