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Psoriasis - guttate
Guttate psoriasis is a skin condition in which small, red, scaly teardrop-shaped spots with a silvery scale appear on the arms, legs, and middle of the body. Guttate means "drop" in Latin.
Causes
Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis . It is usually seen in persons younger than 30. The condition often develops suddenly. It usually appears after an infection, most notably strep throat caused by group A strep. Guttate psoriasis is not contagious. This means it cannot spread to other people.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes skin redness and irritation. Most people with psoriasis have thick, red skin with flaky, silver-white patc...
Strep throat
Strep throat is a disease that causes a sore throat (pharyngitis). It is an infection with a germ called group A streptococcus bacteria.
Psoriasis seems to be passed down through families. Doctors think it probably occurs when the body's immune system mistakes healthy cells for harmful substances.
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
Burns,
Burns commonly occur by direct or indirect contact with heat, electric current, radiation, or chemical agents. Burns can lead to cell death....
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleInsect bites
Insect bites and stings can cause an immediate skin reaction. The bite from fire ants and the sting from bees, wasps, and hornets are most often pai...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Some medicines, including those used to treat malaria and certain heart conditions
- Stress
- Sunburn
- Too much alcohol
Psoriasis may be severe in persons who have a weakened immune system. This may include persons who have:
-
HIV/
AIDS
AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. When a person becomes infected with HIV, the virus attacks and weakens the immune ...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article -
Autoimmune disorders
, including
rheumatoid arthritis
Autoimmune disorders
An autoimmune disorder occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake. There are more than 80 types of aut...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleRheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term disease. It leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It can also affect other organs....
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Symptoms
Symptoms include:
-
Itching
Itching
Itching is a tingling or irritation of the skin that makes you want to scratch the area. Itching may occur all over the body or only in one location...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Spots on the skin that are pinkish-red and look like teardrops
- Spots may be covered with silver, flaky skin called scales
- Spots usually occur on the arms, legs, and middle of the body (the trunk), but may appear in other body areas
Exams and Tests
Your 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 may include:
- Skin biopsy
- Throat culture
Treatment
Goal of treatment is to control your symptoms and prevent secondary infections .
Secondary infections
A secondary infection is an infection that occurs during or after treatment for another infection. It may be caused by the first treatment or by cha...
If you have a current or recent 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 and anti-inflammatory) cream
-
Dandruff
shampoos (over-the-counter or prescription)
Dandruff
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, inflammatory skin condition that causes flaky, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas such as the scalp, ...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Lotions that contain coal tar
- Moisturizers
- Prescription medicines that have vitamin D to apply to the skin (topically) or that have vitamin A (retinoids) to take by mouth (orally)
People with very severe guttate psoriasis may receive medicines to suppress the body's immune response. These medicines include cyclosporine and methotrexate. A newer group of medicines called biologics that alter parts of the immune system may also be used.
Your doctor may suggest phototherapy. This is a medical procedure in which your skin is carefully exposed to ultraviolet light. Phototherapy may be given alone or after you take a medicine that makes the skin sensitive to light.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Guttate psoriasis may clear completely following treatment. Sometimes, it may become a chronic (lifelong) condition, or worsen to the more common plaque-type psoriasis.
Possible Complications
Untreated, this condition may result in:
- Pain
- Secondary skin infections
- Severe itching
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of guttate psoriasis.
References
Lebwohl MG, van de Kerkhof CM. Psoriasis. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Berth-Jones J, Coulson I, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 203.
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Psoriasis, guttate on the arms and chest - illustration
This is a picture of guttate (drop-shaped) psoriasis on the arms and chest. Guttate psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis. It frequently follows a streptococcal infection, appears rapidly and affects the face, chest, and nearest limbs. The patches are small and round or oval and have the typical appearance of psoriasis. This photograph shows the diffuse and widespread coverage on the arm and chest.
Psoriasis, guttate on the arms and chest
illustration
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Psoriasis, guttate on the cheek - illustration
This is a picture of guttate (drop-shaped) psoriasis on face and neck. Guttate psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis. It frequently follows a streptococcal infection, appears rapidly and affects the face, chest, and nearest limbs. The patches are small and round or oval and have the typical appearance of psoriasis. This photograph shows the diffuse and widespread coverage on the face and neck.
Psoriasis, guttate on the cheek
illustration
-
Psoriasis, guttate on the arms and chest - illustration
This is a picture of guttate (drop-shaped) psoriasis on the arms and chest. Guttate psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis. It frequently follows a streptococcal infection, appears rapidly and affects the face, chest, and nearest limbs. The patches are small and round or oval and have the typical appearance of psoriasis. This photograph shows the diffuse and widespread coverage on the arm and chest.
Psoriasis, guttate on the arms and chest
illustration
-
Psoriasis, guttate on the cheek - illustration
This is a picture of guttate (drop-shaped) psoriasis on face and neck. Guttate psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis. It frequently follows a streptococcal infection, appears rapidly and affects the face, chest, and nearest limbs. The patches are small and round or oval and have the typical appearance of psoriasis. This photograph shows the diffuse and widespread coverage on the face and neck.
Psoriasis, guttate on the cheek
illustration
Review Date: 4/14/2015
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
