Children and psoriasis

Psoriasis is a recurrent skin condition that affects around 2% of the population in the UK. In simple terms, it is only an acceleration of the usual replacement processes of the skin. Normally a skin cell matures in 21 to 28 days during its passage to the surface where a constant invisible shedding of dead cells, as scales, takes place. Psoriatic cells, however, are believed to turn over in two to three days and in such profusion that even live cells reach the surface and accumulate with the dead cells in visible layers.

What does it look like?

It appears as raised red patches of skin covered with silvery scales. It can occur on any part of the body although elbows, knees and the scalp are usual sites. There is often accompanying irritation.

Is it catching?

Most definitely not. Psoriasis cannot be caught from other people nor can it be transferred from one part of the body to another.

How does psoriasis affect children?

Psoriasis is much less common in childhood than other skin problems such as eczema although around 10% of adults with psoriasis seem to have developed it before the age of 10. Guttate and scalp psoriasis are more common in childhood although many children will also have the usual distribution of plaques over the knees, elbow and lower back.

What is guttate psoriasis?

The onset of psoriasis in children is often an outbreak of what is called guttate psoriasis. Gutta is the latin word for drop and this describes the small scaly patches affecting the trunk, limbs and occasionally the scalp. There may be a few rather larger patches or they may develop in time. This type of rash often follows an infection, often one caused by streptococci in the throat. Usually the rash clears well, although it can take several weeks or months, but in some children it can linger indefinitely. If a read more