top of page

The Impact of Psoriasis on Children

Kelli Vogt - Department of Dermatology





When one thinks about the elements that can impact the quality of life among children, psoriasis may never come to mind for many. Psoriasis may impact the life of many components of an individual's life such as the endless treatment plans, visible lesions on one’s skin, and the constant worry of the diagnosis to negatively progress further.


The research study showed a cross-section of the correlation between anxiety and depression in pediatric patients with psoriasis. Children were grouped into five categories based on their families employment status, providers' level of education, property ownership, and income status. The study was assessed using the Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index for Symptoms and Feelings (CELQI-Symptoms and Feelings), Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC), and Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI). The results showed that the CELQI-Symptoms and Feelings and FDLQI indicated 33.3% of the individuals and their families participating in the trial experienced a negative effect on their symptoms and feelings. In addition to this, the STAIC-trait showed 54.1% of the children had feelings of anxiety. This percentage increased in children over the age of 12, showing a direct correlation between older pediatric patients suffering from psoriasis and mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. The study did not find any significant differences between patients among the five different categories.

Overall, the study shows the impact of psoriasis and the impairment it can have on the quality of life for pediatric patients and their families. The article even states that impairment of life from psoriasis can be compared to coronary artery disease, cancer, and other major systemic diseases. The direct correlation between depression in children with psoriasis must continue to be addressed by physicians to provide complete medical therapy options.



References: (APA):

Salman, A., Yucelten, A. D., Sarac, E., Saricam, M. H., & Perdahli-Fis, N. (2018). Impact of psoriasis in the quality of life of children, adolescents and their families: a cross-sectional study. Anais brasileiros de dermatologia, 93(6), 819–823. https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20186981


Comments


bottom of page