Childhood psoriasis: A review of literature

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory, immune-mediated disease in which one-third of patients suffer under the age of 18 years. In early age, the diagnosis may be difficult because of the atypical lesions. Plaque type of psoriasis is the commonest form of childhood psoriasis. Phototherapy as well as systemic therapy used in childhood psoriasis has limited use because of the long-term side effects of the drugs like teratogenicity, low tolerance, and other liver, renal and hematological derangements. In this review, the update on clinical aspects of childhood psoriasis, its onset, precipitating factors, demographics, pathogenesis and therapeutic options are discussed.