[Findings in children with psoriasis].

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical characteristics and treatments of children with psoriasis.

DESIGN

Retrospective, descriptive.

METHODS

The medical records were studied of all 38 children with psoriasis who visited the outpatient clinic for Dermatology of the University Hospital/Wilhelmina Children's Hospital Utrecht, the Netherlands, for the first time between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 1997.

RESULTS

The 38 children accounted for 3.6% of all children in whom a diagnosis was made. There were 19 boys and 19 girls. 79% had psoriasis vulgaris and 11% psoriasis guttata. Average age of onset was 6.8 years for girls and 9.3 years for boys. Family history was positive in 42%. The limbs were affected most. Nail changes were seen in 11%. Provoking factors were stress, infections, summertime and injuries of the skin. In almost all patients in the outpatient department local mono- and/or combination therapy of corticosteroids in cream or ointment with salicylic acid and tar was given.