Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 16, 2025
Author Spotlight: Self-Assessment Protocol for Predicting Psoriatic Arthritis in Psoriasis Patients
Published on: March 1, 2024
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with psoriasis
Q Beytout1, J Pepiot2, A Maruani3
1Service de dermatologie, hôpital Victor-Dupouy, 69, rue du Lieutenant Colonel-Prudhon, 95107 Argenteuil cedex, France.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted children with psoriasis, worsening their condition and disrupting treatments. Teleconsultations were crucial for managing pediatric psoriasis during this health crisis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Children with psoriasis faced unique challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The pandemic may have hindered adherence to preventive health measures for pediatric psoriasis patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children diagnosed with psoriasis.
- To understand how the pandemic influenced the management and experience of pediatric psoriasis.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among individuals under 18 with psoriasis between June 10-29, 2020.
- Data collected focused on psoriasis status, treatment adherence, healthcare access, and challenges during pandemic-related home lockdown.
Main Results:
- Nearly half of pediatric psoriasis patients experienced worsening symptoms during lockdown, with many discontinuing systemic treatments due to pandemic-related reasons.
- Teleconsultation was utilized by over 40% of patients for psoriasis management, addressing symptom worsening and pandemic concerns.
- A significant portion of children found it difficult to adhere to hygiene measures like hand sanitization and mask-wearing due to their psoriasis.
Conclusions:
- The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial clinical effect on children with psoriasis.
- Telemedicine proved essential for monitoring, information dissemination, and treatment renewal in pediatric psoriasis care.
- Lessons learned emphasize the need for adaptable chronic dermatosis management strategies during future health crises for both pediatric and adult populations.
Background:
Children with psoriasis may have been directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and their illness may also have affected their ability to follow preventive measures.
Objective:
To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with psoriasis.
Methods:
A survey of children (<18 years) with psoriasis, conducted from June 10 to June 29, 2020.
Results:
In total, 92 children were included: 71.7% had psoriasis lesions at the time of home lockdown while 45.2% were receiving systemic treatments, and two contracted COVID-19. During lockdown, psoriasis worsened in 47.3% of the children and 18.8% stopped their systemic treatments, mainly for reasons linked to the pandemic. A total of 41.3% had a consultation for psoriasis during lockdown (71.1% by teleconsultation): 39.5% due to worsening of their psoriasis and 21.1% for pandemic-related issues. Among patients not having a consultation during lockdown, 27.5% had a cancellation by the doctor and 9.3% had concerns over going to see the doctor. Finally, 22.8% of patients reported finding it difficult to respect hygiene measures because of their psoriasis, e.g., application of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (47.6%), handwashing routines (42.9%), and wearing a mask (28.6%).
Conclusions:
This study demonstrates the major clinical impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with psoriasis. Teleconsultations played a key role in patient management as regards patient monitoring, provision of information, and renewal of treatments. It is vital that we learn from these data to improve and adapt the monitoring of chronic dermatoses in both children and adults in the event of a future health crisis.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:27Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
01:18Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
01:29Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia