Understanding Psoriasis
What is it? Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes red, scaly, often itchy patches on the skin. It happens when skin cells grow too quickly and build up on the surface. It’s not contagious—you can’t catch or spread psoriasis by touching someone.
Children with psoriasis may have flare-ups that come and go. Good skincare, consistent treatment, and stress management can help reduce symptoms and prevent new patches.
Common Types
Plaque Psoriasis
- Most common type
- Red, raised plaques with thick, silvery-white scale
- Often on elbows, knees, scalp, or trunk
- May cause nail pitting or lifting (onycholysis)
Scalp Psoriasis
- Thick, scaly patches on the scalp and hairline
- Can extend behind the ears or neck
- Not related to dandruff and requires medicated treatment
Inverse (Intertriginous) Psoriasis
- Smooth, red patches in skin folds (under arms, groin, under breasts, diaper area)
- Usually shiny, less scaly, and may sting or crack
Guttate Psoriasis
- Sudden appearance of many small “raindrop” spots
- Often occurs after a sore throat or strep infection
- Common on the trunk, back, arms, and legs
Nail Psoriasis
- Tiny pits, discoloration, or separation of the nail from the nail bed
- Nails may thicken or crumble over time
Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis (JPsA)
- Psoriasis with joint pain or swelling
- Look for morning stiffness, swollen fingers/toes, limp, or back pain
- Needs prompt medical evaluation
When to Manage at Home
✅ You can manage your child’s psoriasis at home when:
- The rash is mild and limited to small areas
- There are no signs of infection (no pus, warmth, or spreading redness)
- Symptoms improve with moisturizer or topical treatment
- Your child feels well and has no joint pain or swelling
How to Treat at Home
🏠 Home remedies for psoriasis:
Moisturize Often
- Apply fragrance-free, thick moisturizers several times a day, especially after bathing.
- Helps reduce itching and scaling.
- AVOID harsh soaps and long, hot baths.
Gentle Skin Care
- Use lukewarm water and mild cleansers.
- Pat dry and apply moisturizer right away.
- Avoid scratching or picking plaques to prevent infection or bleeding.
Manage Triggers
- Keep skin clean and hydrated.
- Avoid skin injuries (cuts, bug bites, sunburn).
- Stress, illness, and some medications can trigger flares—track what makes symptoms worse.
For the Scalp:
- Try medicated shampoos (tar, salicylic acid, or ketoconazole) several times a week.
- Use gentle brushing; don’t force scale removal.
For Skin Folds (Inverse Psoriasis):
- Keep folds dry and clean.
- Use loose, breathable clothing.
- Barrier creams or powders may help.
Safe Medications
Area: Face, folds, genitals
Treatment: Low-strength steroid
Frequency: Twice daily for 5-7 days
Notes: Use sparingly; switch to non-steroid maintenance
Area: Trunk, arms, legs
Treatment: Medium-strength steroid
Frequency: Twice daily up to 2-4 weeks
Notes: Step down or use “weekend therapy” one improved
Area: Scalp
Treatment: Steroid solution or foam
Frequency: 1-2 times daily up to 1-2 weeks
Notes: Combine with medicated shampoo
Area: Nails
Treatment: Topical steroid to nail fold (if prescribed)
Frequency: As directed
Notes: Protect from trauma
Never use strong steroid creams on the face or skin folds without medical direction.
When to Contact Poppins
📱 Contact us again when:
- Your child’s rash isn’t improving after 2–4 weeks of proper treatment
- You see new spots after a recent sore throat
- You notice hair loss, swelling, or thick scabs on the scalp
- Nails become painful or change rapidly
- Your child has new joint pain, stiffness, or limping
- You’re unsure which creams to use or how often
When to Visit Your Pediatrician
🩺 Go to an in-person appointment when:
- The rash is spreading quickly or covers large areas
- There is pain, cracking, or bleeding skin
- The rash looks infected (yellow crust, pus, or warmth)
- Your child has joint swelling or morning stiffness
- The rash returns right after stopping medication
- Psoriasis is affecting your child’s confidence or daily activities
When to Go to the ER
🚨 Seek immediate emergency care if your child:
- Has widespread redness over most of the body, chills, or fever
- Suddenly develops many pustules (small white bumps filled with pus)
- Appears very unwell, tired, or dehydrated
- Has severe pain that limits movement or daily function
If your gut tells you something is wrong, don’t hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.
