Doctors often have to diagnose psoriasis in children. This disease occupies one of the leading positions among childhood dermatitis, which has a chronic form. Signs of psoriasis can appear in a child of any age. This pathology is often observed even in newborns.
Reasons for the appearance
Modern medicine still cannot name the exact causes that affect the onset and development of the disease. In the course of numerous studies, experts have been able to discover that heredity plays an important role in this process. The following stats were revealed:
- If one of the baby's parents has psoriasis, there's a 50% chance they'll show signs of a painful condition;
- If both parents have psoriasis, the probability increases to 70%.
The development of clinical symptoms of psoriasis in a child is usually observed as a result of exposure to the child's body of such factors:
- Psycho-emotional experiences;
- physical overload;
- Infectious diseases;
- Allergic reactions.
Any adverse effect on the fragile body of the baby leads 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, the skin particles simply begin to accumulate on its surface. As a result of this, peculiar plaques are formed, which can increase in size and grow.
Symptoms
Psoriasis in children can be recognized by the characteristic symptoms of this disease. First, redness appears on the skin. It is localized in the area of folds. After that, swelling of the layers of the epidermis and their exfoliation are observed. As a rule, in children over 2 years old, they begin to peel off strongly.
If psoriasis appears on the nails, the child will have small depressions in the plastic of the nails. Similar bodily lesions occur in a third of babies with this pathology.
A psoriatic skin lesion, seen on the head, causes severe redness. The plaques cover the forehead, cheeks, ears and eyelids. Peeling of the skin on the hairline is not excluded. If the disease continues to progress, 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 detected on the mucous membrane of the mouth and tongue. This area is covered with unpleasant spots, which from time to time change color and shape.
Skin plaques always cause severe pain and itching. Rashes can peel and crack, causing sores and bleeding. This is a very dangerous condition, as the infection easily penetrates the cracks. After about 10 years, psoriasis in a child, in its symptoms, begins to resemble signs of the disease in adults.
Stages of development
With a standard course, a skin disease always goes through several stages of its development:
Initial
It is characterized by the appearance of primary rashes on the skin. Quite often, adults confuse it with a common allergy or diathesis. In children under two years of age, the initial stage is accompanied by redness. The rash is easily recognizable due to the fact that it looks like limited pimples of a reddish tint. Within a few days, the rashes are smooth. After they are gradually covered with scales of gray;
progressive
At this stage, there is a rapid growth of a 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. The side areas, on the other hand, are only growing. The skin gradually becomes inflamed and begins to itch. At this stage, the disease generally 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 indicated by time limits;
Regressive
The signs of desquamation partially disappear in the child. The plaques become much smaller. They leave visible scars. With a successful result, areas begin to form with pigmentation different from the natural color of the skin. Over time, they disappear completely.
The duration of a separate stage of development of psoriasis in young children depends on the course of the disease and the measures taken to eliminate it.
Kinds
Psoriasis in children can be of different types. On the thematic photos you can see the features of the manifestation on the skin of each of them. The disease is classified according to the symptoms and the location of the scales.
Dandruff psoriasis
It is diagnosed in children who are not yet 1 year old. The rash usually affects the buttock area. They arise due to the constant contact of the skin with the baby's natural secretions and friction with a diaper. The skin in this area is very irritated, so doctors can barely recognize psoriasis. Some parents do not even pay attention to this problem, because they take the rash for ordinary dermatitis.
Plaque psoriasis
This is a common form of skin pathology. Its characteristic features are red spots that cover different parts of the child's body. At first they are small. These spots grow very quickly. After they start to peel off.
From above, the rashes are covered with a layer of scales, which easily separate from the skin. Most often they appear on the head, knees and at the bend of the elbows.
Guttate psoriasis
With this form of the disease, the child's body is covered with numerous rashes, which in their shape resemble droplets. They are small and have a rounded shape. The formed papules are above the surface of the skin. They are characterized by severe desquamation. A rash can occur in absolutely any part of the body. In the absence of a favorable factor for its further development, psoriasis ceases to progress 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. In a short time it affects large areas of the 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 lead to serious complications. This type of psoriasis can even damage internal organs. The kidneys and the heart are the most affected by its negative influence.
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 quite pronounced signs of psoriasis in children. The pustular form of the disease is accompanied by swelling of the skin and its covering with small bubbles filled with non-infectious fluid. Another symptom of this type of psoriasis is inflammation of the lymph nodes.
Erythrodermic psoriasis
A rather 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 off over time. If the child is very small, he may not survive this condition.
Psoriasis of the flexing surfaces
From the name of the variety of the disease, it can be understood that it affects the areas of the folds of the body. Usually the rashes occur 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 can be recognized by symptoms such as muscle stiffness, swelling and swelling of the fingers. The joints begin to hurt a lot. In some cases, the child develops conjunctivitis.
Most types of psoriasis are very similar to each other in their clinical picture. Therefore, without consulting a doctor, it is very difficult to determine what form of disease a child has.
Diagnostic
If a child has painful rashes on the head or other parts of the body, it should be immediately shown to a specialist. With such symptoms, a consultation with a dermatologist is in order. He will be able to establish a diagnosis after a complete examination of the patient and listening to his complaints. The doctor will prescribe a histological examination for the baby. To do this, a small sample of the affected tissue will be taken from him. The result of the laboratory analysis will help the dermatologist to make the correct diagnosis for the child. After that, he will be prescribed treatment, which should alleviate the painful condition.
Processing
Therapeutic therapy, the action of which is aimed at eliminating the signs of psoriasis in a small child, can be carried out at home or in the hospital. The latter option is the most optimal if the patient has a progressive stage of the disease.
It is necessary to learn how to treat psoriasis from a dermatologist who monitors the condition of the child. He can propose a therapeutic cure based on the following drugs:
- Sedative and desensitizing. You will need to take calcium gluconate solution (5%) or calcium chloride solution (10%). This should be done 3 times a day. The drug is taken in a teaspoon or a tablespoon, depending on the doctor's recommendation. Intramuscular injections based on a solution of calcium gluconate (10%) are also prescribed. It is necessary to undergo at least 10 procedures;
- Antihistamines. They help get rid of severe itching. These drugs are taken in courses, each of which can last up to 10 days;
- Vitamins. Usually, children are prescribed ascorbic acid, 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. The introduction of vitamin B12 intramuscularly is shown. Inside take vitamin B15 and potassium orotate;
- Pyrogen. They are needed to stimulate the body's defense mechanisms. With their help, it is possible to normalize vascular permeability and eliminate mitotic activity of the skin layers. For optimal results, approximately 8 injection courses are required.
Traditional medicine offers children diagnosed with psoriasis to attend courses of active therapy. With such a diagnosis, ultraviolet radiation and warm baths help. Also, do not neglect topical preparations. Ointments and healing creams help soften the skin and reduce itching.
Folk remedies
Individual drugs that help cure psoriatic disease may be contraindicated in children. Then their parents and doctors have to choose a safer therapy for young patients that will get a positive result. In such situations, traditional methods of treatment help well. You can relieve the condition of the baby 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 the wounds formed on the skin;
- Hot tea with the addition of medicinal herbs. Such a drink is best prepared from dandelion root, burdock, grape, sarsaparilla and pear balm;
- Charcoal. It removes harmful substances from the body and thus stops the formation of new plaques on the head, legs, arms and other parts of the body. The drug solution should be taken 2 hours before meals. The course of such treatment should last at least 40 days;
- Celandine tincture. It is taken orally. The tool consists of a glass of water and a tablespoon. I. crushed plant. Before drinking, the drink should be infused for about 40 minutes. Take traditional medicines 2 times a day.
A child with psoriasis must follow a special diet. His diet should include vegetable and fruit juices, fresh herbs, fish and turkey meat.
It is strongly recommended to abandon animal products that are enriched with a large amount of fat. The patient should adhere to the optimal drinking regimen. He should drink about 8 glasses a day.
Prevention
A large number of people infected with psoriasis lead completely normal lives. But many still worry about their appearance. This problem particularly affects children. Due to the illness, the child may become depressed and withdraw into himself. Therefore, parents should take all necessary measures to protect their beloved child from such an unpleasant disease.
Preventing the formation of psoriatic rashes on the skin helps to maintain a proper lifestyle. It is necessary to provide the child with balanced rest, sleep and nutrition. He must avoid hypothermia and prolonged exposure to the sun. The use of quick-drying soaps and lotions is also contraindicated.
As a rule, psoriasis that manifests in a young child is rarely severe. Therefore, subject to the timely provision of medical care to the patient, he manages to quickly and permanently get rid of signs of the pathological process. In order for the baby to recover, he must be completely protected from the factors that provoke the progression of psoriatic disease.