Psoriasis in children is diagnosed at any age. This chronic disease can even affect infants and newborns; in recent years, cases of childhood psoriasis in younger preschoolers have become more frequent. When the first signs of the disease appear, it is necessary to begin comprehensive treatment. The sooner it is possible to achieve a state of stable remission, the better for the baby’s health.

Causes of childhood psoriasis

Childhood psoriasis is systemic in nature. Its development is caused by disturbances in the functioning of the immune system, when the body cannot resist the harmful effects of external factors.

Most often, psoriasis in children is first diagnosed in the cold season. Significantly increases the risk of its development and skin injury.

Symptoms of psoriasis in children

The symptoms of psoriasis in an infant differ significantly from the symptoms of this disease in an adult. In children at the initial stage, red rashes appear in the folds of the skin (in the gluteal region, armpit), on the head, and genitals. It is also localized in places subject to constant friction by clothing. Rarely, the rash occurs on the palms and soles of the feet.

The rash resembles diaper rash, but it has the main symptom of psoriasis - the horny ball of papules flakes off and peeling appears. Gradually, the delicate skin becomes covered with a layer of crusty scales. Single small papules merge into conglomerates. Their size gradually increases, covering large areas of the epidermis.

In most cases, the rash is itchy, causing great discomfort to the child. He scratches the papules, risking infection. You can see what childhood psoriasis looks like in the photo.

Stages of psoriasis in a child: progressive, stationary and regressive.

Stages of childhood psoriasis and their symptoms

1. Progressive– the appearance of a small rash of red or bright pink color. It itches, flakes, increases in size and spreads across the skin. Soon the rash becomes covered with cracks and begins to bleed a little. Unlike adults, children have virtually no phenomenon of stearin stain or terminal film.
   In the severe form of the progressive stage, the child’s body temperature rises, the surface of the epidermis thickens, the lymph nodes become enlarged, swelling of the skin and severe redness are observed.
2. Stationary– the formation of new rashes and their growth stop, the intensity of peeling decreases.
3. Regressive– the rash begins to gradually resolve. After its disappearance, depigmented rims appear on the skin.

When signs of the disease completely disappear, remission occurs. Its duration depends on the characteristics of caring for the child, in particular on the diet. Relapse of the disease in children is often a consequence of infectious diseases.

Types of childhood psoriasis

There are different types of psoriasis in children. They are classified depending on the characteristics of the symptoms and localization of the rash. Main forms of the disease:

Appears in children under one year of age. The rashes are localized mainly in the gluteal area. Due to constant contact with excrement and urine, as a result of rubbing with diapers, the skin in this area is irritated, so the disease is difficult to diagnose. Parents often mistake this rash for dermatitis, which makes it difficult to start timely treatment.

Plaque (common) psoriasis

The most common form of the disease in children. Its characteristic symptoms are the formation of red spots on the surface of the skin. At first they are small, but quickly increase in diameter and begin to peel off. The base of the papules has a dense texture. On top they are covered with a loose layer of scales that are easily separated.
Plaque-like papules are localized in different parts of the body, but most often occur in the bending area of ​​the elbows, as well as knees, and in the scalp.

The body is covered with a large number of rashes, which in shape look like a drop, have a small size and a convex shape. Papules rise above the surface of the epidermis and peel off. They cover the head, arms and legs, as well as the torso. The rash may disappear on its own or develop into plaque psoriasis. At the age of 4-5 years, this form of the disease is provoked by a streptococcal infection.

Generalized pustular psoriasis

It develops suddenly and very quickly. In a short period of time, large areas of the skin become inflamed and covered with ulcers. The affected areas of the epidermis hurt. This form of psoriasis is dangerous because it provokes serious complications. It can lead to diseases of internal organs, in particular the kidneys and heart.

Pustular psoriasis

Affects children over 7 years of age. It is rare in infants and preschoolers. This is a severe form of the disease, in which swelling of the skin appears, and its surface becomes covered with blisters filled with non-infectious exudate. Often accompanied by inflammation of the lymph nodes.

A very dangerous form, provoked by dysfunctions of the body’s thermoregulation. Manifests itself in generalized inflammation of the epidermis, intense peeling. Accompanied by severe itching and painful sensations. Large areas of skin begin to peel off. Can be fatal, especially if the child is small.

Appears on the curves of the body, most often in the area of ​​the inner surface of the thigh, groin, and genitals. The body is covered with red spots. They are smooth and do not flake, but are slightly convex.

Affects the nail plates. Its symptoms depend on the form. The following varieties are distinguished:

• thimble-shaped - small depressions form on the surface of the nails, which makes them visually look like a thimble;
• onychomadesis - nails peel off from the bed very quickly;
• onycholysis - nails gradually peel off from the bed, while there are no inflammatory processes, a yellow-pink border appears around the base of the nail;
• trachyonychia - the nail thickens, becomes rough, its surface becomes wavy, the edges rise;
• subungual hemorrhage - stripes and spots of a red-pink hue appear under the surface of the nail;
• Psoriatic paronychia - the skin around the nail and the finger itself thicken, this is accompanied by intense inflammatory processes.

Arthropathic psoriasis

Affects joints. Signs of this form of the disease are muscle rigidity, they cease to be mobile, joints and fingers swell and swell. Knees, fingers, ankles, wrists hurt, and there is a feeling of general discomfort. Conjunctivitis may appear.
According to the type of psoriasis, it is divided into types:

• winter or summer - depending on the season when the relapse occurs, most children have the winter form;
• new – when symptoms appear for the first time;
• continuously relapsing – diseases;
• indefinite form.

This classification is taken into account by doctors when choosing a method of treating the disease.

Diagnosis of psoriasis is carried out by a dermatologist. He examines the child, clarifies when the rashes appeared, how the disease manifests itself, and whether there are people in the family suffering from this disease.


It is difficult to diagnose children, especially those under the age of 1 year, solely by visual examination, since they often do not have the classic symptoms of the disease: stearin stain, terminal film and “bloody dew”. An analysis of a scraping taken from the surface of the rash will allow you to accurately verify the presence of psoriasis.

Psoriasis before and after treatment at different stages.

Children with psoriasis need complex treatment. Systemic therapy, which is simultaneously aimed at eliminating symptoms and strengthening the body as a whole, will help you quickly achieve a state of remission. Let's look at the main treatment methods.

Medicines for external use

Effective for eliminating papules that affect the skin. This group includes:

• 1-2% - contraindicated for infants;
• sulfur-tar ointment 2-3%;
• boric ointment;
• glucocorticoid ointments 0.5% - “Locacorten”, “Flucinar”, “Prednisolone”;
• phosphodiesterase inhibitors - papaverine ointment 1% and theophylline ointment 5% for the treatment of psoriasis affecting the scalp;
• steroid creams and ointments - “Lorinden A”, “Sinaflan” and others;
• heparin ointment – ​​for old plaques.

Medicines for internal use

• desensitizing agents - three times a day it is recommended to take a solution of calcium gluconate 5% in a teaspoon, the duration is determined by the doctor;
• sedatives - children can take valerian tincture;
• antihistamines to relieve itching - take Tavegil, Suprastin for 7-10 days, for acute conditions, for milder conditions - you can prescribe tablets;
• tranquilizers - in rare cases prescribed to older children; Tezapam, Seduxen can be used;
• – ascorbic acid, B12, B15, D, A, E, drink three times a day for several months;
• pyrogenic drugs - to activate the body’s protective functions, normalize vascular permeability, 8-10 injections of “Pyrogenal” are prescribed for children over 3 years old;
• glucocorticoids - prescribed in severe cases for a course of 2-3 weeks with a gradual reduction in dose.

Two photos: a boy with psoriasis before and after treatment

Physiotherapeutic procedures

• Ural irradiation - the procedure is especially effective in winter;
• 10-15 minutes every other day - 50 g of salt per 10 liters of water;
• phototherapy.

Drugs and procedures for treatment are prescribed by the doctor strictly individually, taking into account the patient’s age, form and stage of the disease.

Traditional medicine

You can use it at home. Effective recipes:

1. Pour boiling water over flax seeds. For 1 tablespoon of seeds you need 1 glass of water. Leave it overnight in a thermos, and in the morning on an empty stomach give the child 0.3-0.5 glasses of flaxseed infusion. The course of treatment is 2 weeks.
2. Prepare a paste from Kalanchoe leaves and apply it to the papules. Secure the top with adhesive tape. Keep for 30 minutes.
3. Grind the celery root. Apply the resulting mass to the papules for 2 hours. The course of treatment is 2 months. Repeat daily.

Two photos: a girl with psoriasis before and after treatment

Proper nutrition

To cure psoriasis as quickly as possible and achieve remission, you need to follow the correct diet:

• exclude baked goods, muffins, sweets, fatty and fried foods, chocolate from the diet;
• limit consumption of citrus fruits;
• drink enough fluids;
• replace sweet drinks with herbal tea;
• The basis of the diet is vegetables, herbs, freshly squeezed juices, dietary meat, lean fish.

Read more about the basic principles of nutrition for psoriasis in the section.

Regular bathing with salt or decoctions of chamomile, sage, flax, and pine needles will help improve the child’s condition. After bathing, moisturize your skin with oil.

Prevention

To minimize the risk of the disease and prolong the period of remission, follow simple rules:

• When bathing, do not use aggressive agents or hard washcloths;
• teach your child to avoid cuts, burns, and skin injuries;
• keep your child away from direct sunlight;
• give preference to clothes made from natural fabrics;
• monitor your child’s diet;
• carefully select medications;
• try to ensure that the child has a positive emotional state.

If you have the slightest suspicion that your child has psoriasis, consult a dermatologist. This is a serious disease, so only a competent doctor can tell you how to treat it. Do not self-medicate, because the sooner you undergo effective therapy, the faster you will be able to achieve a state of stable remission. Despite the fact that psoriasis cannot be cured, with the right and timely approach, the number of relapses of the disease can be minimized.

Psoriasis - how to get rid of a deadly autoimmune disease?

Judging by the fact that you are reading these lines now, victory in the fight against psoriasis is not yet on your side... And have you already thought about radical treatment methods? This is understandable, because psoriasis can progress, resulting in the rash covering 70-80% of the body surface. Which leads to a chronic form. Red blistering blisters on the skin, itching, cracked heels, peeling skin... All these symptoms are familiar to you firsthand. But perhaps it would be more correct to treat not the effect, but the cause? We found an interesting interview with a dermatologist at the Russian Dermatology Center.

Psoriasis is not common in children. As a rule, the disease affects an adult aged 18-23 years, regardless of the patient’s gender.

Psoriasis in children

Childhood psoriasis is a non-infectious chronic disease that affects children of school and preschool age. A characteristic feature of the appearance of this pathology in a child is the presence of inflammatory foci and the appearance of silver-white papules.

The causes and treatment of the disease largely depend on the individual characteristics of the child, as well as on the form of psoriasis and its severity. Sometimes psoriasis occurs even in newborns. If the parents of a baby suspect psoriasis, they should immediately contact a dermatologist.

Only a qualified specialist can help make the correct diagnosis and determine the necessary course of treatment.

A particular danger in treating infants is that children of this age cannot be given standard medications. Only special procedures and traditional methods can help here.

Causes of psoriasis in children

First of all, it is worth noting that psoriasis in children occurs systemically. The pathology negatively affects the general condition of the child’s body at a time when the immune system is not functioning properly.

Despite the wide variety of opinions about the causes of the disease, doctors were unable to choose the main one, and came to the conclusion that psoriasis is a multifactorial disease .

At the same time, there are a number of scientific assumptions based on the results of studies that determine the range of main causes of psoriasis:

1. Genetic predisposition of the child. In 80% of cases, a child suffers from psoriasis if the disease was observed in his parents. At the same time, only a predisposition is inherited, but the activation of the disease occurs only under the influence of external factors.
2. Disturbance in the functioning of the central nervous system. Psychological trauma, stress, and frustration can also provoke the disease.
3. Metabolic disorder. Psoriasis develops due to a lack of vitamins and microelements.
4. Infection. Most often, childhood psoriasis is the result of a previous infectious disease.
5. Disruption of the endocrine system. These include hormonal imbalance and the presence of a large number of toxins in the body.

In this regard, one child has enough malnutrition to provoke psoriasis, while another will easily endure all the above-mentioned moments and will not suffer from these diseases.

How to treat psoriasis in childhood

Treatment of psoriasis in children should be carried out under the guidance of the attending physician. Only a specialist will be able to accurately diagnose and determine what kind of help a small patient needs.

First, you need to make an appointment with a specialist and, when visiting the consultation, talk about the first manifestations of psoriasis in your child. Also, the doctor will ask several questions regarding other points to find out the causes of the disease.

For example, it is important for a specialist to know whether parents or any relatives have this disease and in what form. When did the first manifestation occur and after what?

Happy is the person who has never seen a doctor in his life. Those parents who have not had to deal with problems related to the baby’s health are doubly happy. Unfortunately, today such a picture is increasingly reminiscent of a fantasy story. Children get sick more and more every year, and their illnesses become more insidious. One of them is psoriasis (scaly lichen). It is this pathology that most often affects children. In this article we will look at how psoriasis manifests itself in children, its causes and treatment.

Photo and description of the disease

Psoriasis is a chronic disease that appears as silvery-white papules on the skin. This disease occurs in children of different age groups, including infants and newborns.

Normally, keratinocytes (skin cells) are renewed every 28 days. With the development of this disease, activation of the body's defenses and simultaneous stimulation of T-lymphocytes is observed, which entails the release of a large number of proteins of the acute phase of inflammation. Macrophages and neutrophils begin to migrate into the skin. As a result, this process ends with excessive proliferation of keratinocytes within 2-3 days. Since the skin is not able to lose keratinized epithelium so quickly, new cells, when actively multiplying, raise it in the form of characteristic plaques.

Most often, psoriasis develops in a child if his parents were previously diagnosed with this disease. The disease is not contagious and cannot be transmitted by airborne droplets. Characteristic rashes usually appear in the groin area, on the buttocks, and in the lumbar area. As the pathology progresses, the limbs and back are affected. In infants, rashes are predominantly localized in areas in contact with the diaper.

Diagnosis of the disease is simple and does not require any serious research. In some cases, the doctor may additionally take a scraping from the affected area to perform a biopsy and rule out other pathologies of a similar nature.

Treatment depends on the severity of the disease, the presence of joint lesions, the patient's age and previous treatment experience. Typically, doctors try to minimize the use of medications with hormones, as this can negatively affect a fragile body. We will discuss treatment tactics in more detail below.

Causes of psoriasis

As noted above, the normal maturation cycle of skin cells is 28 days. In psoriasis, it decreases to about three days, which is manifested by the formation of plaques.

Scientists have found that the healthy skin of a child has the same changes as in the affected areas. In addition, patients usually experience disturbances in the functioning of the immune and endocrine systems, metabolism, and other pathological changes. All this indicates that lichen planus is a systemic disease.

The main causes of psoriasis in children can be divided into several groups:

• heredity;
• Wednesday;
• infections.

Heredity is the primary factor in the occurrence of the disease. This fact is confirmed by many years of studying dermatosis in twins and close relatives in the family, as well as biochemical studies of absolutely healthy family members. If the pathology is confirmed in one of the parents, the probability of psoriasis in the child is 25%, when the disease is diagnosed in both - 60-70%.

The so-called environmental factors include seasonal changes, the impact of stressful situations on the child’s psyche, and contact of clothing with the skin. Focusing on a sick child at school or kindergarten, limiting contacts for fear of infection - these are just some examples that provoke an exacerbation of the disease and an increase in the affected area. It is believed that the psyche is especially vulnerable during puberty due to hormonal changes in the body. Therefore, a large percentage of cases of the disease are diagnosed in adolescents.

The causes of psoriasis in children are often infectious in nature. Flu, pneumonia, hepatitis - all these diseases trigger infectious-allergic response mechanisms. The so-called post-infectious form is also isolated, when it spreads throughout the body in the form of droplets.

Features of the course of the disease

Depending on the time of exacerbation, summer and winter variants of the disease are distinguished. Ultraviolet irradiation is very helpful in treating the latter.

In addition, pathology is divided into the following periods of development:

• Latent (the period before primary signs of psoriasis appear in a child).
• Manifest (characterized by the appearance of the main clinical manifestations).
• Remission (signs of the disease disappear).
• Relapse (recurrence of symptoms).

The duration of remission is the main criterion by which the effectiveness of the therapy is assessed. It can be complete (all skin rashes have disappeared) or incomplete. In the latter case, several elements remain, which doctors call “standby plaques.”

There are also three stages of the disease: acute, stationary and regressive. The first stage is characterized by the development of the pathological process with the appearance of new rashes, the stationary stage is characterized by its slowdown, and the third - by regression.

How does psoriasis manifest in children (photo)

The initial stage is characterized by the appearance on the skin of a rash in the form of red islands with silvery-whitish areas that constantly peel and itch. After the final formation of cracks on these plaques, bleeding occurs, which increases the likelihood of a secondary infection.

Externally, papules on the skin in children are similar to those in adults, but have some differences. Young patients with this diagnosis are characterized by Koebner syndrome, that is, the appearance of a rash in areas affected by injury or irritation.

Silvery-whitish plaques can be localized on any part of the body. The most commonly affected areas are the buttocks, knees, navel and scalp. In every third case, doctors diagnose nail psoriasis in children. This is the so-called thimble symptom, when small holes are formed on the nail plates, reminiscent of the holes of a thimble. Often plaques can be found directly in the folds of the skin.

Types of psoriasis in children

• Plaque-like. This form of the disease occurs most often. It is characterized by the appearance of small reddish spots on the skin. Their upper layer is usually loose and scaly, and the lower layer is very dense. When the scales are removed, the plaques begin to increase in size.
• Teardrop-shaped. This type of disease is characterized by the appearance of many small red dots that look like a drop. Papules rise above the surface of the skin, quickly increasing in size. Most often they are localized in the area of ​​the legs and arms, on the head. in children, the symptoms of which usually appear between the ages of four and five years, occurs primarily after a streptococcal infection.
• Pustular. This is a fairly serious form of the disease, most often diagnosed in children during adolescence. Papules are filled with non-infectious exudate.
• Generalized pustular psoriasis. In children, the initial stage of the disease occurs suddenly, and the pathology rapidly spreads throughout the skin. The disease often affects the functioning of the heart, kidneys and other internal organ systems.
• Flexion surfaces. The disease is accompanied by the appearance of smooth papules that rise slightly above the surface of the skin. This form most often affects the inner thighs and groin area.
• Erythrodermic. The pathology is characterized by pain and severe itching. Lack of timely treatment leads to serious complications and, in some cases, death.
• Arthropathic psoriasis in children. Photos of this variant of pathology can be viewed in specialized medical reference books. It is characterized by the appearance of general discomfort, muscle rigidity, swelling of the toes, and the development of conjunctivitis.

Making a diagnosis

Diagnosis of the disease is carried out on the basis of medical history, examination results of the skin, scalp and nails. Sometimes they resort to microscopy of epithelial scales.

If a doctor has confirmed psoriasis in a child, parents should not despair. If you follow all the specialist’s recommendations and have the right attitude towards the current problem, nothing threatens the child’s life. A positive attitude in the treatment of this disease is an important factor. Its aggravation is usually observed during nervous breakdowns or stressful situations, so the baby should be ensured in a good mood.

Drug therapy

We have already described what psoriasis looks like in children, now it’s time to talk about the main methods of treating this disease. Treatment of an illness is a long process, the main goal of which is to control the condition of a small patient and improve his quality of life. Currently, doctors cannot offer a single treatment method that would allow us to forget about this problem forever. Taking medications helps reduce the worsening of psoriasis only for a while.

To determine the most effective treatment tactics, it is necessary to take into account the form of the disease, the severity of the pathological process, and the age of the potential patient. As a rule, children are recommended for local treatment with ointments and special creams. Below we will look in more detail at what medications are prescribed for this disease.

• Desensitizing (10% calcium chloride solution) and sedatives (valerian tincture).
• In cases of severe itching, psoriasis in children is treated with antihistamines (Suprastin, Tavegil).
• Young patients are prescribed B vitamins (“Pyridoxine”, “Riboflavin”, “Cyanocobalamin”).
• To activate the body's defenses, drugs that have pyrogenic properties are prescribed. They slow down the rate of cell division and normalize vascular permeability (Pyrogenal, Prodigiosan).
• To combat plaques on the palms, bandages with salicylic or prednisolone ointment are used. If children have psoriasis on the head, papaverine ointment is recommended.

If the above treatment is ineffective, the doctor may prescribe glucocorticoids. The dosage is selected individually.

In case of concomitant diseases, it is extremely important to sanitize the sources of infection: treat carious teeth, deworming.

What should the diet be like?

Treatment of psoriasis in children involves not only taking medications, but also correcting nutrition. With infants everything is very simple - they don’t eat sweets and fatty foods anyway. The nutrition of children from one year to about 12 years old will have to change. As you know, problems in the intestines manifest themselves externally in the form of irritations and rashes on the skin. Indeed, improper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract can provoke psoriasis in a child, or rather its exacerbation.

First of all, you should remove baked goods and baked goods, spicy and fried foods from your diet. It is necessary to minimize the consumption of citrus fruits and some fruits, as well as chocolate.

For a child, giving up sweets is usually considered the worst part of treatment. Parents should explain the need for such a step as correctly as possible. Sweets can be replaced with dried fruits, fried foods - steamed. It will be better if parents and their child review their daily diet. The baby should feel solidarity from adults, then such changes in the diet will not cause him discomfort.

Let's talk about hygiene

If a doctor has diagnosed psoriasis in a child, special attention should be paid to his hygiene. Ideally, it is recommended to take a warm bath every evening with the addition of sage, chamomile or flax seeds. You should not use washcloths and brushes, and it is better to replace shampoo and soap with special medicinal options. As a rule, they do not have a strong odor, but they relieve itching well.

Immediately after bathing, you should pat your skin with a soft towel rather than dry it. It would be a good idea to apply a special oil to moisturize.

Psoriasis in children (photos of patients are presented in this article) is considered an autoimmune disease. The body's defenses are so weak that they cease to perform their primary functions. For the treatment of the disease to be effective, it is necessary to strengthen the immune system.

A doctor can prescribe vitamin preparations, and parents should increase the amount of natural vitamins. This means that fruits, vegetables, and dairy products should always be present on the table. It is imperative to ventilate the apartment, including before going to bed. Hardening can be trained, but only after consultation with a specialist.

How to live for a child with psoriasis?

We have already described in detail what psoriasis is in children. The causes and treatment of this disease are inextricably linked. What to do next until the symptoms of the disease go away? How can a child with such a diagnosis live?

First of all, it is very important to prevent the development of pathologies of an infectious nature. Tonsillectomy and adenotomy can be performed only after the age of three. In 90% of cases of this kind, surgical interventions have a beneficial effect on the process. In 10% of patients with this diagnosis, exacerbations continue.

Numerous studies in this area show that relapses occur less and less as the child grows older, and common types of pathology are replaced by limited ones.

Children diagnosed with psoriasis are recommended to undergo constant monitoring at a specialized dispensary. Thanks to this approach, the likelihood of repeated relapses is reduced. For these purposes, young patients are prescribed courses of ultraviolet irradiation, vitamin therapy, and sanitation of foci of infection.

Conclusion

In this article we described how psoriasis manifests itself in children (photo). The initial stage of this disease is characterized by the appearance of plaques and itching on the skin. If these symptoms occur, you should immediately seek help from a doctor, undergo the necessary examination and undergo the appropriate tests. Of course, psoriasis therapy requires an exclusively qualified approach. You should not self-medicate or resort to the help of our grandmothers’ recipes. Only a specialist can confirm the final diagnosis and prescribe appropriate therapy. Parents have the right to control the process and know about existing alternatives.

Psoriasis is a fairly common disease of an autoimmune nature. If your child has been diagnosed with this, you should not worry ahead of time, because the negative attitude is transmitted to the baby himself. Scientists around the world continue to actively work to find a universal cure for this disease. Unfortunately, the drugs that modern medicine offers can only reduce the manifestation of symptoms. In any case, treatment should not be put aside. Be healthy!

Psoriasis, or scaly lichen, in children is a chronic disease that is manifested by the formation of silver-white papules (tubercles) on the child’s skin. The incidence of psoriasis among all dermatoses is about 8%. This disease occurs among groups of children of different ages, including infants and newborns, more often in girls. The disease is characterized by some seasonality: there are more cases of psoriasis in winter than in summer.

The disease is not contagious, although a viral theory of its origin is still being considered.

Causes of the disease

The leading factor in the development of psoriasis is heredity.

The normal cycle of skin cell maturation is 30 days. With psoriasis, it is reduced to 4-5 days, which is manifested by the formation of psoriatic plaques. Using electron microscopy, it was found that the same changes are present in the child’s healthy skin as in the affected areas. In addition, in patients with psoriasis, disruption of the nervous, endocrine, immune systems, metabolism (mainly enzyme and fat) and other changes in the body are detected. This suggests that psoriasis is a systemic disease.

There are three main groups of causes of psoriasis:

• heredity;
• Wednesday;
• infections.

Heredity is a leading factor in the development of psoriasis. This is confirmed by the study of dermatosis that occurs in twins, in relatives in several generations, as well as biochemical studies of healthy family members. If one of the parents is sick, the probability that the child will get psoriasis is 25%, if both are sick – then 60-75%. At the same time, the type of inheritance remains unclear and is considered multifactorial.

Environmental factors include seasonal changes, contact of clothing with skin, the impact of stress on the child’s psyche, and relationships with peers. Focusing the attention of children in a group on a sick child, treating them like a “black sheep,” limiting contacts for fear of getting infected – all these factors can provoke new exacerbations and an increase in the area of ​​skin lesions. The child’s psyche is especially vulnerable during puberty, which is caused by hormonal changes. Therefore, a large percentage of the disease is detected in adolescents.

The ratio of genetic and environmental factors that provoke the occurrence of psoriasis is 65% and 35%.

Infections trigger infectious-allergic response mechanisms, which can trigger the development of psoriasis. So, the disease can occur after suffering,. There are even post-infectious forms of the disease. It is characterized by a profuse papular rash in the form of droplets over the entire body.

In some cases, the onset of psoriasis is preceded by skin trauma.

Symptoms

Psoriasis is characterized by the appearance of a rash on the skin in the form of islands (“plaques”) of red color with silvery-white areas that easily peel and itch. The appearance of cracks in the plaques may be accompanied by slight bleeding and is fraught with the addition of a secondary infection.

Externally, psoriatic skin rashes in children are similar to those in adults, but there are some differences. For children suffering from psoriasis, Koebner syndrome is very characteristic - the appearance of rashes in areas affected by irritation or injury.

The course of childhood psoriasis is long, with the exception of the teardrop-shaped, more favorable form of the disease. There are three stages of the disease:

• progressive;
• stationary;
• regressive.

The progressive stage is characterized by the formation of small itchy papules surrounded by a red rim. Lymph nodes may become enlarged and hardened, especially in severe forms of psoriasis. During the stationary stage, the growth of rashes stops, the center of the plaques flattens, and peeling decreases. During the regression stage, the elements of the rash resolve, leaving behind a depigmented rim (Voronov's rim). The rashes leave behind hyper- or hypopigmented spots.

The localization of psoriatic rashes can be different. The skin most often affected is the elbows, knees, buttocks, navel, and scalp. Every third child with psoriasis has affected nails (the so-called thimble symptom, in which small holes appear on the nail plates, resembling the pits of a thimble). Plaques can often be found in folds of skin. The mucous membranes are also affected, especially the tongue, and the rashes can change location and shape (“geographic tongue”). The skin of the palms and plantar surface of the foot is characterized by hyperkeratosis (thickening of the upper layer of the epidermis). The face is less commonly affected; the rash appears on the forehead and cheeks, and may spread to the ears.

A blood test reveals an increase in the amount of total protein and the level of gamma globulins, a decrease in the albumin-globulin ratio, and reveals disorders of fat metabolism.

Forms of childhood psoriasis

• teardrop-shaped;
• plaque;
• pustular;
• erythrodermic;
• infant psoriasis;
• psoriatic arthritis.

The most common form is guttate psoriasis. It appears in the form of red bumps on the body and limbs, which occur after minor injuries, as well as after infections (otitis, nasopharyngitis, influenza, etc.). Cytological examination reveals streptococci in a throat smear. The guttate form of psoriasis is often confused with allergic reactions.

Plaque psoriasis characterized by red rashes with clear boundaries and a thick layer of white scales.

Pustular, or pustular, form the disease is rare. The appearance of pustules can be triggered by infection, vaccination, the use of certain medications, and stress. Pustular psoriasis that occurs in newborns is called neonatal.

At erythrodermic psoriasis the baby's skin looks completely red; There may be plaques on some areas of the skin. Often skin manifestations are accompanied by fever and joint pain.

Pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis can take generalized forms with a severe course. They require hospital treatment to avoid death.

Infant psoriasis also known as diaper psoriasis. It is difficult to diagnose because skin lesions most often occur in the buttocks and can be mistaken for dermatosis due to skin irritation from urine and feces.

Psoriatic arthritis affects about 10% of children with psoriasis. The joints swell, the muscles become stiff, pain occurs in the toes, ankle, knee, and wrist joints. Conjunctivitis is often associated.

Typically, the course of any form of the disease changes every three months. In summer, due to solar insolation, symptoms often subside.

Treatment

Anti-inflammatory and moisturizing creams and ointments are used locally.

It is best to hospitalize a child who develops psoriasis for the first time.

• Desensitizing agents (5% calcium gluconate solution or 10% calcium chloride solution orally, 10% calcium gluconate solution intramuscularly) and sedatives (tincture of motherwort, valerian) are prescribed.
• For severe itching, antihistamines (Suprastin, Tavegil) are appropriate. The tranquilizers used include Seduxen, Tazepam, and Meprotan.
• Vitamins of group B are indicated intramuscularly in 10-20 injections: B6 (Pyridoxine), B12 (Cyanocobalamin), B2 (Riboflavin); orally: B15 (Pangamic acid), B9 (Folic acid), A (Retinol) and C (Ascorbic acid).
• To activate the body's defenses, drugs that have pyrogenic (temperature-increasing) properties are used. They normalize vascular permeability and reduce the rate of epidermal cell division. Children over three years old are prescribed Pyrogenal intramuscularly twice a week, gradually increasing the dose from 5 MTD to 40-100 MTD, 8-10 injections per course. Children from the age of two are prescribed Prodigiozan 1-3 times a week, starting with a dose of 2-10 mcg and increasing to 15-200 mcg, 5-8 injections per course.
• Weekly blood transfusions, plasma and albumin administration are indicated.
• If treatment is ineffective, as well as in severe cases of the disease, the doctor may prescribe glucocorticoids (Prednisolone) for a course of 2-3 weeks, with a gradual reduction in the dose and subsequent discontinuation of the drug. The dosage is selected individually. Cytostatics are not prescribed to children due to their toxicity.
• To combat plaques on the palms and soles, occlusive (sealed) dressings with ointments are used: salicylic, sulfur-tar, prednisolone. Theophylline or papaverine ointment is applied to the affected scalp.
• In stationary and regressive stages of psoriasis, children are prescribed ultraviolet radiation, sedative baths, and herbal medicine. Sapropel extract, which is used in the form of applications or baths, has proven itself well.

If frequent colds accompany psoriasis, it is necessary to sanitize the sources of infection: cure, perform, if indicated, perform tonsillectomy and adenotomy. A desirable stage in the treatment of psoriasis is sanatorium treatment.

You need to remember that psoriasis is a chronic disease characterized by periods of exacerbation and remission, and be prepared for long-term and regular treatment.

Doctors often have to diagnose psoriasis in children. This disease occupies one of the leading positions among childhood dermatitis, which is chronic. Signs of psoriasis can appear in a child of any age. This pathology is often observed even in newborn babies.

Modern medicine still cannot name the exact reasons that influence the appearance and development of the disease. In the course of numerous studies, experts were able to find out that heredity plays a large role in this process. The following statistics were revealed:
If one of the baby’s parents has psoriasis, then there is a 50% chance that he will show signs of the painful condition;
If both parents have psoriasis, the probability increases to 70%;

The development of clinical symptoms of psoriasis in a child is usually observed as a result of exposure to the following factors on the child’s body:

• Psycho-emotional experiences;
• Physical overload;
• Infectious diseases;
• Allergic reactions.

Any adverse effect on the baby’s fragile body leads to such unpleasant consequences.

In a healthy person, dead cells that have already completed their life cycle naturally exfoliate. If there is a failure in this process, then skin particles simply begin to accumulate on its surface. As a result, peculiar plaques are formed that can increase in size and grow.

Symptoms

Psoriasis in children is recognized by the symptoms characteristic of this disease. First, redness appears on the skin. It is localized in the area of ​​folds. Afterwards, swelling of the layers of the epidermis and their peeling are observed. As a rule, in children over 2 years old they begin to peel off severely.
If psoriasis appears on the nails, the child will develop small depressions in the nail plastic. Similar body lesions occur in a third of children who are sick with this pathology.

The first symptoms of psoriasis in children are slight redness

Psoriatic skin lesions, which are observed on the scalp, cause severe redness. Plaques cover the forehead, cheeks, ears and eyelids. Peeling of the skin on the hairline cannot be ruled out. If the disease continues to progress, gray scales will appear under the hair. However, their loss is not observed. This painful symptom is absent even in severe psoriasis.
In some children, psoriasis is detected on the mucous membrane of the mouth and tongue. This area becomes covered with unpleasant spots, which change their color and shape from time to time.
Skin tags always cause pain and severe itching. The rash may peel and crack, causing sores and bleeding. This is a very dangerous condition, since infection easily penetrates into cracks. After about 10 years, psoriasis in a child, in its symptoms, begins to be similar to the signs of the disease in adults.

Stages of development

During the standard course, a skin disease always goes through several stages of its development:

Initial

It is characterized by the appearance of primary rashes on the skin. Quite often, adults mistake it for a common allergy or diathesis. In children under two years of age, the initial stage is accompanied by redness. The rash is easily recognized due to the fact that it looks like limited pimples of a reddish tint. Within a few days the rashes are smooth. Afterwards they are gradually covered with gray scales;

Progressive

At this stage, the rash rapidly grows on the head and other parts of the child’s body. They begin to merge into a single whole. Peeling is observed only on the central elements of the rash. Meanwhile, the side zones are simply growing. The skin gradually becomes inflamed and begins to itch. At this stage, the disease usually lasts from 2 weeks to several months;

Stationary

Psoriasis in children continues to progress. Its symptoms become more pronounced. Old plaques stop growing. They are replaced by new rashes. Peeling intensifies. The duration of this stage is not indicated by a time frame;

Regressive

The child's signs of peeling partially disappear. There are much fewer plaques. They leave noticeable scars behind. If the outcome is successful, zones with pigmentation different from the natural color of the skin begin to form. Over time, they completely disappear.
The duration of a particular stage of development of psoriasis in young children depends on exactly how the disease progresses and whether measures are taken to eliminate it.

Species

Psoriasis in children comes in different types. In the thematic photos you can see the features of each of them on the skin. The disease is classified depending on the symptoms and location of the scales.

Film psoriasis

It is diagnosed in children who have not yet turned 1 year old. The rash usually affects the buttock area. They arise due to constant contact of the skin with the baby’s natural secretions and due to rubbing with the diaper. The skin in this area is very irritated, so doctors have difficulty recognizing psoriasis. Some parents do not even pay attention to this problem, as they mistake the rash for ordinary dermatitis.

Plaque psoriasis

This is a common form of skin pathology. Its characteristic features are red spots that cover different parts of the child’s body. At first they are small in size. Such spots grow very quickly. Afterwards they begin to peel off.
The top of the rash is covered with a layer of scales, which are easily separated from the skin. Most often they appear on the head, knees and in the bend of the elbows.

Guttate psoriasis

With this form of the disease, the child’s body is covered with numerous rashes, which in their shape resemble droplets. They are small and round in shape. The formed papules are located above the surface of the skin. They are characterized by severe peeling. The rash can appear in absolutely any part of the body. In the absence of a favorable factor for its further development, psoriasis stops progressing and disappears. Under other circumstances, it develops into another form of the disease.

Generalized pustular psoriasis

Psoriasis in children of this form occurs suddenly. In a short period of time, it affects large areas of the skin. They become very inflamed and covered with painful ulcers. The child constantly suffers from pain in the area where the rashes accumulate.
This form of the disease is considered one of the most dangerous, as it can cause serious complications. This type of psoriasis can even lead to damage to internal organs. The kidneys and heart are most susceptible to its negative effects.

Pustular psoriasis

It is diagnosed in children who are already 7 years old. In young children, this form of psoriasis is observed only in rare cases.
There are quite pronounced signs of psoriasis in children. The pustular form of the disease is accompanied by swelling of the skin and its covering with small blisters filled with non-infectious fluid. Another symptom of this type of psoriasis is inflammation of the lymph nodes.

Erythrodermic psoriasis

A rather dangerous and unpredictable form of psoriasis. It leads to disruption of body thermoregulation. The disease is recognized by severe peeling and inflammation of the skin. The child constantly suffers from itching and pain in the affected area. Large areas of the epidermis begin to peel off over time. If the child is very small, he may not survive this condition.

From the name of the type of disease you can understand that it affects the bending areas of the body. Typically, rashes occur in the groin area, genitals and inner thighs. The skin becomes covered with red spots. They are smooth and do not peel off.

Arthropathic psoriasis

This form of the disease affects the joints. Psoriatic pathology is recognized by symptoms such as muscle stiffness, swelling and swelling of the fingers. The joints begin to hurt a lot. In some cases, the child develops conjunctivitis.
Most types of psoriasis are very similar to each other in their clinical picture. Therefore, without consulting a doctor, it is very difficult to determine which form of the disease the child is suffering from.

Diagnostics

If a child has painful rashes on the head or other parts of the body, he should be immediately shown to a specialist. With such symptoms, consultation with a dermatologist is required. He will be able to make a diagnosis after a complete examination of the patient and listening to his complaints. The doctor will prescribe a histological examination for the baby. To do this, a small sample of the affected tissue will be taken from him. The result of the laboratory analysis will help the dermatologist give the child the correct diagnosis. After this, he will be prescribed treatment, which should alleviate the painful condition.

Treatment

Therapeutic therapy, which is aimed at eliminating the signs of psoriasis in a young child, can be carried out at home or in a hospital. The last option is the most optimal if the patient has a progressive stage of the disease.
It is necessary to find out how to treat psoriasis from a dermatologist who monitors the child’s condition. He may suggest a course of therapy based on the following medications:

• Sedative and desensitizing. You will need to take a calcium gluconate solution (5%) or a calcium chloride solution (10%). This should be done 3 times a day. The drug is taken in a teaspoon or tablespoon, depending on the doctor’s recommendation. Intramuscular injections based on calcium gluconate solution (10%) are also prescribed. It is necessary to undergo at least 10 procedures;
• Antihistamines. They help get rid of severe itching. These medications are taken in courses, each lasting up to 10 days;
  Vitamins. Typically, children are prescribed ascorbic acid, which should be taken 3 times a day up to 0.1 g. A solution of pyridoxine (up to 5%) is also used. They give injections with it. Administration of vitamin B12 intramuscularly is indicated. Vitamin B15 and potassium orotate are taken internally;
• Pyrogenic. They are necessary to stimulate the body's defense mechanisms. With their help, it is possible to normalize vascular permeability and eliminate the mitotic activity of skin layers. On the recommendation of the attending physician, children are treated with a pyrogenic drug such as Pyrogenal. To achieve optimal results, about 8 courses of injections are required.

Traditional medicine suggests that children diagnosed with psoriasis undergo courses of active therapy. With this diagnosis, ultraviolet irradiation and hot baths help. Also, do not neglect topical medications. Therapeutic ointments and creams help soften the skin and reduce itching.

Folk remedies

Certain medications that help treat psoriatic disease may be contraindicated in children. Then their parents and doctors have to select safer therapy for young patients that will achieve a positive result. In such situations, traditional methods of treatment help well. You can alleviate the baby’s condition by the following means:

• German chamomile lotions. They must be applied to places where a large number of painful rashes accumulate;
• Salt baths. They have a healing effect and disinfect wounds formed on the skin;
• Hot tea with the addition of medicinal herbs. This drink is best prepared from dandelion root, burdock, grapes, sarsaparilla and pear balsam;
• Activated carbon. It removes harmful substances from the body and thereby stops the formation of new plaques on the head, legs, arms and other parts of the body. You should take a solution based on the drug 2 hours before meals. The course of such treatment should last at least 40 days;
• Tincture of celandine. It is taken orally. The product is made from 1 glass of water and 1 tbsp. l. chopped plant. Before drinking, the drink should be infused for about 40 minutes. Take folk medicine 2 times a day.

A child who has psoriasis must adhere to a special diet. His diet should include vegetable and fruit juices, fresh herbs, fish and turkey meat.

It is highly recommended to avoid animal products that are enriched with large amounts of fat. The patient must adhere to the optimal drinking regimen. He should drink about 8 glasses a day.

Prevention

A huge number of people infected with psoriasis lead a completely normal lifestyle. But many are still concerned about their appearance. This problem is especially of concern to children. Due to illness, a child may become depressed and withdraw into himself. Therefore, parents must take any measures to protect their beloved child from such an unpleasant disease.

Maintaining a correct lifestyle helps prevent the formation of psoriatic rashes on the skin. It is necessary to provide the child with adequate rest, sleep and a balanced diet. He should avoid hypothermia and prolonged exposure to the sun. The use of quick-drying soaps and lotions is also contraindicated.

As a rule, psoriasis that appears in a small child is rarely severe. Therefore, provided that the patient receives timely medical care, he can quickly and permanently get rid of the signs of the pathological process. In order for the baby to recover, he should be completely protected from factors that provoke the progression of psoriatic disease.