Symptoms 

A person should look out for several symptoms to identify psoriasis. Psoriasis may affect the skin of children and adults differently.

Some of the symptoms that help distinguish psoriasis from other conditions in children include:

• nail pitting or discoloration
• itching, pain, or general discomfort
• severe scales on the scalp
• dermatitis around the area of a diaper
• plaques similar to those of adult psoriasis on the arms, legs, and trunk

If a rash or lesion does not respond to over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, its cause may be an underlying inflammatory condition. Psoriasis might strongly resemble eczema or seborrheic dermatitis, so close observation is necessary.

Differences between child and adult psoriasis

The most significant difference between adult and child psoriasis is simply the age of onset. Otherwise, a child with psoriasis may experience many of the same symptoms and triggers as an adult.

Other potential differences in children include a more significant psychological impact due to the stage of their social development when onset occurs. There is a tendency for patches to form around the scalp, buttocks, and face.