Parents and children

For parents

What can you do ?!

While some children show little in the way of an emotional reaction to psoriasis, others feel embarrassed, angry or sad. Children often become anxious about recurring episodes, worsening of the psoriasis and being rejected by other children their age. Remember that having psoriasis at a young age impacts the patient s body image more severely than in adults.

You can advice your child about this points :

  

You are not alone. Millions of people have psoriasis.

Psoriasis is not contagious. Your friends don t have to be afraid of catching it from you.

There are excellent treatments available through a dermatologist. Enforcing the importance of the medications and lifestyle modifications (if any) prescribed by the child s dermatologist. Tell your child how important it is that they use the medicines properly or to control the psoriasis. Discuss their condition, both physically and emotionally, with the dermatologist.

Your openness and willingness to educate, support and address questions head on will, in most cases, make your child stronger and more willing to do the same for himself and others with the disease.

Abating myths, such as those making the child feel like the psoriasis is her fault because she doesn't eat right, keep clean or has an abnormal personality. Assure your child that they did not bring on psoriasis. It s not their fault.

Preparing your child for the chronic nature of the disease and that it goes through cycles.

Helping your child to understand that while this is a genetic disorder, we don t know why some people have it and some don't.

Teaching your child patience, with the understanding that some treatments work better than others for them.

Empowering your child with information and support will help them through the difficult times of the disease. One place that will help is the National Psoriasis Foundation, which offers youth programs tailored to three age groups: kids (ages 5 to 8, youth (ages 9 to 12) and teens. There are games and puzzles for young children, as well as stories, that might help them to grasp your messages as a parent. The youth and teen sections offer several subsections, including opportunities for online chats, where kids can meet others with the disease, and participate in question and answer sections.

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