Facial psoriasis in children: What you need to know

Psoriasis is characterized by two simultaneous phenomena:

• Dermatitis resulting in local redness;
• Abnormally accelerated skin regenerationresulting in plaques and scales that can itch to a greater or lesser degree.

Note that there Several types of psoriasis and locations (in the form of drops, spots, pustular, palmoplantar, scalp, face, folds, mucous membranes, nails …).

According to Resopso, a national network of dermatologists interested in improving the management of psoriasis, facial psoriasis is highly prevalent in the adult population (17-29% of psoriasis in adults) and more among children (39-43%).

Facial psoriasis usually manifests as well-defined redness At birth on the scalp, on the forehead and back of the neck, on the wings of the nose or around the mouth.. Because of its appearance, it can be particularly difficult to assume and be ridiculed or stigmatized, especially in school.

More common in young children than in adults, facial psoriasis sometimes takes on a certain aspect of “red clownPsoriasis affects both cheeks, exclusively or not. The plaques are highly inflammatory, symmetrical and very limited. eyelid location; Retro-auricular folds (the folds that are normally located behind the ear) are also common, and can mimic atopic dermatitis (children’s eczema, see dedicated paragraph).

In the case of facial psoriasis, a fortiori should be a mild psoriasisat first we prefer to use Moisturizing creams Topical corticosteroid creams, which should not be used for long periods. the second time, Mild topical corticosteroids In a cream or ointment that may be prescribed, or even combined with a vitamin D derivative.

Bearing in mind that The best cream remains the one that the child lovesBecause it will be easier for him to follow the treatment correctly and respect his dosage. We will prefer creams recommended by a dermatologist.

Oral treatments are also possible, but will be prescribed when facial psoriasis has a very strong impact on quality of life, and/or if it is accompanied by lesions on other parts of the body.

It would also be better to use it Unobtrusive toiletries (mild or even very creamy soap), and stick with it She patted her wet face with a towel rather than rubbing it until it dries. The idea is to avoid anything that attacks the skin, and risks exacerbating the flaking and itch.

Because of its appearance, facial psoriasis can affect quality of life and self-confidence, especially in childhood. In the case of facial psoriasis, the idea would be to make the disease as invisible as possible, so that the child can treat it Carry out most of their activities without suffering from the gaze of others. However, the daily application of corrective makeup (or medical makeup) is not really recommended, because even if they are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic makeup products, they can clog the skin pores, which can exacerbate or enhance acne. Exceptionally, on the occasion of a party, it may be wise, but it is better to refrain from using it every day.

If eczema and psoriasis share certain points, especially in terms of symptoms (itching), they have notable aspects that allow them to be clearly distinguished by a trained eye (general practitioner or dermatologist). Here are their main differences:

• the the color Plaques: psoriasis plaques are brighter red than those of eczema;
• the appearance Lesions: they are more specific and clear in the case of psoriasis.
• appearance Lesions: thicker and drier in case of psoriasis, with desquamation, while they can be finer and sometimes oozing and moist when they result from eczema;
• severe itching; : be stronger in case of eczema.

Remember that a “home” diagnosis is not enough: it is better to make an appointment, at least with a general practitioner or pediatrician, if red spots or blisters appear on the baby’s skin. Because there Many skin diseases cause rashes, some of them are contagious. It is best to quickly get the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment to quickly and effectively relieve the child.

A little bit of both! The sun improves many skin diseases, including psoriasis. But it is also responsible for skin cancer, so it is better to expose yourself with caution, precautions and stinginess. If a part of the solar spectrum (UVA or UVB) is used by dermatologists in phototherapy, it is Something very framed and very controlled. Children with psoriasis, on the face or on other parts of the body exposed to the sun, should protect themselves from the sun in the same way as other children, ie with products with a strong protection factor (SPF of at least 30 ), but also protection Physical (sunglasses, hat or hat, T-shirt).

For people with psoriasis, the sun can have another downside: tanning can blemishes psoriasis giving birth suffix lighting areas (we are talking about post-inflammatory pigmentation) when the plaques have healed. In addition, sweating under the influence of heat and sun can irritate psoriasis skin. So the best is to treat the pests as much as possible before going on holiday in the sun.

no one ! it’s a idea received It is commonly believed that diet is related to the onset of psoriasis. In fact, apart from obesity in children, a diet to lose weight will be beneficial and will reduce psoriasis, while Elimination diets, no. No need to deny yourself anything or look for hidden sugars, gluten and other trans fatty acids. Obviously, the best thing is a healthy and balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle, as we recommend to everyone.