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Psoriasis

Psoriasis
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Psoriasis is a chronic, noncontagious skin condition. Children diagnosed with the most common kind of psoriasis get thick red patches (plaques) on their skin. These patches can be itchy and covered with silvery scales. The patches can occur anywhere on the body, but they most often develop on the elbows, knees, scalp and torso.

Psoriasis occurs because of complex abnormalities of the immune system and skin. This means the body’s own immune system attacks developing healthy skin cells, forcing the cells to the skin’s surface faster than normal. Red patches form because of all the extra skin cells.

Episodes of psoriasis come and go and can be minor or major. An outbreak can be triggered by a variety of situations such as:

  • Certain medicines
  • Cold weather
  • Infections
  • Stress
  • Skin irritations

Children with psoriasis may feel self-conscious and can become depressed. In about 40 percent of cases, psoriasis is inherited.

Symptoms of psoriasis can vary depending on the specific type of psoriasis. In general, symptoms include:

  • Raised red patches of skin
  • Dry, cracked skin that might bleed
  • Itching, soreness and burning feelings in the affected area
  • Thick, pitted fingernails

There are five different kinds of psoriasis:

  • Plaque psoriasis. This is the most common form of psoriasis. Children get dry red patches with silvery scales on the skin of their knees, elbows, lower back and scalp. These can be itchy and painful, and they may crack.
  • Guttate psoriasis. Guttate psoriasis often appears after an illness such as strep throat. This kind of psoriasis causes small red spots on the torso, arms and legs.
  • Pustular psoriasis. In this form of psoriasis, the skin becomes red and swollen with puss-filled bumps. These sores appear on the soles of the feet, the hands and fingertips and can cover the entire body.
  • Inverse psoriasis. Inverse psoriasis occurs where skin touches skin, such as the armpits, upper eyelids, groin and genitals, under the breasts and around the buttocks. Red patches on the skin appear smooth and raw and feel sore.
  • Erythrodermic psoriasis. This kind of psoriasis is rare. A bright red rash covers the entire body. The skin looks burned and feels intensely itchy and painful. Other symptoms include a fast heartbeat and feeling too cold or too hot.

There is no cure for psoriasis, but there are good treatments that can reduce symptoms and help control flare-ups.

Diagnosis of Psoriasis

If your child shows signs of psoriasis, a pediatric dermatologist can perform the following exams and tests to make a diagnosis:

  • Physical exam. A doctor will examine your child to look for the red patches or plaques that come with psoriasis along with any silvery scales. Your child’s knees, elbows, scalp, fingers, fingernails and toenails will be examined. The entire body will be checked for signs of psoriasis. The dermatologist will also talk with you about your child’s health history and whether any other family members have psoriasis.
  • Biopsy. A skin sample may be removed for closer study. This helps the doctor decide if your child has psoriasis or a different condition with similar symptoms

Treatments

Treatments

The treatment goal for psoriasis is to get patients into remission. Treatments include:

  • Moisturizers. Keeping the skin hydrated can reduce itching and dryness.
  • Creams and ointments. Anti-inflammatory creams, topical steroids, vitamin D derivative creams and ointments and tar-based creams help manage the symptoms of mild and moderate psoriasis.
  • Ultraviolet light therapy. If symptoms worsen or do not improve with moisturizers and creams, ultraviolet light therapy can help. Your child's doctor may prescribe going outside in the sun for short periods or using special light treatments.
  • Injectable medicines. Systemic agents such as immunosuppressants and biologics may help lessen the body’s attack on healthy skin cells.

Many therapies quiet the chronic symptoms of psoriasis, but if patients stop treatments, dry red patches of skin or rashes will return.

Key Points to Remember

Key Points to Remember

  • Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks healthy skin cells.
  • Psoriasis is not contagious.
  • The most common symptom of psoriasis is dry red patches of skin that can form anywhere on the body.
  • This is a chronic condition that can be managed with treatment.
  • In about 40 percent of cases, psoriasis is inherited.

Support Services & Resources

Support Services & Resources

Visit the trusted websites below to learn more about psoriasis.

Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

National Psoriasis Foundation

This nonprofit supports treatment research for psoriasis and provides resources to patients and families living with the condition.

Locations

Locations

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.

Sort through 5 facilities offering Psoriasis care by entering your city or zip below.

See all facilities →

Departments Treating This Condition

Departments Treating This Condition

  • Dermatology
  • Rheumatology
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