Living with eczema and psoriasis: Children

Psoriasis and eczema in children: what are the differences?

Psoriasis generally occurs in genetically predisposed individuals. It is manifested by an excessively rapid renewal of the epidermal cells and chronic inflammation of the skin.
Eczema, on the other hand, is a combination of an altered skin barrier and a greater sensitivity of the immune system to allergens, which makes the skin more reactive.
While they differ in their causes, the two conditions are similar in many ways. Both are chronic diseases marked by alternating flare-ups and periods of remission. The plaques are red and can be very itchy. While psoriasis in children is not very common, atopic eczema affects 10-15% of children under 7 in Europe. 

Psoriasis and eczema in children: the signs that do not deceive

Flare-ups are marked by the appearance of plaques.
In psoriasis, these lesions are red and scaly. In children, they rarely itch and mainly affect areas where there is friction: elbows, the back of the forearms, knees, legs, lower back. They can also affect the scalp, eyebrows, ear canals. Or even the nails, the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet.

On the other hand, atopic eczema patches (which develop usually in infants and children) are often less thick, less well-defined and less scaly than psoriasis plaques. However, they are itchy. In children under one year of age, they affect certain parts of the face (forehead, chin, cheeks) and limbs (legs, arms). Between the ages of one and two, eczema is more prevalent on the head, neck and flexion folds. In children over two years of age, it is the folds (neck, under the ears, elbows, knees, buttocks), hands, wrists and ankles that are affected.

Psoriasis in children

Atopic eczema

Areas of the eczema - face and neck

Anti-itching tips for children

How to react as
parents?

If your child suffers from atopic dermatitis or psoriasis, you know how difficult it can sometimes be to manage. What could be more discouraging than seeing your child suffer and not knowing how to help? Above all, even if these diseases have a hereditary side, do not feel responsible. On the other hand, you have a role to play. You can support them and help them to cope. Talk to them, encourage them to express how they feel. It’s important not to minimise their discomfort. And of course, identify the triggers and take an active part in their care.

What are 
the treatments?

Treating eczema or psoriasis involves three key players: your child, yourself as a parent, and your doctor. First and foremost, only a medical examination (by a paediatrician, dermatologist or GP) will enable a clear diagnosis to be made, the disease to be better understood, and the most effective treatment to be put in place. This will depend on several factors, such as the impact on quality of life and the severity of the symptoms.

Treatment of atopic eczema.

Treatment of psoriasis.

How can eczema and psoriasis be prevented?

In addition to treatment, you can take action to prevent flare-ups and itching. Prevention is based on three pillars that will help your child feel better. The first of these pillars is moisturising. An emollient or moisturising treatment will restore the skin's barrier function and prevent a new outbreak. You can find out all about it in our Spotlight on moisturising rules. 
Second pillar: proper hygiene. Many parents think that it’s better to space out the baths or showers of children affected by eczema or psoriasis. Yet hygiene is necessary. So how can we avoid irritating the skin when washing? Find the answer in our Spotlight on proper hygiene. 

The last pillar: avoid scratching to avoid damaging the skin. Not an easy task. But don't worry. Here again, simple solutions exist, such as the use of smooth pebbles. See our dedicated spotlight.