The English term for a pediatrician specialized in psoriasis would be "pediatric psoriasis specialist" or "pediatric dermatologist". This kind of medical expert is highly experienced in diagnosing and treating psoriasis in children, which is a particularly delicate and challenging task. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, resulting in patches of thick, scaly skin that can be itchy and painful. In children, psoriasis can seriously impact their quality of life and emotional wellbeing, as well as interfere with their socialization and academic performance. Therefore, it is essential for parents to seek prompt and effective medical care from a qualified pediatric psoriasis specialist.
The treatment of psoriasis in children requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account the child's age, development, medical history, and lifestyle habits. The treatment options for childhood psoriasis include topical therapies, phototherapy, systemic medications, and biologic agents. However, each treatment has its benefits and drawbacks, and the pediatric psoriasis specialist should carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of each treatment for each child's individual case.
Topical therapies are generally the first-line treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis in children. They include topical corticosteroids, vitamin D derivatives, retinoids, coal tar, and anthralin. Topical treatments are applied directly to the affected skin and help reduce inflammation, scaling, and itchiness. For some children, topical treatments can provide long-term relief without significant side effects. However, they may not be potent enough for severe psoriasis or cover large areas of the body.
Phototherapy, also known as light therapy, uses ultraviolet (UV) light to treat psoriasis. Phototherapy is a safe and effective treatment option for children with moderate to severe psoriasis who have not responded to topical treatments. Phototherapy is usually administered in a medical setting under the supervision of a pediatric psoriasis specialist. The most common types of phototherapy are narrowband UVB and UVA light combined with psoralen (PUVA). However, phototherapy is not recommended for children who have a history of skin cancer or other photosensitive conditions.
Systemic 成都牛皮癣医院指出， medications are prescription drugs that are taken orally or by injection and work throughout the body to reduce inflammation and immune dysfunction. Systemic medications are reserved for severe psoriasis that is not controlled by topical therapies or phototherapy. Some examples of systemic medications used for psoriasis in children include methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin, and apremilast. However, systemic medications can have significant side effects, such as liver toxicity, immunosuppression, and growth retardation, and should be carefully monitored by a qualified pediatric psoriasis specialist.
Biologic agents are a relatively new class of medications that selectively target specific molecules involved in psoriasis pathogenesis, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or interleukin-17 (IL-17). Biologic agents are usually given by injection or intravenous infusion and have shown remarkable efficacy and safety in treating psoriasis in both adults and children. However, biologic agents are expensive and require regular monitoring for potential serious adverse events such as infections or malignancies.
In summary, pediatric psoriasis is a complex and challenging disease that requires careful diagnosis and tailored treatment planning by a qualified pediatric dermatologist or pediatric psoriasis specialist. The treatment options for childhood psoriasis include topical therapies, phototherapy, systemic medications, and biologic agents, and the choice of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, the location and extent of psoriasis lesions, the child's medical history and lifestyle, and the family's preferences and expectations. With proper medical care and family support, children with psoriasis can lead happy and healthy lives.