Desafios no diagnóstico de psoríase em crianças menores de 7 anos: uma série de casos no IPPMG – UFRJ

Abstract

Psoriasis is an inflammatory, systemic, and multifactorial disease that classically affects the skin and may manifest from childhood through adulthood. Although it can begin at any age, its onset in children under 7 years of age represents a diagnostic challenge due to the possibility of atypical presentations and frequent confusion with other dermatoses. Considering the scarcity of Brazilian studies — particularly case series involving preschool children and infants — this study aims to describe the clinical characteristics and main diagnostic challenges of psoriasis in children under 7 years of age treated between 2015 and 2025 at the Pediatric Dermatology outpatient clinic of the Instituto de Puericultura e Pediatria Martagão Gesteira (IPPMG/UFRJ). This is a case series of 10 patients, with retrospective data collection, including children diagnosed with psoriasis and excluding those outside the age range or with incomplete clinical data insufficient for diagnostic confirmation. Data regarding patient characteristics at diagnosis, clinical manifestations, complementary examinations, differential diagnoses, therapeutic management, and clinical outcomes will be analyzed. The study aims to identify factors contributing to delayed diagnosis and difficulties in differentiating early-onset psoriasis, comparing the findings with existing literature. In addition, this study seeks to expand knowledge about psoriasis manifestations in early childhood, supporting its inclusion in the differential diagnosis in clinical practice.