What's guttate psoriasis? Guttate psoriasis is a disorder of the skin that's characterised by small, red, teardrop-shaped areas that are seen on the arms, legs, back and chest. Some symptoms of guttate psoriasis may also be noticeable as salmon pink to red, scaly patches of swollen skin more widely spread over the whole body. The spots typically 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 less common form of psoriasis, guttate psoriasis is usually seen in patients younger than 30 years old. The ailment normally develops quite abruptly and may appear 2-3 weeks after infection with strep throat or some other lung disease. Guttate psoriasis, like all forms of psoriasis, isn't contagious but does appear to run in families as a potentially inherited ailment. Many physicians believe that the illness is an abnormal inflammatory response; such responses may attack normal cells as being harmful or invasive.
In addition, the following are known to lead to an outbreak of guttate psoriasis: bacterial and viral infections, including upper respiratory infections, pores and skin injuries, including cuts, burns and bug bites, medicines including those used to treat coronary heart conditions and malaria, stress, sunburn and too much consumption of alcohol.
Generally,
guttate psoriasis could be severe in people with weak or deteriorating immune systems including those who are undergoing chemotherapy or who have AIDS or another autoimmune problem like rheumatoid arthritis.
Diagnosis and Tests
A physician generally should examine the affected person's skin. Diagnosis is usually based on how the spots look and feel. Often an individual with this sort of disorder has just recently experienced a sore throat or other upper respiratory ailment. Confirming diagnostic tests might include a biopsy of the affected skin area(s) and/or a throat culture.
Treatment
The purpose of treatment is to manage symptoms such as pain and itching and to stop secondary infections. If the patient has an infection, a physician can prescribe antibiotics to ward off secondary or worse infections. Many 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 contain steroids)
- dandruff shampoos (over-the-counter or prescription)
- creams containing coal tar to stimulate the rebuilding of skin
- moisturizers to manage dry skin and flaking
- dietary supplements containing vitamin D and vitamin A to help you restore healthy skin
Extreme instances of guttate psoriasis may receive powerful drugs to suppress the body's immune response like corticosteroids, cyclosporines and methotrexate. Sunlight and phototherapy can also control the signs or symptoms. Phototherapy is actually a medical procedure that may be given alone or with drug(s) to make the skin extra sensitive to ultraviolet light.
Prognosis
The condition may also become persistent or get worse and become plaque-type psoriasis affecting bony areas. Secondary skin infections with extreme itching and pain are possible complications. Notice that guttate psoriasis might disappear completely or go into remission following treatment.
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