Doctors often need to diagnose psoriasis in children. The disease occupies one of the leading positions among pediatric dermatitis, which has a chronic form. Signs of psoriasis can appear in children of any age. This pathology is often observed even in newborns.
Because of the appearance
Modern medicine is still unable to name the exact causes that influence the appearance and development of the disease. In the course of many studies, experts have come to know that heredity plays an important role in this process. The following statistics have been revealed:
- 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, then the probability increases to 70%.
The development of clinical symptoms of psoriasis in children is usually observed as a result of exposure to the child's body of factors such as:
- Psycho-emotional experiences;
- Physical load;
- contagious disease;
- Allergic reactions.
Any adverse effects on a baby’s fragile body lead to unpleasant consequences.
In healthy people, there is a natural exfoliation of dead cells that have already passed their life cycle. If there is a failure in this process, then skin particles begin to accumulate on its surface. As a result, strange plaques form, which can increase in size and grow.
symptoms
Psoriasis in children is recognized by the characteristic symptoms of the disease. First, redness appears on the skin. It is localized in the fold area. Thereafter, swelling of the epidermal layers and their exfoliation were observed. As a rule, in children older than 2 years, they begin to peel vigorously.
If psoriasis appears on the nail, then the child will experience small indentations in the nail plastic. Similar body lesions occur in one -third of infants ill with this pathology.
Psoriatic skin lesions, observed on the head, cause severe redness. Plaques cover the forehead, cheeks, ears and eyelids. Exfoliation of the skin on the hairline is not excluded. If the disease continues to progress, then gray scales will appear under the hair. However, their loss was not observed. These painful symptoms are not present even in severe psoriasis.
In some children, psoriasis is detected on the mucous membranes of the mouth and tongue. The area is covered with unpleasant spots, which change color and shape over time.
Skin plaques always cause severe pain and itching. The rash can flake off and crack, causing sores and bleeding. This is a very dangerous condition, as the infection easily penetrates into the cracks. After about 10 years, psoriasis in children, in its symptoms, begins to look like signs of the disease in adults.
Developmental stage
With a standard course, skin diseases always go through several stages of development:
The beginning
It is characterized by the appearance of a primary rash on the skin. Often, adults think of it as a common allergy or diathesis. In children under the age of two, the early stages are accompanied by redness. The rash is easily recognizable because it looks like a limited pimple with a reddish color. Within a few days, the rash became slippery. After they are gradually covered with gray scales;
progressive
At this stage, there is a rapid growth of a rash on the head and other parts of the child's body. They began to merge into one. Exfoliation is observed only on the central element of the rash. The side zone, meanwhile, is only growing. The skin gradually becomes inflamed and begins to itch. At this stage, the disease usually lasts from 2 weeks to several months;
Still
Psoriasis in children continues to develop. The symptoms become more pronounced. Old plaques stop growing. They are replaced by new rashes. Exfoliation is getting stronger. The duration of this stage is not indicated by the time frame;
Regressive
Signs of peeling are partially gone in children. The plaque becomes smaller. They leave visible scars on the back. With successful results, 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 development of psoriasis in young children depends on how the disease persists and whether steps are taken to eliminate it.
Kind of
Psoriasis in children can be of many different types. On the thematic photos you can see the manifestation features on the skin of each of them. The disease is classified depending on symptoms and scale localization.
Psoriasis film
It is diagnosed in children under 1 year of age. The rash usually affects the gluteal area. They arise because of constant skin contact with the baby’s natural secretions and because of rubbing with diapers. The skin in this area is very irritated, so doctors can barely recognize psoriasis. Some parents do not pay attention to this problem, because they take the rash for common dermatitis.
Psoriasis plaque
This is a common form of skin pathology. Its characteristic feature is the red spots that cover different parts of the child’s body. At first they were small in size. These spots grow very quickly. After they start peeling.
From above, the rash is covered with a layer of scales, which are easily separated from the skin. Often they appear on the head, knees and at the elbows.
Psoriasis Guttate
With this form of the disease, the child's body is covered with many rashes, which in shape resemble droplets. They are small and have a round shape. The papules that form are on the surface of the skin. They are characterized by severe exfoliation. The rash can occur on any part of the body. In the absence of encouraging factors for further development, psoriasis stops growing and disappears. Under other conditions, it develops into a different form of the disease.
Common pustular psoriasis
Psoriasis in children in this form occurs suddenly. In a short period of time, it affects large areas of skin. They become very inflamed and are covered with painful ulcers. The child is constantly tormented by pain in the area of rash accumulation.
This form of the disease is considered one of the most dangerous, as it can cause serious complications. This type of psoriasis can also cause damage to internal organs. The kidneys and heart are most affected by its negative influence.
Psoriasis pustular
It is diagnosed in children as young as 7 years old. In young children, this form of psoriasis is observed only in rare cases.
There are fairly noticeable signs of psoriasis in children. The pustular form of the disease is accompanied by swelling of the skin and its cover with small bubbles filled with non -infectious fluid. Another symptom of this type of psoriasis is inflammation of the lymph nodes.
Erythrodermic psoriasis
This form of psoriasis is quite dangerous and unpredictable. It leads to a violation of the body's thermoregulation. The disease is recognized by severe exfoliation 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 peel off over time. If the child is very small, then he or she may not be able to survive in this situation.
Flexion surface psoriasis
From the names of various diseases, one can understand that it affects the bend zone of the body. Usually the rash occurs on the groin, genitals and inner thighs. The skin is covered with red spots. They are smooth and do not peel off.
Psoriasis arthropathy
This form of the disease affects the joints. Psoriatic pathology is recognized by symptoms such as muscle stiffness, swelling and puffiness of the fingers. The joints start 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 the form of the disease in which a child is suffering.
Diagnostics
If a child develops a painful rash on the head or other parts of the body, it should be immediately shown to a specialist. With such symptoms, consultation with a dermatologist is required. He or she will be able to make a diagnosis after a complete examination of the patient and hear his or her 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 it. The results of the laboratory analysis will help the dermatologist make a correct diagnosis for the child. After that, he will be given treatment, which should alleviate the painful condition.
Treatment
Therapeutic therapy, an action aimed at eliminating the symptoms of psoriasis in young children, can be carried out at home or in a hospital. The latter option is 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 children. He or she can offer a course of therapy based on the following medications:
- Sedatives and desensitization. You need to take calcium gluconate solution (5%) or calcium chloride solution (10%). This must be done 3 times a day. The medicine is taken in one teaspoon or one tablespoon, depending on the doctor's recommendation. Intramuscular injections based on calcium gluconate solution (10%) were also prescribed. It needs to undergo at least 10 procedures;
- Antihistamines. They help relieve severe itching. These medications are taken in courses, each lasting up to 10 days;
- vitamin. Typically, children are prescribed ascorbic acid, which must be taken 3 times a day up to 0. 1 g Pyridoxine solution (up to 5%) is also used. They gave him an injection. Intramuscular introduction of vitamin B12 is indicated. Inside take vitamin B15 and potassium orotate;
- Pyrogenic. They need 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 layer. For optimal results, about 8 courses of injections are required.
Traditional medicine offers children diagnosed with psoriasis to undergo a course of active therapy. With such a diagnosis, ultraviolet radiation and hot baths help. Also, do not neglect topical preparations. Ointments and healing creams help soften the skin and reduce itching.
Restoration of the people
Individual medications that help cure psoriatic disease may be contraindicated in children. Then their parents and doctors need to choose a safer therapy for young patients, which will achieve positive results. In such situations, traditional treatment methods help well. You can alleviate the baby's condition in the following ways:
- Lotion from German chamomile. They must be used in places where a large number of painful rashes have accumulated;
- Salt bath. They have a healing effect and disinfect wounds formed on the skin;
- Hot tea with the addition of medicinal herbs. Such drinks are best prepared from dandelion root, burdock, grapes, sarsaparilla and pear balm;
- 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. Drug -based solutions should be taken 2 hours before meals. The course of such treatment shall last at least 40 days;
- Colored celandine. It is taken orally. This tool is made of 1 glass of water and 1 tbsp. l. chopped plants. Before drinking, the drink should be infused for about 40 minutes. Take folk remedies 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 highly recommended to leave animal products fortified with large amounts of fat. Patients must adhere to an optimal drinking regimen. He should drink about 8 glasses a day.
prevention
A large number of people infected with psoriasis live a completely normal life. But many are still worried about their appearance. This problem is of great concern to children. Because of the disease, the child can become depressed and close to himself. Therefore, parents should take any measures to protect their loved ones from such unpleasant diseases.
Preventing the formation of psoriatic rashes on the skin helps maintain a proper lifestyle. It is necessary to provide children with proper rest, sleep and a balanced diet. He should avoid hypothermia and prolonged exposure to the sun. Also contraindicated is the use of quick -drying soaps and lotions.
As a rule, psoriasis that manifests itself in young children is rarely severe. Therefore, subject to the provision of timely medical treatment to the patient, he manages to quickly and permanently get rid of the signs of pathological processes. In order for a baby to recover, it must be fully protected from the factors that trigger the development of psoriatic disease.