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Updated: Aug 18, 2026

The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Published on: July 11, 2013
Infantile psoriasis
Insights
Infantile psoriasis vulgaris affects infants under 2 years old, often presenting with Koebner
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
- Infantile psoriasis is rare and often overlooked.
Observation:
- This study observed 14 infants under 2 years with psoriasis vulgaris.
- Three infants showed signs of psoriasis in the neonatal period, with one possibly having prenatal onset.
- The isomorphic effect (Koebner's phenomenon) influenced the site of onset in 13 patients.
Findings:
- Nail changes, including pitting, were present in 79% of the infants, contradicting the notion that nail pitting is infrequent in childhood psoriasis.
- Psoriasis vulgaris can manifest in infants, presenting a diagnostic challenge.
Implications:
- Psoriasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of papulosquamous disorders in infants.
- Early recognition of infantile psoriasis is crucial for appropriate management.
- Further research into the specific characteristics and management of infantile psoriasis is warranted.
Abstract:
We report 14 infants younger than 2 years of age with psoriasis vulgaris in order to call attention to the existence of infantile psoriasis. Three of the patients were noted to have psoriasis in the neonatal period; the onset may have been prenatal in one. In 13 of the 14 patients the site of onset was determined by the isomorphic effect (Köbners phenomenon). Although nail pitting is usually said to be infrequent in childhood psoriasis, 11 (79%) of our patients had typical psoriatic nail changes. Psoriasis must be considered in the differential diagnosis of papulosquamous disorders in infants.
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