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You can do many things to help your child if they have psoriasis. Parents need to learn different ways to manage psoriasis symptoms and prevent the pain and discomfort that comes from this auto-immune disease. With a proper approach to the condition, your support can mean a lot and help the child to live with the disease and thrive.
What is Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a non-infectious skin condition and a very common one. This condition is categorized into different types, but the most common one is plaque psoriasis. The condition makes the skin cells build up rapidly and remain there longer than they should. Therefore, the cells will build upon the skin surface, making the area thick and silvery red (plaques).
Without proper psoriasis treatment, the skin will remain itchy and full of thick whitish silvery scales. The overactive immune system accelerates the process that results in plaques. Psoriasis can be passed from one generation to another. According to different studies, psoriasis is a highly heritable condition, meaning the chances of a child having psoriasis is much higher if one or both of the parents has the condition.
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
Different types of psoriasis have unique symptoms. However, there are symptoms common to all forms of the disease, like:
- Cracked, dry skin which sometimes bleeds
- Development of red areas in the skin folds
- Raised skin patches
- Whitish-silvery scales on the skin (many parents mistake them for diaper rash)
- Various nail changes like the development of deep ridges in nails, thickening and yellowing of nails, or thick, pitted fingernails
Children who experience this condition will typically first have the symptoms appear first on the scalp and fingernails. Regardless of the psoriasis treatment used, the disease might not go away entirely since it is considered chronic—also, this condition cycles through high and low activity.
During active times, the symptoms will increase. Then, within a few months, the symptoms may disappear or even improve. Unfortunately, it is not easy to detect how severe psoriasis symptoms are once the cycle begins.
Psoriasis treatment in children
Unfortunately, there is no psoriasis cure yet. The treatments available are for easing symptoms as they appear and help reduce or prevent flare-ups. Below are some of the common treatments you can use to help your child. Some treatments for psoriasis and eczema can include the use of steroids but it’s important to be aware of how to conduct topical steroid withdrawal.
Light therapy
You can use artificial or natural sunlight to ease psoriasis symptoms. Artificial lights are used in several ways, like medications activated by special lights and lasers. First, you should consult your child’s doctor before using any artificial lights. Remember, too much light can worsen the symptoms.
If your child is recommended to take natural light, you can support them by taking a family walk or playing outside together.
Topical treatment
These treatments are more highly recommended by many doctors than other treatments. They can reduce mild to moderate psoriasis symptoms and includes moisturizers and medicated creams.
Topical treatment might require more from your child as they may need to be applied several times in a single day. However, compared to other therapies, topical treatments are more effective and typically have fewer side effects. You can help your child by reminding them when to apply a certain treatment. For example, you can schedule their activities or set an electronic reminder to use the medication.
Injected or oral medication
If your child suffers from moderate to severe psoriasis, the doctor might recommend pills, intravenous (IV), or injection medication. However, some of these injections and pills might have some side effects. Therefore, it is important to know what you walk your child in before the treatment starts.
How to help a child with psoriasis
- Help them accept the condition
- Talk to school management about the disease
- Do some role-playing and explain what the condition is to avoid feeling intimidated when asked about it
