3 Facts You Should Know About Infant Psoriasis

As a parent, you probably want nothing more than for your little one to be happy, healthy, and content. If he or she has recently been diagnosed with the red skin or irritated hot spots that infant psoriasis is known for, it is important to know that treatment options are available to minimize the symptoms. Doctors, like Henry D. McKinney M.D., can help you find the right treatment for your baby. And, the following information will allow you to make the right choices and help your baby overcome this challenging health problem.

#1-Infant Psoriasis Cannot Be Treated Just Like Adult Psoriasis 

Since some families have a genetic predisposition towards psoriasis, it is easy to assume that it can be treated the same way that an adult's symptoms would be. However, that is not true and in some situations, doing so could result in harming your baby.

For instance, adults are often treated with prescription retinoids and salicylic acid ointments. Unfortunately, both of those could irritate your baby's skin even more and therefore, are not recommended. Psoriasis sufferers of all ages can benefit from the use of steroid-based creams and tar shampoos, but you should remember to ask your pediatrician before starting, stopping or modifying any medical treatment.

#2-It May Resemble A Diaper Rash That Never Gets Better 

It is not unusual to make the mistake of treating infant psoriasis with heavy doses of ointment, as if it is just a diaper rash. It is also not unusual to think that psoriasis is a yeast infection and incorrectly initiate the wrong treatment.A good rule of thumb is that if you do not see a marked improvement after a few days or if the rash is severe enough to cause pain, you should talk with your child's doctor.

Itching is another symptom of psoriasis and its severity can vary from one part of the body to another. It will also be useful to note that even though there may be multiple patches of psoriasis on your baby, they do not all need to look the same. Some areas can be more raised, redder, and rougher to the touch than others, so do not assume that because they look different, they are not psoriasis.       

#3-Psoriasis May Be An Auto-immune Disorder And May Be Triggered In Babies After A Common Illness

Psoriasis is not just a rash or a skin condition. Instead, many experts believe that it is an auto-immune disorder that is triggered by something as minor as a scratch to your baby's skin or the development of a streptococcal sore throat. Although that may sound foreboding, it is actually good news.

It is good news because some babies will experience just one or two flareups and then never have another one. It is frequently recommended that if your baby experienced a flare-up of their symptoms after an illness, you should take extra care when protecting them from exposure to sick people whenever possible.       

In conclusion, infant psoriasis is rare, but if your baby has been diagnosed with it, it is essential to make informed decisions when making a care plan. Therefore, it is a good idea to have an in-depth conversation with your doctor about appropriate treatment options.


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