What is guttate psoriasis? Guttate psoriasis is a disorder of the skin that is characterised by small, red, teardrop-shaped areas which are seen on the arms, legs, back and chest. Some signs of guttate psoriasis might also be noticeable as salmon pink to red, scaly patches of swollen skin more widely spread over the entire body. The spots often itch and are covered with silver, flaky scales. The name is derived from the Latin word, guttate, which means 'spotted as if by drops'.
Causes and Triggers
A less common kind of psoriasis, guttate psoriasis is most often seen in patients younger than thirty years old. The ailment usually develops quite suddenly and may appear two to three weeks after infection with strep throat or some other lung disease. Guttate psoriasis, like all kinds of psoriasis, is not communicable but does appear to run in families as a potentially inherited condition. Most physicians think that the illness is an abnormal inflammatory response; such responses may attack healthy cells as being dangerous or invasive.
Moreover, the following are known to lead to an outbreak of guttate psoriasis: bacterial or viral infections, including upper respiratory infections, skin injuries, including cuts, burns and insect bites, medications like those used to deal with heart problems and malaria, stress, sunburn and too much consumption of alcohol.
In general, guttate psoriasis can be severe in persons with weak or deteriorating immune systems including those who are undergoing chemotherapy or who have AIDS or some other autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Diagnosis and Tests
A physician often must examine the patient's skin. Diagnosis is generally based on how the spots look and feel. Often somebody with this kind of condition has just recently experienced a sore throat or other upper respiratory problem. Confirming diagnostic tests may include a biopsy of the affected skin area(s) and/or a throat culture.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms just like pain and itching and to prevent secondary infections. If the affected person has an infection, a physician may prescribe antibiotics to ward off secondary or worse infections. Most cases of guttate psoriasis are treated at home or as an out-patient. Doctors recommend one or more of the following:
- cortisone or anti-itch lotions (most contain steroids)
- dandruff shampoos (over-the-counter and prescription)
- lotions containing coal tar to promote the rebuilding of skin
- moisturizers to manage dry skin and flaking
- dietary supplements containing vitamin D or vitamin A to help restore healthy skin
Severe instances of guttate psoriasis may receive powerful medications to suppress the body's immune response such as corticosteroids, cyclosporines and methotrexate. Sunshine and phototherapy can also control the symptoms. Phototherapy is a medical procedure that can be given alone or with drug(s) to make the skin much more sensitive to ultraviolet light.
Prognosis
The condition may also become chronic or worsen and become plaque-type psoriasis affecting bony parts. Secondary skin infections with extreme itching and pain are possible complications. Note that guttate psoriasis may disappear completely or go into remission following treatment.
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