Guttate Psoriasis: Signs Or Symptoms, Possible Causes, Medical Diagnosis, Treatment Method And Analysis

What's 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 indicators of guttate psoriasis may also be noticeable as salmon pink to red, scaly patches of inflamed skin more widely spread over the entire body. The spots typically 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 frequently seen in patients younger than 30 years old. The condition usually develops quite abruptly 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 contagious but does seem to run in families as a potentially inherited condition. Many doctors think that the ailment is an abnormal inflammatory response; such responses may attack normal cells as being dangerous or invasive.

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

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

Diagnosis and Tests

A physician often should study the patient's skin. Diagnosis is generally based on how the spots look and feel. Often a person with this kind of disorder has recently experienced a sore throat or other upper respiratory problem. Confirming diagnostic tests might 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 patient has an infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to ward off secondary or worse infections. Many 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 stimulate the rebuilding of skin

- moisturizers to control dry skin and flaking

- dietary supplements containing vitamin D or vitamin A to help you 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. Sunlight and phototherapy can also control the symptoms. Phototherapy is actually a medical process 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 persistent or worsen and become plaque-type psoriasis affecting bony areas. Secondary skin infections with severe itching and pain are possible complications. Note that guttate psoriasis might disappear completely or go into remission after treatment.

Guttate Psoriasis: Signs Or Symptoms, Possible Causes, Medical Diagnosis, Treatment Method And Analysis
Guttate psoriasis is a disorder of the skin that is characterized by small, red, teardrop-shaped areas that are seen on the arms, legs, back and chest. Read this article and learn more about guttate psoriasis - its symptoms, causes and triggers, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

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