Doctors often have to diagnose psoriasis in children. This disease occupies one of the leading positions among children's dermatitis, which have a chronic form. Signs of psoriasis can occur in a child of any age. This pathology is often observed even in newborn babies.
Reasons for the appearance
Modern medicine is still unable to pinpoint the exact causes that influence the onset and development of the disease. Numerous studies have shown that heredity plays an important role in this process. The following statistics were disclosed:
- If one of the baby's parents has psoriasis, then there is a 50% chance that he will show signs of pain;
- If both parents have psoriasis, then the probability increases to 70%.
The development of clinical symptoms of psoriasis in a child is usually observed as a result of exposure of the child's body to such factors:
- Psycho-emotional experiences;
- Physical overload;
- infectious diseases;
- Allergic reactions.
Any adverse effects on the baby's fragile body lead to such unpleasant consequences.
In a healthy person there is a natural exfoliation of dead cells that have already passed their life cycle. If there is a failure in this process, then the skin particles simply begin to accumulate on its surface. As a result, special plaques form, which can increase in size and grow.
Symptoms
Psoriasis in children is recognized by the symptoms characteristic of this disease. First, redness appears on the skin. It is located in the area of the fold. Swelling of the epidermal layers and their exfoliation are then observed. As a rule, in children over 2 years of age, they begin to peel off strongly.
If psoriasis occurs on the nails, then the child will have small dents in the plastic of the nails. Such lesions of the body occur in one third of babies who suffer from this pathology.
A psoriatic skin lesion seen on the scalp causes severe redness. The plaques cover the forehead, cheeks, ears and eyelids. Peeling of the skin along the hairline is not excluded. If the disease continues to progress, then gray scales will appear under the hair. However, their loss is not observed. This painful symptom is absent even in severe psoriasis.
In some children, psoriasis is found on the mucous membranes of the mouth and tongue. This area is covered with unpleasant spots that change color and shape from time to time.
Skin plaques always cause pain and severe itching. The rash can peel and crack, causing sores and bleeding. This is a very dangerous condition because the infection easily penetrates the cracks. After about 10 years, psoriasis in children, in its symptoms, begins to appear as signs of the disease in adults.
Stages of development
In the standard course, the skin disease always goes through several stages of its development:
Initially
It is characterized by the appearance of primary skin rashes. Quite often adults confuse it with a simple allergy or diathesis. In children under two years of age, the initial stage is accompanied by redness. The rash is easily recognized due to the fact that it looks like limited pimples with a reddish tinge. Within a few days the rash is smooth. Once gradually covered with gray scales;
progressive
At this stage, there is a rapid increase in the rash on the head and other parts of the child's body. They begin to merge into one. Peeling is observed only on the central elements of the rash. Meanwhile, the side zones are just growing. The skin gradually becomes inflamed and begins to itch. At this stage, the disease usually lasts from 2 weeks to several months;
Stationary
Psoriasis in children continues to progress. His symptoms become more pronounced. Old plaques stop growing. They are replaced by new rashes. The peeling intensifies. The duration of this stage is not specified by time frames;
Regressive
The signs of peeling partially disappear in the child. The plaques become much smaller. They leave visible scars behind. With a successful result, areas with pigmentation different from the natural color of the skin begin to form. Over time, they disappear completely.
The duration of a particular stage in the development of psoriasis in young children depends on how the disease progresses and whether measures are taken to eliminate it.
Kinds
Psoriasis in children can be of different types. In thematic photos you can see the peculiarities of the manifestation on the skin of each of them. The disease is classified according to the symptoms and the location of the scales.
Film psoriasis
It is diagnosed in children under 1 year of age. The rash usually affects the gluteal area. They occur due to the constant contact of the skin with the natural secretions of the baby and due to rubbing with a diaper. The skin in this area is very irritated, so doctors can hardly recognize psoriasis. Some parents do not even pay attention to this problem, as they consider the rash to be a common dermatitis.
Plaque psoriasis
This is a common form of skin pathology. Its characteristic features are red spots that cover various parts of the child's body. At first they are small in size. These spots grow very fast. Once they start to peel off.
The top of the rash is covered with a layer of scales that are easily removed from the skin. They most often appear on the head, knees and elbows.
Guttate psoriasis
In this form of the disease, the child's body is covered with many rashes, which in their form resemble droplets. They are small and have a rounded shape. The papules formed are above the surface of the skin. They are characterized by severe scaling. The rash can appear in absolutely any part of the body. In the absence of a favorable factor for its further development, psoriasis stops progressing and disappears. In other circumstances, it develops into a different form of the disease.
Generalized pustular psoriasis
Psoriasis in children of this form occurs suddenly. For a short period of time it affects large areas of skin. They become very inflamed and covered with painful ulcers. The child is constantly tormented by pain in the area of accumulation of rashes.
This form of the disease is considered one of the most dangerous, as it can cause serious complications. This type of psoriasis can even cause damage to internal organs. The kidneys and the heart are most affected by its negative impact.
Pustular psoriasis
It is diagnosed in children who are already 7 years old. In young children, this form of psoriasis is observed only in rare cases.
There are many signs of psoriasis in children. The pustular form of the disease is accompanied by swelling of the skin and its covering with small blisters that are filled with non-infectious fluid. Another symptom of this type of psoriasis is inflammation of the lymph nodes.
Erythrodermic psoriasis
Quite a dangerous and unpredictable form of psoriasis. This leads to a violation of the body's thermoregulation. The disease is recognized by severe peeling and inflammation of the skin. The child is constantly tormented by itching and pain in the affected area. Large areas of the epidermis begin to flake over time. If the child is very young, he may not survive this condition.
Psoriasis of the flexion surfaces
On behalf of the variety of the disease, it can be understood that it affects the areas of curvature of the body. The rash usually appears in the groin, genitals and inner thigh. The skin is covered with red spots. They are smooth and do not peel off.
Arthropathic psoriasis
This form of the disease affects the joints. Psoriatic pathology is recognized by symptoms such as muscle stiffness, swelling and swelling of the fingers. The joints start to hurt a lot. In some cases, the child develops conjunctivitis.
Most types of psoriasis are very similar in their clinical picture. Therefore, without consulting a doctor, it is very difficult to determine which form of the disease the child suffers from.
Diagnosis
If the child has painful rashes on the head or other parts of the body, it should be immediately shown to a specialist. Such symptoms require consultation with a dermatologist. He will be able to make a diagnosis after a complete examination of the patient and hearing his complaints. The doctor will prescribe a histological examination of the baby. To do this, a small sample of the affected tissue will be taken from it. The result of the laboratory analysis will help the dermatologist to make the correct diagnosis for the child. He will then be prescribed treatment to relieve the pain.
Treatment
Therapeutic therapy, which aims to eliminate the signs of psoriasis in a young child, can be carried out at home or in hospital. The latter option is the most optimal if the patient has a progressive stage of the disease.
You need to learn how to treat psoriasis from a dermatologist who monitors the child's condition. He can offer a course of therapy based on the following drugs:
- Soothing and desensitizing. You will need to take a solution of calcium gluconate (5%) or a solution of calcium chloride (10%). This should be done 3 times a day. The drug is taken one teaspoon or tablespoon, depending on the doctor's recommendation. Intramuscular injections based on calcium gluconate solution (10%) are also prescribed. They need to undergo at least 10 procedures;
- Antihistamines. They help get rid of severe itching. These drugs are taken in courses, each lasting up to 10 days;
- vitamins. Ascorbic acid is usually prescribed to children, which should be taken 3 times a day up to 0. 1 g. Pyridoxine solution (up to 5%) is also used. They give him injections. Intramuscular administration of vitamin B12 has been shown. Take vitamin B15 and potassium orotate inside;
- Pyrogenic. They are needed to stimulate the body's defense mechanisms. With their help it is possible to normalize vascular permeability and eliminate the mitotic activity of the skin layers. About 8 courses of injection are needed for optimal results.
Traditional medicine offers children diagnosed with psoriasis to undergo courses of active therapy. Ultraviolet radiation and hot baths help with such a diagnosis. Also, do not neglect topical preparations. Healing ointments and creams help to soften the skin and reduce itching.
Folk remedies
Certain medications that help treat psoriasis may be contraindicated in children. Then their parents and doctors must choose a safer therapy for young patients that will achieve a positive result. In such situations, traditional methods of treatment help well. You can alleviate your baby's condition in the following ways:
- German chamomile lotions. They should be applied to places where a large number of painful rashes accumulate;
- Salt baths. They have a healing effect and disinfect skin wounds;
- Hot tea with the addition of medicinal herbs. Such a drink is best prepared from dandelion root, burdock, grapes, sarsaparilla and pear;
- Activated carbon. It removes harmful substances from the body and thus stops the formation of new plaque on the head, legs, arms and other parts of the body. The drug-based solution should be taken 2 hours before meals. The course of such treatment should last at least 40 days;
- Tincture of celandine. It is taken orally. The tool is made from 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of grated plant. Before drinking, the drink should be infused for about 40 minutes. Take folk medicine 2 times a day.
A child with psoriasis should follow a special diet. His diet should include vegetable and fruit juices, fresh herbs, fish and turkey.
It is highly recommended to abandon animal products that are rich in fat. The patient should adhere to the optimal drinking regime. You should drink about 8 glasses a day.
Prevention
A huge number of people infected with psoriasis lead a completely normal life. But many are still worried about their appearance. This problem is of particular concern to children. Due to the disease, the child may become depressed and close in on himself. That is why parents should take all possible measures to protect their beloved child from such an unpleasant disease.
Preventing the formation of psoriatic rashes on the skin helps maintain a proper lifestyle. It is necessary to provide the child with proper rest, sleep and balanced nutrition. He should avoid hypothermia and prolonged sun exposure. The use of quick-drying soaps and lotions is also contraindicated.
As a rule, psoriasis, which occurs in young children, is rarely severe. Therefore, with the timely provision of medical care to the patient, he manages to quickly and permanently get rid of the signs of the pathological process. In order for the baby to recover, it must be completely protected from the factors that provoke the progression of psoriasis.