Psoriasis Referral Guidelines

Ascension Sites > Dell Children's > For Healthcare Professionals > Referral Recommendations > Dermatology Management and Referral Guidelines > Psoriasis Referral Guidelines

When to Initiate Referral

  • Mild or moderate psoriasis not responding to treatment after 2 months
  • Severe psoriasis with or without systemic symptoms
  • Suspicion for psoriatic arthritis

Treatment Basics

  • EDUCATION: Families should know that psoriasis is a chronic and relapsing disease.
  • Psoriasis severity and locations determine medications used in addition to the frequency and duration of treatments.
  • Topical steroids are typically used to treat a flare once to twice daily until as needed for flares, usually for 1 to 3 weeks, no longer than 15 days per month in order to minimize risk of steroid side effects (striae, telangiectasias, hypopigmentation).
  • You should dispense enough medication when prescribing topicals.
  • For guttate psoriasis, you should consider a throat or perianal bacterial swab culture to check for a possible strep infection that can be associated with a flare.
  • You should ask about associated joint pain, redness, or swelling.
  • COMPLIANCE: Make sure patients are using the medications as prescribed before switching to another regimen.

Psoriasis on the Trunk or Extremities

  • Mild: Desonide  0.05%  ointment  or  hydrocortisone  2.5%  ointment  to affected areas once or twice daily as needed for flares
  • Moderate: Triamcinolone 1% ointment twice daily as needed for flares

Psoriasis on the Face, Ears, Eyelids, Axillae, Inguinal folds or Genitalia

  • Tacrolimus 0.03% or 0.1% ointment or pimecrolimus 1% cream once or twice daily as needed for flares (medications are approved for children 2 years or older)

Scalppsoriasis:

  • Over-the-counter salicylic acid, tar-containing shampoo, or prescription ketoconazole 2% shampoo daily or at least 2 to 3 times per week

AND

  • DermaSmoothe FS Oil (fluocinolone in hypoallergenic peanut oil) or fluocinolone 01% solution once or twice daily as needed for flares in mild scalp psoriasis

OR

  • Fluocinonide 05% solution or clobetasol 0.05% solution/gel/foam once or twice daily as needed for flares in moderate to severe scalp psoriasis