Several approved biologic agents are now available to treat paediatric plaque psoriasis

Off-label treatments are widely used in the treatment of paediatric psoriasis, which are prescribed on the basis of efficacy and safety data derived from studies in adult psoriasis patients or from paediatric patients with other diseases due to a lack of clinical trials in paediatric psoriasis patients. A growing number of treatments are being tested and approved for plaque psoriasis (the most common type of psoriasis) in paediatric patients, and they are predominantly biologic treatments. Depending on the country, approved biologic treatments for paediatric plaque psoriasis may include etanercept, adalimumab, ustekinumab, secukinumab and ixekizumab; though biologic treatments are reserved for more severe forms of psoriasis. Biologic treatments should be used under the supervision of a specialist, with support, advice and evidence-based information given to patients and their caregivers. For instance, warning patients about the potential for injection site reactions and infections. Furthermore, the importance of adherence to therapy should be emphasised to patients and their caregivers.