Psoriasis in children: characteristics, prognosis and therapy. A review

Based on data from literature and a study of 245 psoriatic children psoriasis in children was found to be more sensitive to psychic trauma, more often triggered by infections, more often localized to face and scalp, more often itching, and earlier present in girls than boys. An unfavourable course has often been seen in children with an early onset of psoriasis or with psoriasis located to face and trunk. Before starting therapy precipitating causes of psoriasis such as infections and psychic trauma should be eliminated--if possible. Most scales should be removed before topical therapy is started. Mainly topical therapy should be given, favourably in combinations. UVB therapy is effective, also in children, and may be given in any home. PUVA should not be used as it accelerates the ageing of the skin and is possibly carcinogenic. Methotrexate is too hepatotoxic to be used in children.