What should you know about infant psoriasis?

On an infant, psoriasis may affect the scalp, face, trunk, folds, or nappy area. The skin can look red and thickened, with dry scaling or small sharply defined patches. In folds, scaling may be less obvious because moisture softens the surface. A rash can also be caused by eczema, irritation, infection, or heat, so appearance alone cannot confirm psoriasis. Learn more about [Psoriasis](/conditions/psoriasis/), [Dry Skin](/symptoms/dry-skin/), [Itchy Skin](/symptoms/itchy-skin/), [Skin Redness](/symptoms/skin-redness/), and [Scaly Skin](/symptoms/skin-scaling/).

Use lukewarm water, a gentle fragrance-free cleanser, and pat the skin dry rather than rubbing it. Apply a plain moisturiser soon after bathing and repeat when the skin feels dry. Keep nails short and use soft clothing to reduce scratching. Avoid adult psoriasis products, fragranced oils, and home remedies unless a clinician has advised them; an infant’s skin absorbs products differently. If the nappy area is involved, change nappies promptly and ask about a suitable barrier product.

Arrange an appointment if the rash persists, spreads, repeatedly cracks, bleeds, disturbs sleep, or does not improve with gentle skin care. Seek prompt help if the skin becomes hot, swollen, increasingly painful, wet, crusted, or rapidly changes, because these features can signal infection or another condition. Urgent care is appropriate if your infant seems very unwell, has breathing difficulty, or develops swelling around the lips or eyes.

Ask which features support psoriasis, whether another rash should be excluded, which moisturiser and prescription product are suitable for the affected body area, and how often to use them. Mention recent illnesses, new products, family history of psoriasis, scratching, sleep disruption, and any skin cracking or peeling.