Psoriasis in Children: How to Recognize and Treat Early Symptoms

If you notice red, scaly patches developing on your child’s knees, elbows, or scalp, your child could have psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that a dermatologist should treat. Drs. Linda Park Nims, Rebecca Rudd Barry, and Kelley Pagliai Redbord at Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery Group of Northern Virginia in Vienna, VA, offer a wide range of dermatology services for people of all ages, including psoriasis treatment for children.

What You Need To Know About Psoriasis in Children

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease causing your child’s body to produce excess skin cells, resulting in scaly patches. Psoriasis can happen early. In fact, up to 40% of people with psoriasis develop the condition before age 16, and 10% develop psoriasis before age 10, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.

A psoriasis outbreak may be triggered for the first time by an infection, such as strep throat. Your child’s immune system may be compromised from the infection, making an outbreak of psoriasis more likely.

Other risk factors for triggering psoriasis include:

• Being overweight
• Exposure to cold weather
• Exposure to sun
• High levels of stress

Children are more likely to suffer from:

Plaque psoriasis causes red, scaly patches known as plaques, which can also appear as silvery scales. The plaques can be itchy, painful, and bleed. They may appear on the knees, elbows, scalp, and lower back.

Guttate psoriasis, which causes small red dots on the torso, back, arms, and legs.

If your child is experiencing mild psoriasis symptoms, you can try:

• Giving your child soothing oatmeal baths
• Administering over-the-counter antihistamines for children
• Applying Calamine lotion or other topical anti-itching products

For moderate to severe psoriasis symptoms, you should bring your child to visit the dermatologist, who may recommend several effective professional treatments, including:

• Prescription-strength oral and topical antihistamines
• Topical treatments, including corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and itching
• Light therapy to reduce psoriasis patches
• Biologic medications for older children

Want To Know More About Psoriasis in Children?

To learn more about recognizing and treating early signs of psoriasis in children, call Drs. Linda Park Nims, Rebecca Rudd Barry, and Kelley Pagliai Redbord at Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery Group of Northern Virginia in Vienna, VA. You can reach them in the office by calling (703) 938-5700, so call today.