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Psoriasis is a common, noninfectious skin condition. It causes itchy, dry patches on the skin. Up to 40% of people with psoriasis have symptoms before they're 16 years old, and 10% get it before they're 10.

Children can have mild, moderate, or severe psoriasis. It's a lifelong condition with no cure, but you can treat the symptoms with medication. Most pediatric cases of psoriasis are mild and get better with treatment. ¹

Psoriasis isn't contagious. While no one knows exactly what causes psoriasis. Often, a bacterial infection triggers psoriasis for the first time in children. Other kids get certain genes from their parents that make them more likely to get it. Things that raise a child's risk of getting the disease also include: skin irritation, stress, obesity, cold weather and certain medications like malaria drugs. ¹

Avoiding or finding ways to manage these triggers can help reduce the occurrences or severity of psoriasis outbreaks.

There are five types of psoriasis, but some are much more common in children than others. The symptoms can show up differently in children, too. For example, they're more likely to have psoriasis on their face or around joints. ¹

The two types children are most likely to get are: ¹

1. Plaque psoriasis. Most kids who have psoriasis have this type. It causes red, dry patches called plaques. The plaques or scales usually show up on knees, elbows, lower back, and the scalp. They're itchy, red, and sometimes painful. They can also bleed. Plaque psoriasis patches are smaller, thinner, and less scaly in children than in adults.
2. Guttate psoriasis. This kind is also called "drop-like" psoriasis. It causes small red dots to form on the trunk, back, arms, and legs.  Many children who get this type of psoriasis also develop plaque psoriasis.

 The most common symptoms of psoriasis include: ²

1. Raised patches of skin that are often red and covered with whitish-silvery scales
2. Dry, cracked skin that can bleed
3. Itching, soreness, or a burning sensation in and around the affected areas of skin
4. Thick, pitted fingernails or nails that develop deep ridges
5. Red areas in skin folds

Dr. Irina Nehme

Pediatrician

1. ^{https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/pediatric-psoriasis-facts}

2. ^{https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/psoriasis-in-children#helping-your-child}