Abstract
Childhood psoriasis is a distressing condition with significant social and psychological consequences. Childhood psoriasis being a less reported entity, this study was undertaken to study the incidence, pattern and prevalence of childhood psoriasis. MATERIALS & METHODS: In this retrospective epidemiologic study, a complete analysis of OP Records of patients with psoriasis who attended the Psoriasis Clinic of dermatology OPD, during the period of 1 year from June 2014- June 2015 were taken. The age at presentation, duration of psoriasis, pattern of involvement, h/o treatment, h/o preceeding infections were all recorded. RESULTS: The incidence of childhood psoriasis was observed to be (1.16%). The incidence of psoriasis in male (43%) children and female (57%) children. The mean age of onset of childhood psoriasis was (10-14 years), positive family history seen in 5% of patients. Psoriasis vulgaris is the most common type of psoriasis followed by palmoplantar psoriasis. Nail involvement was seen in 30% of cases. Arthropathy was seen in 1% of patients. Preceeding infection was seen in 155 of patients. CONCLUSION: The rising trends in incidence of childhood psoriasis in recent times may mirror the evolving lifestyle and psychosocial environment in society. The evolving patterns of childhood psoriasis has significant avenues for research & further follow-up. Larger, coordinated multicentric long term studies to determine their course in adulthood may be required in future.