Infantile psoriasis: a follow-up study
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Infantile psoriasis often persists, with most children experiencing recurrent lesions. While typically mild, familial links are strong, highlighting the need for patient and family support.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dermatology
- Immunodermatology
Background:
- Infantile psoriasis diagnosis is debated, despite childhood psoriasis being recognized.
- Understanding the long-term course of infantile psoriasis is crucial for management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term outcomes of children initially diagnosed with infantile psoriasis.
- To assess disease progression, severity, and familial aggregation over time.
Main Methods:
- Follow-up examination of nine children diagnosed with infantile psoriasis.
- Reevaluation conducted 6 to 13 years after initial diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Seven out of nine children experienced recurrent psoriatic lesions.
- Two children achieved complete remission after the initial eruption.
- Most cases showed mild disease progression, with increased familial psoriasis prevalence over time.
Conclusions:
- Infantile psoriasis can persist into childhood with recurrent lesions, often with a mild course.
- Strong familial aggregation suggests a genetic component.
- Education on triggers and psychosocial support, such as self-help workshops, is recommended.
Abstract:
The appearance of psoriasis in infancy has been questioned by many dermatologists and pediatricians, although childhood psoriasis is a well-recognized entity. To elicit further information on this matter, a follow-up group of nine children who had been diagnosed initially as having infantile psoriasis was reexamined 6 to 13 years later to determine the course of the disease over time. Seven of the nine children had recurrent psoriatic lesions and two remained completely clear after the resolution of the initial eruption. The majority did not have a severe disease course; on the contrary, progression of the illness was mild for most of them. Familial aggregation was noted in almost all of the children. In fact, over the intervening years the number of relatives with psoriasis significantly increased. Most patients were not aware of the role of such factors as infections, injury, and stress in precipitating psoriasis. Participation in a self-help workshop is recommended as a way for both parents and children to learn to cope with the clinical and psychologic aspects of the illness.