Psoriasis Awareness Week - Children and Psoriasis

For our first themed-day of Psoriasis Awareness Week, we are looking at how psoriasis can affect children between the ages of 0-12.

Common types of psoriasis for children

The most common forms of psoriasis in children are:

• Plaque psoriasis affecting the elbows, knees and lower back.
• Scalp psoriasis, which can look like dandruff
• Guttate psoriasis; a generalised rash of small spots, often occurring after a throat infection, that is widespread across the body.

Explaining psoriasis to your child’s friends and classmates

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General awareness of psoriasis isn’t always great. People might stare, because they don’t know what it is, or make comments or faces. It might help to try to explain the condition, and to reassure others that it’s not contagious. Some people who find it particularly difficult to talk about their condition may say something like this and then change the subject quickly afterwards, with something like “I like your dress”, or “Let’s go to class now?”

Inform your child’s teacher in case they need time off school to attend doctor appointments, or help in explaining the condition to their classmates - for example, that it is not contagious.

Three top tips for children managing psoriasis:

Coping with treatments – encourage young people to apply topical treatments at night so that they can take their time, and don’t feel uncomfortable due to smells/greasiness. If there is a reason they don’t like using the treatment, encourage them to speak to their GP, even if it something that seems trivial such as the smell. It’s also important to make sure topical treatment is given enough time to work (weeks, rather than days)

Handling stress – Some young people might find that stress can trigger their psoriasis or make existing psoriasis worse. It’s possible to end up in a vicious cycle where they’re stressed, which makes psoriasis worse, which then makes them stress even more… The aim is to try and keep stress and anxiety to a minimum, and live as normal a life as possible – psoriasis is only one part of who they are.

Managing flares - Cotton clothing, underwear and bedding may be more comfortable for your child during a psoriasis flare. Have a small pot of moisturiser that will fit in a handbag or school bag to use when away from home - this can help soothe itchy skin that may be bothersome in the daytime.

Frequently asked questions about children and psoriasis

For answers to some of the most common questions about children about psoriasis, including the following, you can head to our Information & Support page:

• Why has my child got psoriasis?
• Do babies get psoriasis?
• What treatments are available for children?
• Can my child still have immunisations as normal?