Treatment of childhood psoriasis.

Author(s): Ceovic R, Pasic A, Lipozencic J, Murat-Susic S, Skerlev M, Husar K, Kostovic K

Affiliation(s): University Department of Dermatology and Venereology Zagreb University Hospital Center, Salata 4, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia. romana.ceovic@zg.htnet.hr

Publication date & source: 2006, Acta Dermatovenerol Croat., 14(4):261-4.

Publication type: Review

Psoriasis is a common disease in children and adolescents. Because of the chronic course of the disease, appropriate choice of therapy in particular stage of the disease, so-called rotation therapy, is of paramount importance. This article provides a review of therapeutic options for childhood psoriasis. Local therapy for psoriasis in children consists of corticosteroid preparations, calcipotriol, tars and dithranol, local retinoids, and local immunomodulators. Phototherapy (narrow band UVB, photochemotherapy PUVA baths) is now a part of psoriasis therapy in children. Systemic therapy retinoids (acitretin) methotrexate, cyclosporine is only used in severe forms of the disease such as erythrodermic, pustular and arthritic psoriasis. All these therapeutic options can be used as monotherapy or in various combinations.