Guttate Psoriasis: Symptoms, Specific Causes, Detection, Treatment And Prognosis

What is guttate psoriasis? Guttate psoriasis is a condition of the skin that is characterised by small, red, teardrop-shaped areas that 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 inflamed skin more widely spread over the entire body. The spots often itch and are covered with silver, peeling scales. The name is derived from the Latin word, guttate, which means 'spotted as if by drops'.

Causes and Triggers

A less common form of psoriasis, guttate psoriasis is most often seen in patients younger than thirty years old. The condition usually develops quite suddenly and could appear two to three weeks after infection with strep throat or some other lung disease. Guttate psoriasis, like all forms of psoriasis, is not communicable but does seem to run in families as a potentially inherited condition. Most doctors think that the illness is an abnormal inflammatory response; such responses may attack normal cells as being dangerous or invasive.

Moreover, the following are known to precipitate an outbreak of guttate psoriasis: bacterial or viral infections, including upper respiratory infections, skin injuries, just like cuts, burns and insect bites, medicines including those used to treat heart problems and malaria, stress, sunburn and excessive consumption of alcohol.

In general, guttate psoriasis can be extreme in persons with weak or deteriorating immune systems including those who are undergoing chemotherapy or who have AIDS or another autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnosis and Tests

A doctor often must study the patient's skin. Diagnosis is usually based on how the spots look and feel. Often a person with this type of condition has recently experienced a sore throat or other upper respiratory problem. Confirming diagnostic tests may include a biopsy of the affected skin area(s) and a throat culture.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms such as pain and itching and to prevent secondary infections. If the affected person has an infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to ward off secondary or worse infections. Most cases of guttate psoriasis are dealt with 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 or prescription)

- lotions containing coal tar to promote the rebuilding of skin

- moisturizers to control dry skin and flaking

- dietary supplements containing vitamin D or vitamin A to help restore normal skin

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

Prognosis

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

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