Why you should see a dermatologist if your child has psoriasis? Psoriasis causes well-defined itchy red and scaly patches, especially in the crook of elbows and knees. You can also find psoriasis on a child’s face, buttocks, or scalp. Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between psoriasis and eczema, but our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Dean Goodless can differentiate between the two skin conditions and set up a treatment plan.
Expertise Is Essential
Taking your child to their pediatrician is probably the first thing a parent will do when they notice any type of rash on their child. You can’t tell if it is diaper rash, cradle cap, or a yeast infection. Your child’s doctor may suggest several treatments to clear the problem. If they don’t work, it’s time to see a dermatologist, especially one with the right expertise and training known as a pediatric dermatologist.
To Treat or Not to Treat
A pediatric dermatologist is trained to understand how psoriasis affects young children or teens. Some children have no symptoms nor are they concerned about peers noticing their affected areas. Maybe their patches are in areas always covered by clothing. 
However, others may have severe itching and pain that affects everything they do. They may be terribly embarrassed by their noticeable psoriasis patches and may resist going to school or participating in normal activities. This withdrawal can have emotional consequences.
Our dermatologist, Dr. Goodless may decide one child needs no extensive treatment, whereas another child needs to be handled carefully looking at the pros and cons of the treatment strategy in order to minimize side effects.
Treatments for Pediatric Psoriasis in Orlando, FL
Depending on the specific case, treatments might consist of the following:
- Ultraviolet UV light from the sun or in office treatments can help, but the sun can sometimes make psoriasis worse.
- Lotions, creams, ointments, moisturizers, corticosteroids, and Vitamin D creams along with special shampoos can all be helpful.
- Oral medications or injections may be prescribed.
Some combination of the above might be tried. Sometimes treatments work but only for a short time. Parents and children need to be patient as the doctor discovers what works best.
How to Prevent Psoriasis Outbreaks
There are some helpful tips to keep breakouts to a minimum.
- Children should wash their hands frequently and stay away from anyone who is sick or has an infection.
- Be sure your child is getting plenty of exercise to relieve stress.
- Help your child keep a healthy weight as obesity causes more severe cases.
- Teens should not drink alcohol or smoke.
Help your child remain patient through whatever therapy their dermatologist suggests, and remind them that psoriasis is a common skin condition and nothing to be embarrassed about.
Contact our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Dean Goodless at (407) 566-1616 for a diagnosis and treatment if your child has a rash you cannot clear with over-the-counter medications.