Children's skin is generally very delicate, often have episodes of dermatitis and other disorders that affect your skin. In some cases these are sporadic episodes that appear at certain times of the year, sometimes more seriously and in many cases, considerably milder. One of these diseases that affect the skin is psoriasis, a chronic disease that can seriously affect a child's life.
Psoriasis is a disease that affects the skin, caused by the accumulation of dermis cells in the upper layer of the skin. This causes red spots to appear that are very itchy, very thick scales and general discomfort. The skin becomes excessively dry, dehydrated and flakes producing a lot of pain and itching, a very uncomfortable situation for the child.
This sickness affects both children and adults and it can appear at any time in life, although it generally begins to manifest around puberty. The symptoms of this disease can manifest themselves in any part of the body, but the most affected areas are usually the elbows, knees, chest or scalp.
What are the causes of psoriasis in children
The causes that cause psoriasis to appear are not yet known, although known to be an autoimmune disease. That is, the body itself detects an infectious attack on healthy skin cells. T lymphocytes act to defend the body from non-existent attack, rejecting healthy skin.
But although the causes are not known, it has been possible to determine that there is an important risk factor, which is about the genetic factor. Children whose parents have psoriasis are half as likely to develop this disease.
Some are also known factors that are very negative for people with psoriasis:
- The obesity. Excess skin can prevent it from being treated correctly and thereby infect and worsen the condition of the skin.
- Cold. Cold weather worsens the condition of the skin, producing more flaking. The sun helps a lot to improve the condition of the skin.
- Skin lesions. Scratches, burns caused by the sun or for other reasons, make psoriasis worse.
- Infections that start the immune system, like a throat infection or any other seemingly minor type.
- Emotional state. Stress, anxiety and in general the emotional state, are important factors that worsen the disease.
Psoriasis can lead to emotional problems
Although it is not a serious disease, the consequences of having it can be devastating. When the symptoms of this disease appear in visible places, the child's emotional stability may be affected. In many cases, children isolate themselves socially out of shame, for not having to show the consequences of their illness in public.
It is very important to offer the child emotional help, in addition to the appropriate treatment for his illness. Improve your self-esteem, it will be fundamental to avoid that consequences may appear greater.
Treatment for psoriasis in children
There are many treatments for psoriasis and they generally work well in children, so if one treatment is not effective, another may be tried until the right one is found. Depending on the state of psoriasis that the child has, the treatment can be based on corticosteroid creams. There are also special shampoos and soaps, in other cases treatment with phototherapy is recommended. Even in the most severe cases, medication is administered orally or through injections.
However, at home you should also take into account certain recommendations that can help you improve the state of psoriasis of the child. One of the main preventive methods is through food, a balanced diet, based on fruits and vegetables, will notably help to improve the state of the disease. It is also very important to follow good skin hygiene habits.
And do not forget to take walks where the child can receive direct sunlight, always with caution and following medical recommendations.