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Guttate psoriasis is a skin condition in which small, red, teardrop-shaped spots appear on the arms, legs, and middle of the body. Guttate means "drop" in Latin.
See also: Psoriasis
Alternative NamesGuttate psoriasis
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsGuttate psoriasis is a relatively uncommon form of psoriasis. It is usually seen in patients younger than 30. The condition often develops very suddenly, usually after an infection, most notably strep throat. Guttate psoriasis is not contagious.
Psoriasis seems to be an inherited disorder. That means it is passed down through families. Doctors think it probably occurs when the body's immune system mistakes healthy cells for dangerous substances. See: Inflammatory response
In addition to strep throat, the following may trigger an attack of guttate psoriasis:
- Bacteria or viral infections, including upper respiratory infections
- Injury to the skin, including cuts, burns, and insect bites
- Some medicines, including those used to treat malaria and certain heart conditions
- Stress
- sunburn
- Too much alcohol
In general, psoriasis may be severe in persons who have a weakened immune system. This may include persons who have:
- AIDS
- Autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis
- Chemotherapy for cancer
Symptoms include itching and spots on the skin, called skin lesions, which are pinkish-red and look like teardrops. The spots may be covered with silver, flaky skin called scales.
The spots usually occur on the arms, legs, and middle of the body (the trunk), but may appear in other body areas.
Signs and testsYour doctor will look at your skin. Diagnosis is usually based on what the spots look like.
Often, a person with this type of psoriasis has recently had a sore throat or upper respiratory infection.
Tests to confirm the diagnosis include:
- Skin biopsy
- Throat culture
The goal of treatment is to control your symptoms and prevent secondary infections.
If you have an infection, your doctor may give you antibiotics.
Mild cases of guttate psoriasis are usually treated at home. Your doctor may recommend any of the following:
- Cortisone (anti-itch) cream
- Dandruffshampoos (over-the-counter or prescription)
- Lotions that contain coal tar
- Moisturizers
- Prescription medicines containing vitamin D or vitamin A (retinoids)
Persons with very severe guttate psoriasis may receive medicines to suppress the body's immune response. These medicines include corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and methotrexate.
Sunlight may help your symptoms go away. Be careful not to get sunburn. Some people may choose to have phototherapy. Phototherapy is a medical procedure in which your skin is carefully exposed to ultraviolet light. Phototherapy may be given alone or after you take a drug that makes the skin sensitive to light.
Expectations (prognosis)Guttate psoriasis may clear completely following treatment. Sometimes, however, it may become a chronic (lifelong) condition, or worsen to the more common plaque-type psoriasis.
Complications- Pain
- Secondary skin infections
- Severe itching
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of guttate psoriasis.
Referencesvan de Kerkhof PCM, Schalkwijk J. Psoriasis. In: Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Rapini RP, eds.: Dermatology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2008: chap 9.
What else can I help you with?
What are the types of Psoriasis?
Psoriasis,which is a skin disease, is categorized into five groups: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic. A doctor can do this type of diagnoses.
What are some common symptoms of Guttate Psoriasis?
Symptoms of Guttate Psoriasis include small pink lesions which are itchy. These small dots usually appear suddenly on the skin. One should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
What are the different types of psoriasis?
Psoriasis,which is a skin disease, is categorized into five groups: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic. A doctor can do this type of diagnoses.
What is gutate psoriasis?
guttate psoriasis is a less common form of psoriasis. it looks like little pink or red drops on your skin that may be flaky and itchy. these red spots usually show up on your arms, legs, trunk and "hot" spots like your armpits, inside on your elbows, and backside of your knees. in general, psoriasis is a non contagious skin disorder and also an immune disorder, since those with psoriasis have higher white blood cell levels than normal people. guttate is a little different because it is usually triggered by a bacterial infection, almost always streptoccocus (or what most people know as Strep Throat). the doctor will most likely give you antibiotics to rid your body of any bacterial infections if you are presenting with guttate psoriasis, and may prescribe some corticosteroid cream to alleviate the itching... but there really is nothing to do but wait for the psoriasis to run its course. moisturizing often to keep the skin calm may help, as well as sunlight (since UV rays have been shown to help with symptoms of psoriasis).
Can strep throat cause psoriasis?
Strep throat itself does not directly cause psoriasis, but it can trigger a specific type of psoriasis known as guttate psoriasis in some individuals, particularly in children and young adults. This condition can occur after a strep infection due to an autoimmune response, where the body mistakenly attacks its own skin cells. If someone has a history of psoriasis, a strep throat infection may exacerbate their symptoms. It's always best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Which locations do plaque psoriasis build up at?
Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease that is caused by the overproduction of white skin cells. There are several types of psoriasis, such as guttate psoriasis and inverse psoriasis, but plaque psoriasis is the most common and it commonly occurs where joints meet, such as the elbows, knees, and fingers. It is also common on the scalp of the head. Furthermore, plaque psoriasis will occur where the skin gets easily irritated by rubbing motions or even in the genital area. Plaque psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body, however. Those with severe plaque psoriasis, the condition can cover the entire body. Normal skin replaces itself every 30 days, but in those with psoriasis, the process occurs only within a few days.
What is the herbal medicine for guttate psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a non-infectious skin disease that causes rashes and patches on the skin. Psoriasis cause painful swelling, bleeding cracks, scaling, itching, burning, and plaques. Psoriasis plaques affect any part of the skin including scalp, palms, elbows, and knees, nape of the neck, genitals, and soles of feet. A lot of herbs are used for the treatment of Psoriasis. Herbs like Aloe vera, Turmeric, Capsaicin etc are normally used. That may enhance the treatment.
Can you get psoriasis on your legs?
If one member of your family had psoriasis or still has then it is very probably to "get" psoriasis some day too. Actually, a person doesn't get psoriasis because it is written in the genetic information so you can have it since the day you are born...it is not contagious so if your question was meant to mean if a person can get psoriasis just by touching a person with this condition then i can assure you that's impossible...if your question refers to triggers for psoriasis then i can tell you that stress is the most important in the list..then it comes streptococcus infections..in my case, i inherited the disease from my grandma and the triggers were stress and streptococcus infection.
What does psoriasis look like?
Psoriasis looks different depending on the type. Plaque or guttate psoriasis are the most common. They have round silvery scale that piles on top of dead skin and causes the raised coin like lesions. It is Most often on elbows and knees. It can be very disfiguring, especially for young people.
Do algae transpire and guttate?
Algae transpire does gutter. It transpire about 4,000 gallons.
What is the DSM IV code for psoriasis?
psoriasis
A chronic skin disease usually marked by itchy scaly red patches covered by silvery gray scales is known as?
psoriasis
