Is Psoriasis Hereditary? Genetic Risk for Kids Explained

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While genes may increase the risk of psoriasis in children, environmental factors may cause the disease’s onset.

“Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory condition, so anything that activates or disrupts the immune system can potentially trigger a flare in someone who is predisposed,” Levine says.

Here are some factors that have been linked to the onset or worsening of psoriasis in children.

Strep Throat and Other Infections

Strep throat is “one of the most classic triggers” pediatric dermatologists watch for in children, especially in cases of guttate psoriasis, Levine says.

 “Guttate psoriasis can appear quite suddenly as many small, scaly spots following strep throat or another infection,” she says.

Swanson says that she often recommends a strep test when she sees patients with guttate psoriasis in case the infection is asymptomatic.

Up to one-half of young people with psoriasis may experience a flare within two to six weeks after an earache, bronchitis, tonsillitis, strep throat, or a respiratory illness.

Cuts, Scrapes, and Other Skin Injuries

Skin injuries, such as cuts, scrapes, and bug bites, can trigger psoriasis in the affected area in a reaction known as the Koebner phenomenon.

Something as simple as a skinned knee may cause plaques to pop up in that same location in people with psoriasis — or people who are predisposed to it, Swanson says. “This phenomenon can even be a helpful way for me to differentiate psoriasis and eczema in a pediatric patient. If I see evidence of koebnerization, then I know it’s psoriasis,” she says.

Sunburn can have a similar effect, which is a key reason sun protection is important.

Physical and Emotional Stress

Major physical or emotional stressors may also come before the first appearance of psoriasis or trigger a flare in children, says Chris Adigun, MD, a dermatologist in private practice in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

“A serious injury, a hospitalization, a bereavement — any of these kinds of major stressors can sometimes lead to an initial presentation of psoriasis,” Dr. Adigun says.



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