Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, it is not contagious, and it affects the skin. It appears as red lesions that usually flake in the form of plaques. The main places where it appears are elbows, scalp, hands, feet, knees, nails, and genitals, and it can occur in a mild to severe form, where it affects the skin of the entire body. Psoriasis can appear in pregnant women, babies, and children of any ethnicity or gender.

What Causes Psoriasis?

The true cause has not yet been confirmed, but it is related to genetic, psychological, immune, and even hereditary factors. The only confirmation so far is that it is not a contagious disease, so there is no reason for isolation.
According to studies, the genetic factor appears to have the greatest connection since most patients have cases in their family. If it is the mother or the father, the chances intensify, and if it is both, the chances increase to 50% for the child to be born predisposed to develop the disease, either in childhood or adulthood. There are several types of psoriasis and each one requires different treatment.

Types of Psoriasis

Plaque or vulgar psoriasis: this is the most common type of psoriasis and manifests as plaque lesions of various shapes and sizes with a red appearance. They have a dry, whitish or silvery scaling, and in their whitest form, extend over the scalp, knees, and elbow. In severe forms, they affect genitals, the inside of the mouth, and sometimes the entire body, causing intense itching, pain, cracks, and bleeding around the joints.
Guttate psoriasis: This is the type of psoriasis considered most common among children and young people up to 30 years of age. It usually occurs after throat infections or other bacterial infections. It appears as a “drop” with scaling and commonly appears on the trunk, scalp, legs, and arms.
Inverse psoriasis: This type is most common in people who suffer from obesity or are overweight. It appears as red spots that develop in damper, warmer areas like the genitals, groin, armpits, neck, and under the breasts.
Nail psoriasis: This type affects the fingers and nails, both of the hands and feet. It appears with a yellowish tone, in scales, and in the nails affects their growth, causing them to grow unevenly and thick. They become yellowed, brittle, and in some cases become so weak that they detach easily.
Pustular psoriasis: Considered a rare form, pustular psoriasis may appear only on the feet and hands or over the entire body. They start first as red spots and then develop blisters with pus inside. It causes intense itching, fever, fatigue, and may disappear and reappear over days.
Erythrodermic psoriasis: The rarest and most severe type of the disease, erythrodermic psoriasis affects up to 75% of the body with patches and intense itching. It usually happens due to untreated other forms of psoriasis, burns, or infections.
Arthropathic psoriasis: Arthropathic or psoriatic arthritis can present in any of the forms described above but is characterized by severe joint pain and can even cause stiffness.
Palmar-plantar psoriasis: One of the most common types, it causes cracks all over the palm of the hand and sole of the feet.
In all types and forms of the disease, the patient faces not only discomfort from the symptoms but also various forms of prejudice because of the visible lesions on the skin. Any type of the disease can affect pregnancy, childhood, or adolescence, and treatment for control is indispensable. Factors such as stress are considered one of the main triggers of symptoms, since it affects the immune system.

How to Treat Psoriasis in Pregnant Women and Babies?

We know that during pregnancy, the use of various medications is not recommended because they can affect fetal development. So if you have already been diagnosed with psoriasis and are in treatment and trying to get pregnant, it is essential to inform your doctor to check your treatment and see if the medications used pose risks.
For those who are diagnosed during pregnancy, don’t worry. The disease does not pose a risk of miscarriage and certainly does not affect fetal development. It is even possible for the disease to remain under control during pregnancy since the hormones that are in full swing at this time can fight and protect against some infections. However, if you are experiencing a lot of stress and anxiety, it can appear, since it has a strong emotional connection.
It is important to point out that there is no risk of contagion, but because it is a disease with a strong genetic component, the baby may be born with a greater predisposition to develop the disease in the future. The only concern is with medications, which must be prescribed specifically for pregnant women, therefore when you inform the dermatologist they may change or suspend the use, including external use medications such as ointments and lotions.
The use of these products can enter the bloodstream and be toxic, affecting the baby. Gentler treatments such as regular sun baths, moisturizers that are safe for pregnancy, wearing comfortable cotton clothing, and activities to keep stress away are excellent ways to prevent and fight psoriasis during pregnancy.
For babies who inherited the disease from their family, even though the chances of symptoms appearing before two years old are minimal, parents should stay alert. Usually babies and children have the most noticeable symptoms on the scalp, knees, hands, feet, elbows, and genitals, especially in the diaper area. The most common type of psoriasis in childhood is guttate, where small, flaky, drop-shaped spots appear. They may also be associated with bacterial infections, emerging after treatment.

Treatment of Psoriasis in Babies

In the vast majority of cases, treatment of psoriasis in babies is based on creams or phototherapy in more severe cases. In some cases, daily exposure for just 15 minutes to the morning or late afternoon sun is enough to receive UV rays and reduce skin inflammation. It is extremely important for the baby to receive adequate treatment, and for parents to fully understand the disease, since they will need to treat it for the rest of their life.
Many school-age children end up facing social difficulties and developing psychological problems due to mean comments, judgments, and even prejudice. The ideal is for parents to talk to teachers and explain the situation so that information is shared with the whole class and embarrassment does not occur. Along with treatment with the dermatologist, it is recommended to have counseling from a psychologist or therapist to help the child cope better with certain situations.
The aim of treating psoriasis in babies, children, and adults is to control the disease and offer a better quality of life. Following proper treatment and having specialist care will make all the difference, as prevention is always better than cure.
Also Read: AD-Til – The Importance of Vitamin D for Babies
Photo: Heykerriann