My son is 5 and we were just told he has psoriasis

[tconway2208]

My son is 5 and he / we were just told that he has psoriasis. I need to know were to get more info. for his age group?

[GitOverIt]

someone will be along soon with umteen links.

has he recently had strep throat? and is the psoriasis guttate...small red dots and patches or larger plaque like spots that flake and itch....

in the mean time no perfumes in soaps etc...baking soda baths help itching.
There are some good over the counter products without junk in them ...read labels!
might be allergic to dairy products...or some other foods....I''ll be back later with more info....tornado heading close!

[tconway2208]

someone will be along soon with umteen links.

has he recently had strep throat? and is the psoriasis guttate...small red dots and patches or larger plaque like spots that flake and itch....

in the mean time no perfumes in soaps etc...baking soda baths help itching.
There are some good over the counter products without junk in them ...read labels!
might be allergic to dairy products...or some other foods....I''ll be back later with more info....tornado heading close!


No strep some are small patches he has those under his arms, under his butt. His private area is covered with it. It almost looks like ring worm gone bad. It is very flakey. I tried everything before the dermatoligist told me what she thought it was. So after 21/2 mnths. of this going on witch is very hard for a 5 year old the dermatoligist said 99.9 percent sure that is what it is. So I want to get this under control ASAP. I hope you are OK

[nesielheum]

My son is 5 and he / we were just told that he has psoriasis. I need to know were to get more info. for his age group?Hello tconway2208,
I am very sorry to hear about your son's diagnosis. I am not well versed in children with psoriasis, however if you go to the NPFs home page (http://www.psoriasis.org/home/) and type the word "children" in the search box, without the quotation marks, a whole series of relevant web pages will be displayed. There is a lot to read, but I suspect that you will want to know as much as you can.
This next link is to the advanced search page, but I am not certain if it will display properly. Once again just type the word children and many of your questions will be answered.
http://www.psoriasis.org/search/index.php
Best of luck to you and your son in getting his psoriasis under control.

[MikeK]

Hi Tconway2208,

Welcome to the Board! :cool: Nice to meet you. I'm so very sorry to hear about your son's diagnosis. I'm not a parent, but I was first diagnosed with psoriasis way back in 1964. I was 7 (I'll be 50 in December) so I have a pretty good idea of what your son is going through.

First, a lot of medications that are used to treat psoriasis either aren't save to use on children or haven't been tested on children, so if it's at all possible you might want to consider taking your son to a pediatric dermatologist. You can find one via the Society for Pediatric Dermatology's website. Here's a link to it: http://www.pedsderm.net/members.htm.

Second, you might want to have your son tested for strep. (Insist on a culture because the so-called "quick test" is often unreliable.) Strep is a known trigger for psoriasis. (Just about any infection can trigger a psoriasis outbreak but strep is the usual culprit.) More then a few people have posted here that either their psoriasis or their child's psoriasis was triggered by strep. To further complicate things, many of these same people have also posted that the psoriasis outbreak was the only sign that they (or their child) had strep because they were asymptomatic (i.e., no sore throat or fever) for strep! To add insult to injury, the psoriasis won't respond to treatment until the underlying infection is taken care of. Here's some links to some previous discussions on the subject of psoriasis and infections:

http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=7538&highlight=importance+strep+test;

http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3074&highlight=presentation+strep;

http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=4988&highlight=uti; and

http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=18602&highlight=aso.

Here's a link to the NPF's discussion of psoriasis triggers: http://www.psoriasis.org/about/living/triggers/.

Here's a link to the NPF's discussion of psoriasis for parents: http://www.psoriasis.org/about/youth/parents/.

I find that the kind of soaps and laundry products that I use makes all the difference in the world. Antibacterial and deoderant soaps, for example, tend to irritate my psoriasis and make it drier and itchier then it already is. I've had similar problems with the dyes and fragrances in detergent and dryer sheets, etc. I haven't had any laundry related problems since I switched to "free and clear" laundry products. And here's a link that will take you to some previous discussions about psoriasis and soap: http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=13629.

How extensive is your son's psoriasis and what parts of his body are affected? I need to know that information in order to offer some specific recommendations concerning treatment. For example, if your son's psoriasis covers significant parts of his body, he might benefit from UVB light treatments. (I'm not sure if light treatments can be used for someone as young as five. You need to discuss that with his dermatologist.) Light treatments can be a pain (some people have been burned by them) because your son would have to go three times a week for several months for treatment. Light treatments don't work for everyone, but -- assuming that they can be used on someone his age -- they can be a safe and effective treatment for psoriasis. (Here's a link to the NPF's discussion of UVB light treatments: http://www.psoriasis.org/treatment/psoriasis/phototherapy/uvb.php If he has psoriasis on his genitals, you might want to try using some Desitin (that's right -- the diaper rash cream). If he has scalp psoriasis, a shampoo contain tea tree oil can be very soothing. Paul Mitchell (http://www.paulmitchell.com/site/subpage.asp?section=2,10,32,80) and Nature's Gate (http://www.natures-gate.com/shop/showitem.asp?ProductId=41102301&menuId=171&withLinks=1) both make tea tree oil shampoos. Taking baths with a product like Aveeno Oatmeal soak (http://aveeno.com/detailAction.do?id=3689) (cheaper store brand are available) will help soften the scales and relief the itch.

Moisturizing can be very helpful. It will help relieve both the dryness and the itch. I find that it helps to rotate brands of moisturizers and to use only those moisturizers that are labeled "fragrance free", "non-irritating" and/or "for sensitive skin".

For that awful itch that often accompanies psoriasis, you can try using (in no particular order):

Corn starch; Anti-itch creams lotions and powders, such as Gold Bond. I usually buy store brands because their cheaper. Check with your son's doctor or your pharmacist to make sure if something can be used on a five year old; Ice packs; Aveeno oatmeal baths (as I already mentioned) Atarax. You'll need a prescription. It will make him VERY sleepy. Here's a link to some additional information: http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/rxdrugprofiles/drugs/ata1035.shtml); Benadryl.

I'm sorry that this has turned into such a novel. You're probably suffering from information overload. I hope that it helps in some small way. Good luck. Keep us posted. Let us know if you have ANY other questions. And, please don't be a stranger.

Mike

[sergecosta]

Believe it or not, hemorrhoidal cream has properties that may help with the psoriasis. It has a skin protectant, a vasoconstrictive component (meaning, it reduces the size of blood vessels thereby making things less red and inflamed), and it has anti-septic as well as a pain-killing component, which helps with the itch. I have used this cream for my neck and my groin and it makes my skin feel and look good. And of course it is formulated for one of the most delicate areas of the body which should help for the groin area. If you decide to use topical steroids, use these very sparingly.

[Mama Moose]

Oh I am so sorry your son has been diagnosed with psoriasis. :( I too was five when I was first diagnosed back in the mid 70's. At that time, treatments were limited, as were places for support such as this board. I'm so glad you found the board, because there are a lot of wonderful people here that are more than willing to listen, cry, vent, advise and support one another. :)
There is tons of information available online through a google search, and MikeK will probably be along soon to provide you with numerous links which will be very imformative, as well as info on the NPF web page. My first suggestion would be to read as much as you can and learn about the disease and the treatments. Your childs Dr. will be better able to explain different treatment options. I would be hesitant to place a child that young on the more serious meds, and I'm not really sure what treatments are being used now for children that young. In my day, it was coal tar treatments, but there are far better topicals available now.
I'm just curious, but what triggered your son's P? Mine was triggered by a severe kidney/bladder infection and/or an allergic reaction to meds for the infection. It breaks my heart that another child has to deal with this. I will be thinking about you and keeping a look out for more posts from you to see how you're all doing. Sending you the best of luck! :)

PS...Welcome to the boards! :)


:eek: oops! I see MikeK had already posted. Check out his links and you will learn a lot. Good luck! :)

[mdgirl]

I'm sorry to hear that your son has p. I also got it at 5, way back in Mike's day. There is so much more treatments out here now than there was in the 60's. You have received a ton of information. Educated yourself as much as possible on this disease. Keep us posted.

Take care,

Diane

[Jillian1507]

I'm sure my post will duplicate many of the previous ones, but I'm so sorry to hear of your son's p....it's such a wierd disease. Some days are great, while others are horrible. I find it very hard to understand.....anyways, I'm not up to speed on what treatments will be effective and safe for a child, but Mike K (isn't he great) gave you some great info and links! I was not diagnosed with p until a few months ago, but I have been dealing with it since Dec. 2004 (I am 24 now) and it's so difficult. Please give your son a big smooch for me and we all here wish you both the best with dealing with this condition.

[tconway2208]

Hi Tconway2208,

Welcome to the Board! :cool: Nice to meet you. I'm so very sorry to hear about your son's diagnosis. I'm not a parent, but I was first diagnosed with psoriasis way back in 1964. I was 7 (I'll be 50 in December) so I have a pretty good idea of what your son is going through.

First, a lot of medications that are used to treat psoriasis either aren't save to use on children or haven't been tested on children, so if it's at all possible you might want to consider taking your son to a pediatric dermatologist. You can find one via the Society for Pediatric Dermatology's website. Here's a link to it: http://www.pedsderm.net/members.htm.

Second, you might want to have your son tested for strep. (Insist on a culture because the so-called "quick test" is often unreliable.) Strep is a known trigger for psoriasis. (Just about any infection can trigger a psoriasis outbreak but strep is the usual culprit.) More then a few people have posted here that either their psoriasis or their child's psoriasis was triggered by strep. To further complicate things, many of these same people have also posted that the psoriasis outbreak was the only sign that they (or their child) had strep because they were asymptomatic (i.e., no sore throat or fever) for strep! To add insult to injury, the psoriasis won't respond to treatment until the underlying infection is taken care of. Here's some links to some previous discussions on the subject of psoriasis and infections:

http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=7538&highlight=importance+strep+test;

http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3074&highlight=presentation+strep;

http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=4988&highlight=uti; and

http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=18602&highlight=aso.

Here's a link to the NPF's discussion of psoriasis triggers: http://www.psoriasis.org/about/living/triggers/.

Here's a link to the NPF's discussion of psoriasis for parents: http://www.psoriasis.org/about/youth/parents/.

I find that the kind of soaps and laundry products that I use makes all the difference in the world. Antibacterial and deoderant soaps, for example, tend to irritate my psoriasis and make it drier and itchier then it already is. I've had similar problems with the dyes and fragrances in detergent and dryer sheets, etc. I haven't had any laundry related problems since I switched to "free and clear" laundry products. And here's a link that will take you to some previous discussions about psoriasis and soap: http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?t=13629.

How extensive is your son's psoriasis and what parts of his body are affected? I need to know that information in order to offer some specific recommendations concerning treatment. For example, if your son's psoriasis covers significant parts of his body, he might benefit from UVB light treatments. (I'm not sure if light treatments can be used for someone as young as five. You need to discuss that with his dermatologist.) Light treatments can be a pain (some people have been burned by them) because your son would have to go three times a week for several months for treatment. Light treatments don't work for everyone, but -- assuming that they can be used on someone his age -- they can be a safe and effective treatment for psoriasis. (Here's a link to the NPF's discussion of UVB light treatments: http://www.psoriasis.org/treatment/psoriasis/phototherapy/uvb.php If he has psoriasis on his genitals, you might want to try using some Desitin (that's right -- the diaper rash cream). If he has scalp psoriasis, a shampoo contain tea tree oil can be very soothing. Paul Mitchell (http://www.paulmitchell.com/site/subpage.asp?section=2,10,32,80) and Nature's Gate (http://www.natures-gate.com/shop/showitem.asp?ProductId=41102301&menuId=171&withLinks=1) both make tea tree oil shampoos. Taking baths with a product like Aveeno Oatmeal soak (http://aveeno.com/detailAction.do?id=3689) (cheaper store brand are available) will help soften the scales and relief the itch.

Moisturizing can be very helpful. It will help relieve both the dryness and the itch. I find that it helps to rotate brands of moisturizers and to use only those moisturizers that are labeled "fragrance free", "non-irritating" and/or "for sensitive skin".

For that awful itch that often accompanies psoriasis, you can try using (in no particular order):

Corn starch; Anti-itch creams lotions and powders, such as Gold Bond. I usually buy store brands because their cheaper. Check with your son's doctor or your pharmacist to make sure if something can be used on a five year old; Ice packs; Aveeno oatmeal baths (as I already mentioned) Atarax. You'll need a prescription. It will make him VERY sleepy. Here's a link to some additional information: http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/rxdrugprofiles/drugs/ata1035.shtml); Benadryl.

I'm sorry that this has turned into such a novel. You're probably suffering from information overload. I hope that it helps in some small way. Good luck. Keep us posted. Let us know if you have ANY other questions. And, please don't be a stranger.

Mike
Thank you sooo much. He has it under his arms all over his genitals and a few spots under his butt (upper leg).
The dermitoligist just looked at it this week and told me to go to this web site because the info she had was for adults.
So I guess the first step would be to check him for strep even though he has had no signs of it? Should I have him tested for food allergies?
You mentioned Atarax, the Dr. gave him that just 2 weeks ago because he was getting rashes all over his body. He said to use it for a week and then stop and see if he continued having the rashes.
She gave me Hydrocortisone cream and Dovonex so Im waiting to see if it works but I want to know what is causing this.

[tconway2208]

Oh I am so sorry your son has been diagnosed with psoriasis. :( I too was five when I was first diagnosed back in the mid 70's. At that time, treatments were limited, as were places for support such as this board. I'm so glad you found the board, because there are a lot of wonderful people here that are more than willing to listen, cry, vent, advise and support one another. :)
There is tons of information available online through a google search, and MikeK will probably be along soon to provide you with numerous links which will be very imformative, as well as info on the NPF web page. My first suggestion would be to read as much as you can and learn about the disease and the treatments. Your childs Dr. will be better able to explain different treatment options. I would be hesitant to place a child that young on the more serious meds, and I'm not really sure what treatments are being used now for children that young. In my day, it was coal tar treatments, but there are far better topicals available now.
I'm just curious, but what triggered your son's P? Mine was triggered by a severe kidney/bladder infection and/or an allergic reaction to meds for the infection. It breaks my heart that another child has to deal with this. I will be thinking about you and keeping a look out for more posts from you to see how you're all doing. Sending you the best of luck! :)

PS...Welcome to the boards! :)


:eek: oops! I see MikeK had already posted. Check out his links and you will learn a lot. Good luck! :)

Im not sure what triggered it. At first I thought it was joke itch so I treated it for that (3 diffirent brands) that did nothing so then I thought it could be a yeast rash I tried monistate /first the generic brand then the name brand anyways Ive tried everthing under the sun. I took him to the Dr they gave him a cream and did a culture to see if it was bacterial or fung. The bacterial came back negative so they sent me to a dermitoligist. The dermitoligist told me that it was psoriosis and gave him hydrocortizone cream and dovonex that seem to be working but it has only been 2 days. Would the bacterial culture show strep?

[Allie]

Thank you sooo much. He has it under his arms all over his genitals and a few spots under his butt (upper leg).
The dermitoligist just looked at it this week and told me to go to this web site because the info she had was for adults.
So I guess the first step would be to check him for strep even though he has had no signs of it? Should I have him tested for food allergies?
You mentioned Atarax, the Dr. gave him that just 2 weeks ago because he was getting rashes all over his body. He said to use it for a week and then stop and see if he continued having the rashes.
She gave me Hydrocortisone cream and Dovonex so Im waiting to see if it works but I want what is causing this.

Do you have the possiblity of selecting a Derm that specializes in ped's? Due to your son's age, I think if this is a possiblity & from what I understand it is in bigger cities, I would def. look into it as an option.

I too, understand what it is like to grow up with p. I developed it at 13, so I was at least old enough to understand it myself. I feel so bad for you.

As for what causes it, that is the trillion dollar question. Research has proven a specific gene is consistent within all people with p. Experience has proven strep, stress and food can all trigger a flare - but these are not the causes - only triggers. When researchers figure out the why, we will be well on our way to a cure... Our dream.

[tconway2208]

Do you have the possiblity of selecting a Derm that specializes in ped's? Due to your son's age, I think if this is a possiblity & from what I understand it is in bigger cities, I would def. look into it as an option.

I too, understand what it is like to grow up with p. I developed it at 13, so I was at least old enough to understand it myself. I feel so bad for you.

As for what causes it, that is the trillion dollar question. Research has proven a specific gene is consistent within all people with p. Experience has proven strep, stress and food can all trigger a flare - but these are not the causes - only triggers. When researchers figure out the why, we will be well on our way to a cure... Our dream.
I have Kaiser so Im not sure but I will check into it. How do you really know for sure if it really is p? Is there a blood test. The Dr. said its rare for his age, but that is what he has. The other question is will it get worse? I mean its on his genitals is this going to cause scare tissue he has had it there for almost 3 mnths.. Its not a big deal now, but what about when he gets older.

[Allie]

I have Kaiser so Im not sure but I will check into it. How do you really know for sure if it really is p? Is there a blood test. The Dr. said its rare for his age, but that is what he has. The other question is will it get worse? I mean its on his genitals is this going to cause scare tissue he has had it there for almost 3 mnths.. Its not a big deal now, but what about when he gets older.
biopsy is the only true way to know for sure it is p. Most good Derms will be able to tell by looking at it, but the biopsy is a good reinforcement to the diagnosis.

Will it get worse - only time will tell.

Can it - yes

Possibly it won't - yep.....

Scars - I have not personally developed any long-term. During my initial healing, I showed signs for ages. As time went on, the scars faded & I looked normal again.

I will pray for you son to find relief and the luck of spontaneous remission for many years to come.

[RichJ]

hi tconway2208,
im sorry of your sons p and sorry i can't help much but welcome to the p family. you have met some of the wonderful people on here and will find alot of great info. welcome and nice to meet you.

have a good night all

richard

[chardog]

No strep some are small patches he has those under his arms, under his butt. His private area is covered with it. It almost looks like ring worm gone bad. It is very flakey. I tried everything before the dermatoligist told me what she thought it was. So after 21/2 mnths. of this going on witch is very hard for a 5 year old the dermatoligist said 99.9 percent sure that is what it is. So I want to get this under control ASAP. I hope you are OK
sounds like inverse p. You should try slippery elm treatment; it really gets rid of the inverse, or at least contains it very well.

[kelley]

Sorry to hear about your son's psoriasis. I have five children of my own and I thought for sure that one of them would end up with it. So far so good. My psoriasis appeared in the second grade. It was like the dark ages in 1962 compared to what we know about and how we treat psoriasis now. I remember back then that about the only real help I got from the dermatologist was him telling me to use certain soaps and shampoos. I had severe psoriasis head to toe and my parents weren't very savvy at the time. Mine would get so dry and crack and bleed. I still have the scars on my arms.

I know you've gotten a lot of advice regarding treatments and the like. One bit of advice I would give you as a parent is this. When you're son is Middle School/High School age, either have his psoriasis clear or make him exempt for P.E. Class. I was the subject of so much ridicule and poking fun that it was very emotionally frustrating. Your son shouldn't have to go through that. Other kids can be quite cruel. Being called "syphillis kid" and other cruel things isn't good for anybody at any age. Please be aware of his sensitivity to the disease. If he is embarassed by his plaques, don't make an issue out of going swimming, wearing shorts, etc. It's hard for others to understand unless they were to live in your skin. Others will say, "don't worry about it...we don't care." For me, I was still very embarassed. I at one point must have had psoriasis on at least 85-90% of my body, and I just didn't want to be seen in a swimming suit.

Hopefully your son won't be faced with these issues, considering some of the wonderful treatments we have now. UV and Puva light treatments are great, but some of the side-effects may eventually catch up with you. I'm nearly 51 now and I have little pre-cancer spots all over my hands and face, so I have to keep a close eye on that.

Please feel free to write or ask questions anytime. We're here for you.

Regards,

Mark