Challenges in the treatment of psoriasis in childhood

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory skin disease that affects up to 1.2% of children and adolescents. The treatment possibilities for pediatric psoriasis are usually based on the same principles as in adults. Most information on safety and efficacy has been derived from adult studies, but only some of the frequently used treatments have approval for use in children. Treatment options for psoriasis in children and adolescents are mostly off-label, with little available data on efficacy and safety, and so the treatment of pediatric psoriasis remains a challenge. In the future, new pediatric clinical trials should be undertaken to expand the therapeutic spectrum for psoriasis in children and adolescents.