Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that affects 3% of the world’s population

– men, women, children and even newborn babies. Psoriasis causes unsightly, uncomfortable red plaques and patches on the skin which scale, and sometimes even crack and bleed. Although psoriasis appears most commonly in teens and young adults, psoriasis does occur in younger children, and they are a real challenge to treat.

We can’t use some of the stronger drugs we use in adult psoriasis in children. Right now, we are doing two research studies for children with psoriasis. The first is for adolescents (11-17 years) with psoriasis, and this is with a very good topical medication already on the market. We already know it works well, and the study is to show the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that it is safe in adolescents.

The second is for even younger children with psoriasis (down to 2 years) with a new topical medication that does not contain cortisone. This medication is not even on the market yet.

Neither of our psoriasis studies have a placebo group, so everyone is on active medication for their psoriasis. Both are 6 month studies.

If you, or a friend or relative has psoriasis and are between the ages of 2 and 17, please call our research hotline at 813-974-2923.

http://www.dermatologyresearchusf.com/

Adolescent psoriasis research