Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes raised, scaly skin lesions. There is no cure for psoriasis, but doctors can often treat the itching, redness and flakiness. While medications are available for treating this illness, many doctors avoid using some of them in children due to concerns about delayed or long-term side effects, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. When treating a child with psoriasis, your pediatrician is likely to recommend less invasive home remedies before resorting to medications.
Step 1
Identify triggers and avoid them. Some things that may trigger a psoriasis outbreak include sunburn, skin infections, stress and injuries.
Step 2
Bathe the child daily in lukewarm water and a small amount of mild soap. The Mayo Clinic recommends soaking for at least 15 minutes, and adding bath oil, Epsom salts or colloidal oatmeal to the water to help relieve inflammation and remove the flaking skin.
Step 3
Pat your child's skin gently with a soft towel and apply a heavy moisturizer. This will help to seal in moisture and may help to reduce itching and roughness. If the psoriasis outbreak is on a limb, cover the moisturized area with plastic wrap to treat the redness and leave it on overnight. Rinse any scales off in the morning.
Step 4
Expose your child's psoriasis to sunlight. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, sunlight can help treat mild lesions and may improve moderate psoriasis. The Mayo Clinic recommends checking with a doctor first, applying sunscreen to nonaffected areas of the body and limiting sunbathing to a few minutes at a time, several times per week.
Step 5
Apply a hydrocortisone or anti-itch cream if recommended by your child's doctor. Purchase this over-the-counter, or ask your pediatrician for a prescription.
Step 6
Ask your doctor to check your child for a strep infection. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, a strep infection can cause a psoriasis outbreak, and clearing up the bacteria with an antibiotic can also clear up the psoriasis lesions.
Step 7
Give your child any medications that your doctor prescribes as directed. The National Psoriasis Foundation says about half of all patients do not fully comply with the prescribed treatment, making the treatments ineffective.
Tips and Warnings
- Help your child to understand his condition so that he can answer any questions from other children with confidence.
Things You'll Need
- Mild soap
- Heavy moisturizer
- Plastic wrap
- Sunscreen
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Prescription medications, as necessary
