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Setting goals, taking control during Psoriasis Action Month
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Psoriasis, a condition that is uniquely characterized by its chronicity, inflammation and hyperproliferation, oftentimes appears in childhood. According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology, up to 40% of adults with the condition first observed symptoms in childhood. Many noticed symptoms before the age of 16 years.
The month of August has been deemed Psoriasis Action Month by the National Psoriasis Foundation. During this month, the foundation encourages those with the condition to set manageable treatment goals, track their symptoms and have open conversations with their health care providers about treatment.
“With tremendous advancements in the number of treatment options available today for people living with psoriasis, now more than ever, it’s easier to treat psoriasis, and the results can be life-changing,” the organization stated in a release. “The National Psoriasis Foundation wants people with psoriasis to take an active role in treating their disease.”
To assist people in managing their psoriasis, the organization has released new resources for doctors and patients on their website, as well as interactive quizzes and Facebook Live interviews to accompany the theme of “Set Goals, Take Control.”
For Psoriasis Action Month, Infectious Diseases in Children has compiled a series of articles to address the specific challenges that pediatric patients with psoriasis may face, the comorbidities associated with the condition and treatment options.
Untapped potential remains in eczema, psoriasis management
Each year, children and adolescents require more than 12 million office visits related to rashes and other skin conditions, with 68% of these visits handled by primary care providers. Chief among these concerns are a variety of inflammatory skin disorders, including atopic dermatitis — also known as eczema — and psoriasis. Read more
Challenges of pediatric psoriasis include better standards of care
A recent clinical review addressing treatment of pediatric psoriasis identified several gaps in the current standard of care, including differences in symptoms appearance compared with adult patients and the risk for long-term comorbidities. Read more
PCPs should be aware of potential psoriasis risks, treatment options
Psoriasis can be visually, physically and emotionally jarring for those with the disease. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, approximately 7.5 million people in the United States live with the disease, which is a common issue seen by primary care physicians. Read more
Kawasaki disease-linked psoriasiform eruptions differ from classic psoriasis
Unlike conventional psoriasis among children, psoriasiform eruptions that developed during Kawasaki disease are a distinct phenotype with a tendency for remission. Read more
Screening guidelines for pediatric psoriasis comorbidities recommended
An expert panel recommended guidelines for patients with pediatric psoriasis, including routine screening and identification of certain risk factors for associated comorbidities, according to a consensus statement published in JAMA Dermatology. Read more
Patch testing in early childhood should be approved to spare steroid use
Despite recent biologics and systemic medication approvals for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, the FDA has not yet approved patch testing for skin allergy in early childhood. FDA approval and nationwide mandated patch testing for an allergy to a chemical antigen could have the potential to yield healthier lives for children, as well as reduced costs to families and insurance providers. Read more
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3132900/