Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Dermatology

Psoriasis in children

Gayle Fischer
Abstract
Psoriasis is a very common genetically determined skin disorder. Although psoriasis is often thought to start in young adult life, it is not uncommon for patients to show the first signs of this condition in childhood, or even infancy.
Key Points
  • Psoriasis is an inherited condition; about 60% of affected children have a family history of psoriasis.
  • In children psoriasis is often associated with atopic eczema.
  • Psoriasis may be precipitated and exacerbated by group A streptococcal infections, trauma and stress.
  • Eczema and fungal infection are the two most common differential diagnoses.
  • Psoriasis is usually a milder disease in children than it is in adults.
  • Psoriasis is often more difficult to treat than eczema because it is predominantly a hyperproliferative rather than purely inflammatory disease.
  • Successful treatment of psoriasis in children can usually be achieved with topical therapy.
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