Doctors often have to diagnose psoriasis in children. This disease is one of the leading causes of chronic dermatitis in children. Symptoms of psoriasis can appear in a child of any age. This pathology is often observed even in newborns.
Reasons for appearance
Modern medicine still can not name the exact causes that affect the appearance and development of the disease. Numerous studies have shown that heredity plays an important role in this process. The following statistics have been published:
- If one of the baby's parents has psoriasis, then there is a 50% chance that he or she will show signs of a painful condition;
- If both parents have psoriasis, the probability increases to 70%.
The development of clinical signs of psoriasis in a child is usually observed as a result of exposure of the child's body to the following factors:
- Psycho-emotional experiences;
- Physical activity;
- infectious diseases;
- Allergic reactions.
Any adverse effects on the baby's fragile body cause such unpleasant consequences.
In a healthy person, there is a natural peeling of dead cells that have already passed the life cycle. If there is a failure in this process, then the skin particles simply begin to accumulate on the surface. As a result, unique plates are formed that can increase in size and grow.
Symptoms
In children, psoriasis is characterized by symptoms characteristic of the disease. At first, redness appears on the skin. Localized in the curl area. After that, swelling of the layers of the epidermis and their peeling is observed. As a rule, children over 2 years of age begin to peel strongly.
If psoriasis appears on the nails, the child will have small depressions in the nail plastic. Similar body lesions occur in one-third of infants with this pathology.
Psoriatic skin lesion observed in the beginning causes severe redness. The plaques cover the forehead, cheeks, ears and eyelids. Peeling of the skin on the hair line 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 found in 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. Spills can peel and crack, causing wounds and bleeding. This is a very dangerous situation because the infection easily penetrates the cracks. After about 10 years, psoriasis in children begins to appear as symptoms of the disease in adults.
Stages of development
With a standard course, a skin disease always goes through several stages of development:
Initial
It is characterized by the appearance of primary rashes on the skin. Adults often confuse this 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 because it resembles limited red pimples. Within a few days, the rash becomes smooth. After they are gradually covered with gray scales;
progressive
At this stage, the child has a rapid growth of a rash on the head and other parts of the body. They begin to unite. Peeling is observed only in the central elements of the rash. 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. Its symptoms become more pronounced. Old boards stop growing. They are replaced by new debris. Peeling intensifies. The duration of this phase is not indicated by time frames;
Regressive
Signs of peeling in the child partially disappear. The boards get smaller. They leave visible marks on their backs. With a successful result, zones begin to form with pigmentation that is different from the natural skin color. Over time, they disappear completely.
The duration of a separate stage of psoriasis in young children depends on how the disease progresses and measures are taken to eliminate it.
Species
There can be different types of psoriasis in children. In thematic photos you can see the features of the manifestation on the skin of each of them. The disease is classified according to symptoms and localization of the scales.
Movie psoriasis
Diagnosis is made in children under 1 year of age. The rash usually affects the gluteal region. They are caused by the skin's constant contact with the baby's natural secretions and rubbing with the diaper. The skin in this area is very irritated, so doctors can hardly diagnose psoriasis. Some parents do not pay much attention to this problem because they accept the rash for ordinary dermatitis.
Plaque psoriasis
This is a common form of skin pathology. Its characteristic features are red spots covering various parts of the child's body. At first they are small. These spots grow very fast. Once they start peeling.
From above, the rash is covered with a layer of scales that is easily separated from the skin. They are often seen on the head, knees and elbows.
Guttat psoriasis
With this form of the disease, the child's body is covered with many rashes, which look like drops. They are small and have a round shape. The resulting papules are above the surface of the skin. They are characterized by severe peeling. The rash can occur anywhere on the body. In the absence of a favorable factor for its further development, psoriasis stops developing and disappears. In other cases, it turns into a different form of the disease.
Generalized pustular psoriasis
In children with this form, psoriasis occurs suddenly. Affects large areas of skin in a short timeThey become very inflamed and covered with painful ulcers. The child is constantly suffering from pain in the area of accumulation of rashes.
This form of the disease is considered one of the most dangerous, because it can cause serious complications. This type of psoriasis can even cause damage to internal organs. Its kidneys and heart are most affected.
Pustular psoriasis
Diagnosis is made in children as young as 7 years old. This form of psoriasis is only rarely seen in young children.
Children have quite obvious symptoms of psoriasis. 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 very dangerous and unexpected form of psoriasis. This leads to a violation of the body's thermoregulation. The disease is characterized by severe peeling and inflammation of the skin. The child is constantly suffering from itching and pain in the affected area. Large areas of the epidermis begin to peel over time. If the child is too young, he cannot escape this situation.
Psoriasis of the flexor surfaces
From the variety of the disease, it can be understood that it affects the bending zones of the body. Rash usually occurs in the groin, genitals and inner thighs. The skin is covered with red spots. They are smooth and do not peel.
Arthropathic psoriasis
This form of the disease affects the joints. Psoriatic pathology is characterized by symptoms such as muscle stiffness, swelling and swelling of the fingers. The joints begin to ache a lot. In some cases, the child develops conjunctivitis.
Most types of psoriasis are very similar in clinical appearance. Therefore, it is very difficult to determine what form the child suffers from without consulting a doctor.
Diagnostics
If a child has painful rashes on the head or other parts of the body, they should be seen by a specialist immediately. Such symptoms require consultation with a dermatologist. He will be able to make a diagnosis after a thorough examination of the patient and listening to his complaints. The doctor will order a histological examination for the baby. To do this, a small sample of the affected tissue will be taken. The results of laboratory tests will help the dermatologist to make a correct diagnosis for the child. After that, he will be prescribed treatment, which should alleviate the painful condition.
Treatment
Therapeutic therapy aimed at relieving the symptoms of psoriasis in a young child can be carried out at home or in the hospital. If the patient has a progressive stage of the disease, the latter option is the most optimal.
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 should take a solution of calcium gluconate (5%) or calcium chloride (10%). This should be done 3 times a day. The drug is taken in a teaspoon or a teaspoon, depending on the doctor's recommendation. Intramuscular injections based on calcium gluconate (10%) solution are also prescribed. You must go through at least 10 procedures;
- Antihistamines. They help to get rid of severe itching. Each of these drugs is taken in courses lasting up to 10 days;
- Vitamins. Children are usually prescribed ascorbic acid, which should be taken up to 0. 1 g 3 times a day. Pyridoxine (up to 5%) solution is also used. He is injected. Intramuscular injection of vitamin B12 is indicated. 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 skin layers. Approximately 8 injection courses are required for optimal results.
Traditional medicine offers children undergoing active therapy courses diagnosed with psoriasis. Ultraviolet radiation and hot baths help with such a diagnosis. Also, do not neglect topical preparations. Therapeutic ointments and creams help to soften the skin and reduce itching.
Folk remedies
Individual medications that help treat psoriasis are contraindicated in children. Then their parents and doctors should choose a safer therapy that will have a positive effect on young patients. In such cases, traditional treatments help well. You can alleviate your baby's condition in the following ways:
- German chamomile lotions. It should be applied to areas where a large number of painful rashes have accumulated;
- Salt baths. They have a healing effect and disinfect wounds on the skin;
- Hot tea with the addition of herbs. Such a drink is best made from dandelion root, burdock, grapes, sarsaparilla, and pear balm;
- Activated carbon. It removes harmful substances from the body, thereby stopping the formation of new plaques on the head, legs, arms and other parts of the body. The drug-based solution should be taken 2 hours before meals. Such a course of treatment should last at least 40 days;
- Celandine tincture. It is taken orally. The tool is prepared from 1 cup of water and 1 tbsp. l. chopped plant. The drink should be brewed for about 40 minutes before drinking. Take folk medicine twice 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 recommended to avoid high-fat animal products. The patient should follow an optimal drinking regimen. He should drink about 8 glasses a day.
Prevention
Many people with psoriasis live 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 self-contained. Therefore, parents should take all necessary measures to protect their beloved child from such an unpleasant disease.
Preventing psoriatic rashes on the skin helps maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is necessary to provide the child with proper rest, sleep and a balanced diet. He should avoid hypothermia and prolonged exposure to the sun. The use of quick-drying soaps and lotions is also contraindicated.
As a rule, psoriasis in a young child is rarely severe. Therefore, when the patient receives timely medical care, he is able to quickly and permanently get rid of the symptoms of the pathological process. In order for a baby to recover, it must be completely protected from the factors that cause psoriatic disease to progress.