What is guttate psoriasis? Guttate psoriasis is a disorder of the skin that's characterized by small, red, teardrop-shaped areas that are seen on the arms, legs, back and chest. Some symptoms of guttate psoriasis might also be noticeable as salmon pink to red, scaly patches of swollen skin more widely spread over the whole body. The spots often itch and are covered with silver, flaky scales. The name is derived from the Latin term, guttate, meaning 'spotted as if by drops'.

Causes and Triggers

A less common form of psoriasis, guttate psoriasis is usually seen in patients younger than thirty years old. The ailment normally develops quite suddenly and may appear 2-3 weeks after infection with strep throat or other lung disease. Guttate psoriasis, like all forms of psoriasis, isn't communicable but does appear to run in families as a potentially inherited ailment. Most physicians believe that the condition is an abnormal inflammatory response; such responses may attack normal cells as being harmful or invasive.

Moreover, the following are known to lead to an outbreak of guttate psoriasis: bacterial and viral infections, including upper respiratory infections, skin injuries, including cuts, burns and bug bites, medicines including those used to treat coronary heart problems and malaria, stress, sunburn and too much consumption of alcohol.

Generally, guttate psoriasis can be severe in people with weak or failing immune systems including those who are undergoing chemotherapy or who have AIDS or another autoimmune problem such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnosis and Tests

A physician generally must examine the affected person's skin. Diagnosis is usually based on how the spots look and feel. Often an individual with such a condition has just recently experienced a sore throat or other upper respiratory ailment. Confirming diagnostic tests may include a biopsy of the affected skin area(s) and/or a throat culture.

Treatment

The purpose of treatment is to control symptoms such as pain and itching and to stop secondary infections. If the affected person has an infection, a physician can prescribe antibiotics to ward off secondary or worse infections. Most cases of guttate psoriasis are treated at home or as an out-patient. Physicians recommend one or more of the following:

- cortisone or anti-itch creams (most contain steroids)

- dandruff shampoos (over-the-counter or prescription)

- creams containing coal tar to promote the rebuilding of skin

- moisturizers to manage dry skin and flaking

- dietary supplements containing vitamin D and vitamin A to help restore healthy skin

Extreme cases of guttate psoriasis may receive powerful drugs to suppress the body's immune response like corticosteroids, cyclosporines and methotrexate. Sunshine and phototherapy can also control the signs or symptoms. Phototherapy is a medical procedure that may be given alone or with drug(s) to make the skin extra sensitive to ultraviolet light.

Prognosis

The condition may also become persistent or get worse and become plaque-type psoriasis affecting bony parts. Secondary skin infections with extreme itching and pain are possible complications. Notice that guttate psoriasis may disappear completely or go into remission following treatment.

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