Kids get rashes for all kinds of reasons. It’s well known that if your little one gets a spot or rash that doesn’t go away when pressed against a glass, it could be a sign of meningitis and you should go to A&E or call 999 straight away .
Also, if your child also develops a fever and suddenly feels unwell, it is always best to get things checked out quickly.
But if the skin looks dry and scaly, you may be wondering: Does my child have psoriasis?
We asked experts to talk about what parents need to know about the skin condition…
What is psoriasis?
“Psoriasis is an immune condition that affects the skin and sometimes the joints and nails,” says skin + I dermatologist Dr. Malvina Cunningham.
Dr Laura Proudfoot, consultant dermatologist Portland HospitalExplains: “The most common skin change seen in psoriasis is a red, raised patch of skin, covered in silvery scales, called a ‘plaque’.
“The most common presentation in both children and adults — chronic plaque psoriasis — can be scattered on the arms, knees, body, hairline, and scalp,” she adds. “However the plaques often appear slightly less thick and scaly in children.”
What causes psoriasis?
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While doctors understand a great deal about the process by which psoriasis develops, the underlying cause of the condition is not entirely clear.
“Skin cells are normally produced and replaced every few weeks. However, psoriasis speeds this process up to every three to seven days,” says Proudfoot. “This build-up of skin cells results in dry, scaly plaques.”
Dr Ahmed El Muntsar, GP and Esthetician aka The Esthetics Doctor, says: “The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but we do know that there is an immune component to it, and that family history is linked Is.”
Other factors may also play a role in who develops psoriasis, says Proudfoot: “Some people also describe specific triggers for flare-ups, such as stress, certain medications, injury to the skin, or unrelated infections.” after.”
How common is psoriasis?
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“Psoriasis is a common condition that is thought to affect between 2% and 3% of people and it can strike at any age,” says Cunningham.
A chronic condition that can vary in severity throughout life, it tends to affect older children more, explains Proudfoot: “40% of children with psoriasis will develop symptoms before the age of 16, with about 10% of children developing is expected to develop. [get] Symptoms before the age of 10 years.
How is psoriasis diagnosed?
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“The diagnosis of psoriasis is usually visual, so you assess the patient and you mainly look at where the plaques are,” says El Muntsar. “Because the treatment of each of these places is different.”
If you think your child may have psoriasis, it’s important to seek medical advice from a GP, who may refer them to a dermatologist.
“Psoriasis can usually be successfully diagnosed from the clinical appearance,” says Proudfoot. “But in some cases, a biopsy of the skin will be taken and sent to a laboratory for more detailed analysis.”
What other rashes or skin conditions can be mistaken for psoriasis?
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With so many different common rashes, psoriasis can also easily be mistaken for another condition.
“Sometimes people can confuse psoriasis with eczema, lichen planus, lupus (especially discoid lupus) and fungal infections,” says L Muntsar, as they can sometimes present with some discoloration to the skin. “
Proudfoot agrees: “Psoriasis can be mistaken for eczema because of the redness, scales, and dry patches the conditions can appear to be similar. Psoriasis localized to the scalp can be confused with dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.
It is therefore very important to see your GP and, if necessary, start appropriate treatment. “Topical treatment with creams and ointments can be very effective in controlling psoriasis,” says Proudfoot. “And in those with more severe disease, light therapy, oral mediation and injectable biological therapies may be prescribed under specialist care.”
self care And learning to identify your personal triggers can also help people manage flare-ups and symptoms.