Psoriasis of the Scalp in Children

Overview

Psoriasis of the scalp can be identified by the red or shiny build up of skin on the surface. It is a common skin disease that can be both temporary and constant. Psoriasis in children does not differ much from psoriasis in adults. In some cases, psoriasis is just a cosmetic problem but in other people it may be uncomfortable. Treatment to lessen the discomfort does exist but a permanent cure has yet to be uncovered.

Significance

Psoriasis is not very common in children. Symptoms similar to psoriasis may indicate what is commonly referred to as cradle cap. Cradle cap is the common term for seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis may last beyond infancy and into several years of childhood. Thus, making the diagnosis of psoriasis or cradle cap more difficult. Cradle cap looks similar to the forms of psoriasis that children may have. Psoriasis in adults also appears differently than it does in children.

Types

The most common type of psoriasis in children is plaque psoriasis. It is characterized by a red raised bump, or plaque, overlaid with flakey skin. Guttate psoriasis is a second form of the skin inflammation. This type occurs more often in children than adults. Guttate psoriasis does not have the distinguishing scales or thick layers of extra skin cells. Instead, the child may have small, red dots spread about the torso, arms and legs. Both guttate and plaque psoriasis can vary in severity. Psoriasis in adults presents itself as red skin patches covered with iridescent flakes or scales. The skin may be cracking and appear to be dry. Some individuals may only have a small patch of what appears to be dandruff. Others may have a substantial amount of irritated skin on the scalp paired with other patches in different parts of the body.

Causes

Psoriasis is the product of overly populating skin cells. According to the Mayo Clinic, children with psoriasis of the scalp may experience new skin cell growth every three to four days instead of the typical 28 to 30 days. The skin appears inflamed and red due to increased blood flow to the affected area. The actual cause of the rapid cell reproduction is not known at this time. Psoriasis seems to run in families, but it does occur in children without a family history of the condition. Some forms of psoriasis may first appear after an illness but are not actually caused by the illness.

Treatment

A cure for psoriasis does not exist. The discomfort and appearance of the inflammation can be treated. At a minimum, applying lotion can help relieve some of the symptoms of psoriasis. Following the bathing regimen of a person with dry skin can also help. For example, reducing the water temperature for bathing or showering and avoiding products with alcohol can reduce the amount of moisture lost. Psoriasis is not dry skin but it can be more pronounced when the surround skin is also dry and flakey. Depending on the severity of the condition, a doctor may prescribe a topical medication that relieves the inflammation. Applying baby oil or another fragrance free oil to the scalp during a shower and massaging it with a soft brush or rag may help loosen the scales. In the event that the disease is actually cradle cap, this may resolve the issue indefinitely.

Similar to Psoriasis

Even though psoriasis is not very common in children, it may be easy for a parent to assume this is the disease affecting their child. Cradle cap, ringworm and eczema can appear very similar to psoriasis. Cradle cap typically occurs without redness. Instead, it just presents scales and flakey skin. The scales can be silvery, like psoriasis, but they are often yellow or the color of skin. Eczema is pink in color and does not create as many layers of skin. Eczema does change the texture of skin to be more rough. Ring worm is also pink or red and includes a rough area of skin. The signature round circle of ring worm should make it easy to distinguish from other skin diseases.