Update on pediatric psoriasis

Pediatric psoriasis accounts for approximately one-third of all cases of psoriasis. Although pediatric psoriasis was always understood to be a chronic inflammatory dermatosis, recent data suggest that pediatric psoriasis, similar to its adult equivalent, is part of a generalized inflammatory diathesis associated with metabolic syndrome, including obesity/overweight status, hypertriglyceridemia, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance. Given the recent proliferation of data demonstrating the generalized inflammatory nature of psoriasis, a new emphasis on adopting a healthier lifestyle and weight control as well as systemic therapies has emerged in the literature. This article briefly reviews selected studies published in the last 2 years that are pertinent to pediatric psoriasis.