Pediatric psoriasis may result in significant cumulative life course impairment, and there is comparatively less evidence available than for adult psoriasis.
Objective
The aim of this study is to provide an update on the management of pediatric psoriasis, integrating recent immunogenetic and therapeutic advances. It highlights challenges, including clinical heterogeneity, complex differential diagnosis, and limited treatment options, especially in Brazil.
Methods
A narrative review was conducted, including studies published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish between 2009 and 2025, retrieved from the United States National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Cochrane Library, and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). The following descriptors were used: "psoriasis", "child health", "pediatrics", "therapeutics", "comorbidity", and "T-lymphocyte antigen differentiation".
Results
Pediatric psoriasis most commonly presents as chronic plaque. Differential diagnoses are broad and include atopic dermatitis and autoimmune diseases. Data about comorbidities, particularly cardiovascular risk, are controversial. Although severe cases are less frequent, they are associated with a substantial impact on quality of life. Conventional therapies include topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, and non-targeted systemic agents such as acitretin, methotrexate, and cyclosporine. Biologic therapies have been approved for pediatric use and demonstrate safety profiles and superior efficacy compared to conventional treatments.
Study limitations
Scarcity of pediatric psoriasis guidelines.
Conclusions
Despite advances in understanding adult psoriasis, evidence in pediatric populations remains limited, especially in Brazil. Expanding knowledge in pediatric psoriasis is essential to improve diagnosis, optimize treatment strategies, and increase access to innovative therapies, thereby reducing inflammatory burden and cumulative life course impairment.
