Childhood psoriasis: often favorable outcome

    Prescrire International
    |December 24, 2009
    PubMed

    Insights

    Plaque psoriasis in children often starts with topical treatments like emollients. For severe cases, UVB phototherapy or immunosuppressants like methotrexate may be considered, with careful risk assessment.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Dermatology
    • Dermatology
    • Immunology

    Background:

    • Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis observed in pediatric patients.
    • Initial management typically involves topical therapies, prioritizing safety and tolerability.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review current treatment strategies for pediatric plaque psoriasis.
    • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of various therapeutic options.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of existing literature on pediatric psoriasis treatments.
    • Analysis of topical agents, phototherapy, and systemic immunosuppressants.

    Main Results:

    • Emollients are recommended as first-line treatment due to their favorable safety profile.
    • Topical corticosteroids can be used for short durations during flare-ups.
    • UVB phototherapy is an option for extensive disease but carries long-term skin cancer risks.
    • Immunosuppressants are less evaluated, with methotrexate having more available data.

    Conclusions:

    • Treatment decisions for pediatric plaque psoriasis should balance efficacy with safety.
    • A stepwise approach, starting with topical agents, is generally advised.
    • Careful consideration of risks and benefits is crucial when selecting treatments for extensive or refractory cases.

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