Learn About Psoriasis

Red areas of raised, scaly skin—most commonly on the elbows, knees, fronts of the legs, backs of the arms, genitalia, back and scalp— are hallmarks of the disease. The condition may cause no apparent discomfort, or the skin may be itchy and sore. While psoriasis is usually a persistent, chronic disease, its symptoms come and go over time. There is no cure for psoriasis, but there are a variety of treatments that can alleviate its sometimes severe discomfort.

WHEN SHOULD I SUSPECT THAT MY CHILD HAS PSORIASIS?
Psoriasis begins as red and sometimes itchy areas of raised skin (plaques) on the elbows, knees, backs of arms or any area of the body mentioned before. The raised patches may become dry, white and flaky, or they may become silver and scaly, although the moist environment of the diaper area sometimes keeps the scale from becoming prominent. About one-quarter to one-half of children who develop psoriasis also develop pitting and other changes of their fingernails. If psoriasis begins in infancy, it usually appears first in the diaper area.

WHAT CAUSES PSORIASIS?
The precise cause of psoriasis is unknown. However, it often runs in families, indicating a possible inherited predisposition. For example, children whose parents have psoriasis are three times more likely to develop psoriasis than the rest of the population. The disease is uncommon in people of African and Japanese descent, as well as among Native Americans.

Psoriasis in babies may be worsened by direct contact with an irritating physical, chemical or biological substance. Psoriasis also may appear at a site of injury or surgical incision, and even in areas commonly bound by tight clothing.

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PSORIASIS?
The type of psoriasis and its severity determine how aggressively a pediatrician or dermatologist treats the disease. If an irritating substance is causing the psoriasis, its removal may clear up the problem.

Initially, the doctor may recommend application of an over-the-counter moisturizing agent or emollient. Psoriasis makes the skin dry and flaky, and emollients such as petroleum jelly help the skin retain water.

Other possible treatments, such as exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light and the use of over-the-counter topical cortisone creams, should be carried out only under close medical supervision. In some cases, psoriasis is treated with creams containing strong substances such as dithranol or tar; however, these creams should not be applied in the genital area, as they may burn or further irritate the delicate skin there.

COPING WITH PSORIASIS
While there is no certain way to prevent or treat psoriasis, good hygiene plays an important role in controlling the disease.

• Keep the child's skin, clothing and bed linen clean.

• Change wet or soiled diapers frequently.

• Follow the doctor's instructions in applying any ointment or other treatments for psoriasis.

• Keep the child's fingernails clean and clipped short to minimize risk of a skin infection caused by scratching.

• Bathe the child frequently in lukewarm or cool water to alleviate itching and discomfort.

GETTING HELP
Call your pediatrician if:

• Your child develops symptoms characteristic of psoriasis

Excerpt from THE DISNEY ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BABY & CHILD CARE, © 1995 DSH Communications, Inc. This material is based on current medical research and, to the best of the editors' knowledge and understanding, is accurate and valid. However the reader should not use information contained in this material to alter a medically prescribed regimen or as a form of self-treatment, without seeking the advice of a licensed physician.