Released in November and published in the January issue of Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the new guidelines focus for the first time solely on pediatric patients with psoriasis. A joint venture between the American Academy of Dermatology and the National Psoriasis Foundation, they also offer a thorough examination of the physical and psychosocial impacts of psoriasis on children and adolescents and the unique challenges this patient population faces.

Although three biologic agents are now approved for use in some children, experts hope the guidelines will prompt further research so children and their families will someday have an array of treatment options available, as adults with psoriasis do today.