Psoriasis-help

Our 11 year old was just diagnosed with Psoriasis.  I would welcome the comments/advice from those who have dealt with this skin condition.  So far, we are using only topical ointments.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Psoriasis is a non-contagious disorder which affects the skin and joints. It commonly causes red scaly patches to appear on the skin. It can be treated but it commonly has recurrences also. So a regular treatment is required for this. Treatment options include Ointment and creams containing coal tar, dithranol (anthralin), corticosteroids like desoximetasone (Topicort), vitamin D3 analogues (for example, calcipotriol), and retinoids, Psoralen+UVA and PUVB therapy. Over time, psoriasis can become resistant to a specific therapy. Treatments may be periodically changed to prevent resistance developing (tachyphylaxis) and to reduce the chance of adverse reactions occurring.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing