Psoriasis in Babies and Children: How to Treat It?

It happens that an infant may show signs of lesions from psoriasis within the first few months of their life. This skin disease is characterized by the appearance of red patches and inflammatory reactions on the area of skin located under the diaper. It is often referred to as "diaper psoriasis". This condition often appears during the first two years of the infant's life. It initially affects the fold areas and then spreads to all areas covered by the diaper. It has the typical appearance of diaper rash, but with defined boundaries. It is minimally scaly and predominates on convexities with a glossy appearance.

One of the recurring forms of psoriasis that can affect children is the plaque psoriasis. Affecting the face, it can give the child a particular semiotic appearance known as "red clown". Sometimes, it affects both cheeks at once. Plaque psoriasis is characterized by the presence of defined and symmetrical inflammatory patches on the skin.

In children, psoriasis can be pustular or palmoplantar. They may suffer from dry pulpitis with cracks and pain in most cases. In a school setting, for example, they may struggle with writing. The child may also suffer from other forms of psoriasis such as the guttate psoriasis. The skin rash can spread to different regions of the body like the scalp. Often, it is characterized by the presence of rosy macules that predominate on the trunk and the root of the limbs. In 50% of cases, guttate psoriasis only lasts a few months and will disappear without treatment.