Psoriasis, unlike eczema, is less common in childhood. The exact prevalence in childhood is not well established, and there is some variation in reports and studies. In general, up to one-third of patients with psoriasis report the onset of disease before the age of 20. One large study found that in 12 percent of adult patients, the onset occurred before the age of 10, and in 25 percent, between the ages of 10 and 19. A recent Australian study reported the largest number of children with psoriasis ever, and approximately one-quarter of them developed the disease before the age of 2.
When psoriasis occurs in childhood, the lesions are usually plaques with raised, red scaly areas, but can be thinner and less scaly than their adult counterparts. In addition, childhood psoriasis is reported to be itchier (pruritic) than in adults.
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| Psoriasis In Children |
Psoriasis in children is frequently precipitated by infection, and guttate psoriasis is not uncommon. This type of psoriasis presents with multiple scaling and raised areas of skin that develop rapidly on the body; however, it can resolve completely with no recurrence.
The good news is that psoriasis, in general, will not affect your child's health, growth, or development. With the proper treatment, especially for the majority of children with mild disease, this condition can be well controlled and will have little impact on their emotional and physical health. In children with more severe, extensive, and chronic or persistent forms of psoriasis, it is important to realize that there are many new treatments being investigated, and that the future for effective control of psoriasis has never been brighter.
What Does Psoriasis Look Like in Children?
Psoriasis can begin at or shortly after birth, but in most children it usually does not occur until school age. A family history of the disorder is quite common. When present in babies or infants, it commonly starts in the diaper area (napkin psoriasis) and can spread elsewhere on the body. In children, psoriasis can develop as small, flat, or raised, red, discrete areas that develop a thick, silvery scale. These small areas can join to form raised, thick, scaling plaques with a sharp border separating involved and uninvolved skin. Common sites involved include the scalp, ears, elbows, knees, buttock crease, genitals, and nails. The most common form of psoriasis in children is chronic plaque-type psoriasis, with raised, thick, scaling areas. Psoriatic arthritis is quite rare in children.
In up to one-third of cases in children, the initial development of psoriasis can involve multiple, small, teardrop-shaped, scaling, raised lesions, known as guttate psoriasis. Children might experience an outbreak of guttate psoriasis following a cold (upper respiratory infection), most commonly a bacterial infection of the throat (streptococcal pharyngitis or strep throat). Occasionally, a bacterial infection (streptococcal) of the rectum can lead to flare-up of guttate psoriasis. Also, if the child is prone to tonsillitis, psoriasis could recur with future cases of tonsillitis. Guttate psoriasis most commonly affects the back, abdomen, arms, and legs. While a child might have a fever with a bacterial infection, it is unusual for children to have a fever with psoriasis.
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| Psoriasis In Children |
In children as in adults, psoriasis can develop at the site of an injury (Koebner phenomenon). Psoriasis can occur in a straight line along a scratch or appear after abrasions, cuts, or insect bites. This information can be a helpful clue in diagnosing psoriasis. To find out more, you can check out Psoriasis In Children.