Recognize the Symptoms of Psoriasis in Children and Treatment Tips
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Superblogseo.web.id - Recognize the Symptoms of Psoriasis in Children and Treatment Tips - Mums often find it difficult to distinguish between diaper rash or psoriasis that occurs in your little one. The reason is, both of these conditions are both characterized by a red rash on the skin. If left unchecked, psoriasis can cause discomfort in children. Therefore, let's find out how to deal with psoriasis in children below!
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What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin problem that is usually experienced in childhood and generally subsides with age. Psoriasis is generally characterized by the presence of red patches that feel rough to resemble scales on the skin.
This condition is caused by the rapid growth of skin cells, so that dead skin will shed and accumulate in a short time. Psoriasis most commonly appears in the knee and elbow area. However, in some cases, psoriasis can also be found in the armpit area, near the buttocks, and also behind the knees.
Pediatric psoriasis is actually a rare condition. Globally, this condition affects about 0.7% of children. About 1 in 10 children are known to have psoriasis by the age of 10. Therefore, it is important to recognize the signs of psoriasis early on, so that the discomfort experienced by your little one can be treated immediately.
What are the Types of Psoriasis?
Psoriasis experienced by children can be divided into 2 types, namely:
1. Plaque psoriasis
This is the most common type of psoriasis in children characterized by streaks covered in whitish scales. Most plaque psoriasis appears on the knees, scalp, elbows, and lower back.
2. Psoriasis guttate
Psoriasis is also more common in children than adults. In guttate psoriasis, the scales that appear on the skin are not as thick as plaque psoriasis, but only resemble red dots on the legs or arms.
Types of psoriasis are also categorized by severity. Here are some types of psoriasis in question:
1. Scalp psoriasis
As the name suggests, this psoriasis causes whitish yellow patches of skin or flaky skin on the scalp. The part of the scalp that most often suffers from this condition is in the area behind and behind the ears. Scalp psoriasis can cause itching.
2. Acute guttate psoriasis
Acute guttate psoriasis is characterized by the presence of small marks or spots on the skin. Usually this condition is more common in children.
3. Flexural psoriasis
Also known as reverse psoriasis because the signs are not very similar to other types of psoriasis. Flexural psoriasis is characterized by a shiny, smooth rash on the skin folds. Usually this condition is also accompanied by other types of psoriasis, such as chronic plaque psoriasis.
4. Chronic plaque psoriasis
About 90% of psoriasis cases, including those that often occur in children, are chronic plaque psoriasis.
5. Nail psoriasis
Nail psoriasis is also known as psoriatic nail dystrophy. This condition occurs inside the nail and can infect other parts of the nail. Usually, nail psoriasis will accompany other psoriasis, such as psoriatic arthritis or plaque psoriasis.
6. Photosensitive psoriasis
This is a fairly rare psoriasis and is caused by sun exposure. The most effective way to prevent this condition is to keep children from being exposed to the sun too often .
What Causes Psoriasis in Children?
The main factor causing psoriasis in children is genetics or a family history of the condition. In fact, even if only one parent has psoriasis, children still have a 15% risk of developing it too. In addition, if it turns out that the parent does not have psoriasis, but there are siblings who have it, then the child's risk of developing psoriasis is about 20%.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis in Children?
Symptoms and signs of psoriasis in children can vary, depending on the type of psoriasis they have. However, in general, here are some signs and symptoms of psoriasis in children:
- Red plaques appear on the skin covered with rough whitish scales.
- There is pain and itching that makes the skin crack and even bleed.
- In extreme cases, the plaque can be very large and spread.
- Discoloration of fingernails and toenails . In some cases, the nails can also crumble and detach on their own from the flesh.
- Plaques such as dandruff appear on the scalp.
- Bleeding when the itchy skin is scratched.
- Psoriasis arthritis usually can also cause joint swelling, causing pain.
Can Children's Psoriasis Be Cured?
Psoriasis is not a condition that can be cured or cured. However, with proper care, you can help reduce the discomfort that may arise on your little one's skin. Here are some steps you can take for the treatment of psoriasis in children.
1. Topical treatment
Topical therapy is quite effective in treating mild to moderate psoriasis in children. Doctors usually recommend an ointment such as calcipotriol on the affected area and apply it twice a day. Topical corticosteroids can also be used for short periods, between two to three times per week.
2. Phototherapy
Narrowband UVB phototherapy is commonly used for children with psoriasis, especially those over the age of 10. This therapy is an effective treatment for guttate psoriasis and plaque psoriasis.
3. Methotrexate
If topical treatments and phototherapy do not give good results for the child's psoriasis condition, the doctor may prescribe methotrexate tablets once a week. However, most of these treatments are intended for adult patients, so further consultation is needed if they are to be used in children.
4. Biological
agents Biological agents, such as intravenous infliximad and subcutaneous etanercept, are used only as a last resort of treatment. This method is used to treat severe psoriasis in children who do not respond well to other therapies. Although safe, this therapy has the side effect of infection. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor before taking this treatment.
Self-care for Psoriasis in Children
In addition to some of the remedies already mentioned, there are several things you can do at home to reduce your little one's discomfort due to psoriasis. Here are some of them:
- Take supplements. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, dietary supplements can help relieve psoriasis symptoms from within. Supplements containing vitamin D, aloe vera, and oregon grapes, have been known to help manage mild psoriasis symptoms.
- Keeps skin moisturised. Dry skin can make psoriasis worse. So, make sure to keep your skin moisturized by regularly applying a moisturizer and keeping the room from getting too dry.
- Avoid fragrances. Most perfumes and soaps contain dyes and chemicals that can irritate the skin, which can make psoriasis worse. So, try to choose skin care products, such as lotions and body washes, which are intended for sensitive skin without fragrances or harmful chemicals.
- Implement a healthy diet. A healthy diet plays an important role in managing psoriasis. For that, reduce the consumption of fatty snacks and red meat. Increase consumption of cold water fish, nuts, seeds, and sources of omega-3 fatty acids because they are believed to have the ability to reduce inflammation.
- Reduce stress. Most chronic conditions like psoriasis can be a source of stress. This certainly seems to be a vicious circle, where stress itself can worsen psoriasis symptoms. So, try to reduce stress by doing meditation and yoga.
Psoriasis is not a completely curable condition. However, in children, proper medication and treatment can significantly reduce the symptoms that cause discomfort. So, make sure to do some of the tips above, Mums! (US)