Parenthood is, without any doubt, an emotional and life-changing experience. Your whole life revolves around a tiny being. Whether it's daytime or night, the only thing you keep thinking of is how to give the best care, love, and affection to your baby.
Having a baby is a loving journey; it also presents its own challenges as the child grows. Alongside the joy, parents often feel concerned about their child's health. The illnesses and health issues that the infant goes through can become overwhelming and distressing for parents as well. One such skin problem that can cause discomfort for babies is Psoriasis.
Baby psoriasis is a skin condition that can cause an itching sensation on the skin, with noticeable discomfort to the child. It is a common skin condition, but rare in babies, and it still affects millions of babies all around the globe. Hence, due to its high prevalence, it is important to be aware of its causes, symptoms, severity, and lifestyle changes for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Psoriasis in Infants and Newborns - A Quick Rundown
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition causing inflammation, along with thickened and scaly areas on the skin. A psoriasis rash can occur anywhere on the skin of a baby.
Psoriasis is considered to be a chronic condition; thus, it has no permanent cure. However, effective management of its symptoms is the only treatment option available.
Infant psoriasis is categorized into the following types:
- Plaque Psoriasis: Categorized by red, bumped skin areas, called plaques, lined with silver, greyish scales.
- Inverse Psoriasis: Thin skin plaques without scales usually appear in skin folds.
- Guttate Psoriasis: Caused by streptococcal bacterial infection, appears as red drop-shaped scaly spots.
- Pustular Psoriasis: Has small, round, pus-filled bumps on the top of the plaques on the skin.
- Sebopsoriases: A cross between seborrheic dermatitis and Psoriasis, these are bumps with greasy, yellowish scales.
Psoriasis in infants grows slowly, and the symptoms can get severe with time. Still, the skin condition remains less severe than it is in adults.
Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of Psoriasis in a baby is important for effective management. Thus, if you notice any changes to your newborn's skin, it is important to immediately consult a dermatologist for effective treatment and timely cure.
Psoriasis in Toddlers and Early Childhood
According to a report by the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), every year, around 20,000 children under age 10 are diagnosed with Psoriasis in America. Hence, this figure proves how prevalent childhood psoriasis is and why having knowledge is essential for parents.
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of Psoriasis in children. It presents as raised red, inflamed, and bumpy patches on the skin with scales, mainly on the child's torso, arms, and legs.
However, the patches tend to be less swelly, smaller, and thinner, as compared with those seen in adults.
Early Skin Changes Associated with Psoriasis
Psoriasis in babies often starts with small and mild skin changes, often mistaken for common rashes or any other skin condition. Mostly, it starts as small reddish bumps on the skin. Then, the bump grows big, and a greyish silver scale appears on the top. The plaque might shed, but the scale remains intact on the skin.
If you scratch the rash or bump, the scale might tear away the skin, causing bleeding. Further, these rashes and bumps will grow on larger areas of skin and cause lesions. They might also get pus-filled.
These changes show up gradually and persist despite simple skin care and home remedies. Moreover, these symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the baby's skin type and other additional factors.
Visible Symptoms of Psoriasis on Baby Skin
According to a comprehensive epidemiological study, the annual incidence of Pediatric Psoriasis is estimated to be around 40.8 cases per 100,000 children. Further, this rate is increasing every year.
Here, we have enlisted the signs and symptoms of Psoriasis on baby skin.
- Extreme itching sensation
- Red, inflamed patches
- Thick, dry, cracked skin
- Swelling and skin pain
- Silver scales with clear borders
Common Areas Affected by Psoriasis in Babies
Psoriasis in babies can occur on any body part. Mostly, it covers multiple, but small patches of skin on the body. Although in extreme cases, the plaques can grow and connect, covering large parts of the skin.
The following are the commonly affected areas of skin:
- Elbows and knees
- Diaper areas
- Face
- Inside of mouth
- Scalp
- Fingernails
- Toenails
- Lower back
- Genitals
- Palms
Psoriatic Diaper Rash Presentation
Psoriasis on a baby's skin can also start at the diaper region, especially at the groin and skin folds. Known as Napkin Psoriasis, up to 30% of Psoriasis infant start from the diaper region, within the first 2 years of their life.
You may start to notice small bumps and redness on the skin, followed by swelling and itching. You may consider them as regular skin rashes, but not only will they grow and persist, but all the medications and remedies will become ineffective for treating them.
The Psoriatic diaper rash is often triggered by the rubbing of the diapers on the baby's skin. It is important to see an expert healthcare provider for the best treatment.
Severity Levels of Psoriasis in Babies
The severity of Psoriasis is divided into three categories: mild, moderate, and severe. This categorization is based on the following four factors:
Body Surface Area:
Mild Psoriasis affects less than 3% of your body surface, whereas moderate Psoriasis affects 3% to 10% of the body area. For severe Psoriasis, the consideration is for more than 10% of the body surface.
Note: The area your one hand covers is considered 1% skin surface area.
Intensity:
The intensity of the symptoms, including bumps, scales, blisters, pus presence, and rashes, is determined by an expert dermatologist.
Location:
The location of the Psoriasis patch also contributes to categorizing its severity level. It includes the face, genitals, arms, legs, and scalp.
Impact:
It includes the non-physical impact of Psoriasis, like day-to-day activities, mental well-being, and related factors.
Baby Psoriasis Compared with Baby Eczema
Baby Psoriasis vs. Baby Eczema is another concern that is widely misunderstood by parents about their child's skin conditions.
- Eczema is a different skin condition that has dry, itchy skin as the main symptom. These patches can appear anywhere on the skin and have rashes that often lead to cracks and bleeding in severe cases.
- Mostly, eczema patches don't have scales, but if they do, those scales are entirely different from the Psoriasis ones.
- On the other hand, Psoriasis in babies is an autoimmune disorder that is characterized by patches of thick, red skin covered by silver, clear-bordered scales.
- Baby eczema is easily treatable with simple skin creams and remedies. However, Baby psoriasis is more resistant and difficult to treat.
- Furthermore, it is important to understand that an infant, child, or toddler can have both Psoriasis and Eczema at the same time.
Underlying Causes and Genetic Factors
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder. Thus, the leading cause of adulthood or childhood psoriasis is genetics and family history of autoimmune disorders.
However, it is triggered by various factors, including:
- Emotional stress
- Infection
- Obesity
- Cold weather
- Allergic reactions to medications
- Skin injuries like cuts, scrapes, burns, or surgery
Treatment Approaches for Psoriasis in Babies
Right and timely diagnosis of Psoriasis in babies is important for effective treatment and healing. Therefore, if you notice any minor changes to your baby's skin, immediately consult a dermatologist.
Here's a quick overview of the effective treatment plans for Psoriasis baby:
- Steroid-free creams
- Moisturization of dry skin
- Medications to slow skin cell production.
- Medicated lotions, shampoos, and skin care.
- Multivitamin products.
If the symptoms of Psoriasis don't improve after the above-mentioned treatments, your healthcare provider might move to the advanced treatment options. Well, those treatments might help you in managing Psoriasis, but they come with their own downfalls. Let's have a brief look at these options:
- Light therapy to decrease inflammation and decrease skin cell production.
- Usage of Retinoids, vitamin A-related medications, to manage the symptoms.
- Immune therapies aim to block the body's immune system to stop autoimmune reactions.
Lifestyle and Comfort Considerations for Infants
Parenthood is certainly a careful and tiring 24/7 job. However, taking care of Psoriasis babies makes this loving journey more physically challenging and mentally draining. You have to be way more careful while handling your baby with Psoriasis. Their skin becomes extremely sensitive, and only your proper care, management and timely consideration can protect them from further suffering and discomfort.
The following are a few of the tips, tricks, and practices regarding lifestyle changes for Psoriasis infants and toddlers.
- Frequently change diapers.
- Clean the skin with lukewarm water.
- Use medicated shampoos, lotions, and safe, gentle products.
- Avoid applying makeup to the baby's skin.
- Do not use harsh soaps, lotions, or shampoos.
- Do not rub the skin. Instead, tap to clean the skin.
- Keep the skin moisturized all the time.
- Avoid using dirty napkins or towels on the skin.
- Consider using a balanced and nutritious diet.
- Get regular exposure to sunlight.
- Avoid extreme heat or cold conditions.
FAQs
Can Psoriasis appear suddenly in infants with no family history?
Yes, Psoriasis in babies can appear suddenly without a family history. Although it is primarily an autoimmune or immune-mediated condition with a genetic basis, certain triggers may also act as a reason to its onset. The additionally triggers may include reactions to certain medications, infections or skin injury.
Does baby psoriasis change as children grow older?
Yes, as the skin condition can change with age, the Psoriasis symptoms can also improve and get better in children. Some may experience mildness in the Psoriasis symptoms. While the risks of Psoriasis getting severe or persisting into adulthood are also present.
Can vaccinations trigger Psoriasis in babies?
Well, vaccination is not a cause of Psoriasis. But there are various studies and research that show that vaccinations can trigger Psoriasis in people who have autoimmune genes. (source). Additionally, it must be noted that this data refers to adult Psoriasis and such evidence n babies is rare.
Is baby psoriasis linked to food sensitivities?
There is no evidence to support a direct or immediate link between Psoriasis in babies and food sensitivities. Still, certain foods may aggravate the flare-up if the child is susceptible or already has a history of Psoriasis.
Conclusion
Psoriasis, although an autoimmune disease with a genetic predisposition, presents differently in babies than in adults. The only thing parents need to understand is that timely evaluation and a dermatologist's guidance are very important to effectively manage it. This is due to the fact that sensitive skin in babies may suffer adverse effects if treatment is not done, and may worsen the condition. Treatment options largely include relieving the symptoms rather than cure.
Thus, if you are noticing any mild changes in your baby's skin, consult an expert dermatologist immediately because timely action can prevent worsening of symptoms and associated discomfort for babies.
