Psoriasis in a condition in which skin cells do not grow and shed correctly. People with typical or "normal" skin go through a monthly cycle in which the skin cells die, shed from the body and new skin is formed. People with psoriasis reproduce new skin cells much more quickly, at the rate of every four days in some cases, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. The old skin does not slough off the way it should, and piles up on the body. Lesions are formed and the skin becomes red and inflamed. Children and adults alike can have psoriasis. Children who have the skin condition may become embarrassed about their skin, especially if outbreaks are rampant during the teenage years. Though the symptoms of psoriasis can be treated, the condition is chronic and cannot be cured.
Statistics
Psoriasis is a widespread condition, with as many as 7 million people in the United States affected, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Though this number may seem high, it amounts to only about 3 percent of the country's total population. Age on onset varies; the most common age bracket is between 15 and 35 years old for the first outbreak, but younger children can experience first-time symptoms as well. Every year, approximately 20,000 American children younger than 10 years old are newly diagnosed with psoriasis. Psoriasis may sometimes be confused with the rash associated with yeast in the diaper area, making it hard to tell an infant has the skin condition.
Symptoms
The abnormal areas of skin consistent with psoriasis are called plaques. Plaques are red, raised formations of skin that may also have sliver-colored scales within them. Children may have psoriasis on any region of the body, including the scalp. Symptoms in children also include discolored spots on the fingernails. Adults who have psoriasis are commonly affected in the trunk area. Flakes or scales of skin may be itchy or painful to the children who have psoriasis.
Causes
Medical researchers do not know the exact cause of psoriasis, but they do know that the condition seems to be inherited. The Psoriasis Association in the UK reports that 30 percent of children who have psoriasis have a parent or other family member who also has the disease. If both of a child's parents has psoriasis, the child has a 50 percent change of developing the condition. For the condition to become full blown, the genetic link must be apparent as well as some trigger that causes the skin to shed more quickly.
Triggers
Children who show rashes and lesions associated with psoriasis have experienced a trigger that makes the skin act the way it does. Triggers can be physical or emotional in nature. An injury or trauma to the skin can provoke an outbreak of psoriasis. Routine vaccinations, cuts and scrapes from childhood play and sunburns can be triggers. Triggers of this kind are referred to as the Koebner phenomenon in the language of psoriasis. Recent illness, such as a cold or an ear infection can cause an outbreak, or make a current outbreak worse.
Emotional responses can trigger psoriasis too. Stress or other negative emotions can aggravate a child's psoriasis. The onset of puberty, with both its physical and emotional trials and tribulations, may contribute to a worsening of symptoms.
Treatment
Light therapy and topical medications are commonly used to treat children who have psoriasis. If psoriasis follows an infection, such as strep throat, antibiotics will also be prescribed to eradicate infection. Light therapy may come in the form of simply going outdoors and soaking up some rays. It's important to remember to wear sunscreen while being outdoors to protect both healthy skin and the areas of psoriasis. Some children may receive light therapy at a medical facility. These treatments include ultraviolet B rays or laser treatments and pose relatively few side effects to children, and the light helps clear up the lesions.
Topical medications used to treat pediatric psoriasis include steroidal creams to reduce inflammation, and salicylic acid, to slow down the production of new skin cells. Oral medications may be prescribed for teenagers who have severe psoriasis, and include cyclosporin and methotrexate. Oral medications are not often used for children due to the potentially serious side effects.
Emotional Support
Children who have psoriasis need to have a strong support system in place, whether it is from parents, teachers or medical professionals. Especially in the adolescent years, skin abnormalities can be embarrassing and a child does not want to feel different. Lowering stress levels can also help control breakouts. Children who have psoriasis should know the facts about their condition and know that even though it is not a life-threatening condition, psoriasis is going to be a lifelong challenge for them to face.
