Juvenile Psoriasis

Juvenile psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the skin and nails. It is believed to be hereditary. Although its onset can be linked to stress, doctors are still unable to determine exactly what causes it. Psoriasis can attack anyone at any age and affects men and women alike. Juvenile psoriasis, however, may be indicative of other health concerns.

Description

• Juvenile psoriasis is a chronic noncontagious skin condition. Its symptoms include dry, rough, scaly patches of skin that can be reddish or outlined in red. Fingernails and toenails may become thickened or pitted. Sometimes the patches can be more blisterlike and ooze pus. Psoriasis can show up anywhere on the body, but it is most often found on the scalp, elbows, lower back, groin and knees. The symptoms may go away for a time only to return.

Diagnosis

• The dermatologist, pediatrician or other health care provider will collect a history of the patient's physical and psychological health. She may take a blood test. A simple skin biopsy will confirm the diagnosis of juvenile psoriasis. Further evaluation may be necessary to asses the presence of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). The American Academy of Dermatology suggests in its guidelines released in May 2008 that "dermatologists are strongly encouraged to consider the possible concurrent diagnosis of PsA in patients presenting with psoriasis."

Treatments

• Treatment for juvenile psoriasis is determined by your health care provider and may include a multipronged approach. Prescription topical treatments can include corticosteriods, retinoids (vitamin A derivative), salicylic acid and a synthetic form of vitamin D known as calcipotriene. UV light therapy may also alleviate some of the symptoms of juvenile psoriasis, and there are a number of over-the-counter products designed to help with symptoms. In severe cases, immunosuppressant drugs may be administered.

Psychological

• Dealing with a skin disease such as juvenile psoriasis can be difficult. How a child handles juvenile psoriasis is highly individualized, but there does appear to be an increased risk for children with the disease for emotional difficulties such as depression and anxiety. In a study presented at the 68th annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology it was found that children suffering from juvenile psoriasis had a 23 percent greater risk of developing depression and a 32 percent greater risk for anxiety disorders.

Psoriatic Arthritis

• Psoriatic arthritis is similar to rheumatoid arthritis and is associated with juvenile psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis is divided into the following five groups: arthritis of the small joints in fingers and toes; arthritis of asymmetrical joints in the extremeties; symmetrical polyarthritis, which is very close in symptoms to rheumatoid arthritis; arthritis mutilans, which destroys joints; and arthritis of the sacroiliac sac and spine. Anyone suffering from juvenile psoriasis should be aware of the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, which can include inflamed, reddened joints or any joint deformity.