Guttate Psoriasis: Symptoms, Causes And Triggers, Medical Diagnosis, Treatment Method And Prognosis

What is guttate psoriasis? Guttate psoriasis is a disorder of the skin that's characterised by little, red, teardrop-shaped areas that are seen on the arms, legs, back and chest. Some signs of guttate psoriasis may also be noticeable as salmon pink to red, scaly patches of inflamed 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, which means 'spotted as if by drops'.

Causes and Triggers

A much less common form of psoriasis, guttate psoriasis is most often seen in patients younger than 30 years old. The condition normally develops quite suddenly and may appear 2-3 weeks after infection with strep throat or some other lung disease. Guttate psoriasis, just like all forms of psoriasis, is not contagious but does seem to run in families as a potentially inherited ailment. Most physicians believe that the ailment is an abnormal inflammatory response; such responses could attack normal cells as being dangerous or invasive.

In addition, the following are known to cause an outbreak of guttate psoriasis: bacterial and viral infections, including upper respiratory infections, skin injuries, including cuts, burns and bug bites, medications just like those used to treat heart conditions and malaria, stress, sunburn and excessive consumption of alcohol.

Generally, guttate psoriasis can be severe in people with weak or deteriorating immune systems including people who are undergoing chemotherapy or who have AIDS or another autoimmune disorder like rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnosis and Tests

A doctor normally must examine the affected person's skin. Diagnosis is generally based on how the spots look and feel. Usually a person with this kind of disorder has 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 manage signs or symptoms such as pain and itching and to prevent secondary infections. If the patient has an infection, a doctor 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 lotions (most have steroids)

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

- lotions containing coal tar to stimulate the rebuilding of skin

- moisturizers to control dry skin and flaking

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

Extreme instances of guttate psoriasis might receive powerful drugs to suppress the body's immune response such as corticosteroids, cyclosporines and methotrexate. Sunlight and phototherapy may also control the signs or symptoms. Phototherapy is a medical procedure that may be given alone or with drug(s) to make the skin much more sensitive to ultraviolet light.

Prognosis

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

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