Parents Guide to Psoriasis in Children

Psoriasis in children affects more than just their physical health. Children can have a tough time adjusting and coping with this chronic skin condition. They may not understand what causes psoriasis and it is up to the adults in their life to help them understand this disease. The first step is explaining that the disease is not contagious. Many children fear "catching" psoriasis from a friend but in reality this is false. You cannot catch psoriasis from contact with another person. The skin may resemble "chicken pox" at times but it is not communicable.

The main issue with psoriasis in teens and children is the psychological aspect of being "different" than the other children. These affected patients may develop severe self-esteem issues that need to be discussed with a counsellor. Even adults face depression with this skin disease but the manifestations of depression in children may present themselves in a different manner.

The next step is finding the right psoriasis medication for the job of helping combat the symptoms and helps heal the skin. Most medications currently on the market are not tested for a child's safety. A child is expected to use a medication meant to work on an adult. This can prove problematic for some children, since the psoriasis medication may be too strong and could cause harmful side effects. There is legislation in place now for new drugs to be tested to ensure safety for children but that only applies to new drugs. You still have to be concerned about the drugs that are already on the market.

It is up to the parents, doctors and counsellors to help a child overcome their embarrassment. They should know that other people suffer from the same skin rashes that seem overwhelming at times. The best solution to this problem is through education and staying informed. For more information on psoriasis in children, you can visit The National Psoriasis Foundation at www.psoriasis.org.