Guttate Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Guttate Psoriasis?
A dermatologist, a skin doctor, usually diagnoses and treats guttate psoriasis. A primary care doctor or a pediatrician, a children's doctor, often sees the rash first, especially after a sore throat. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is guttate psoriasis?
Guttate psoriasis is a skin condition. It causes small, red, scaly spots shaped like teardrops. They have silvery scale and appear on the arms, legs, and middle of the body. Gutta means "drop" in Latin.
It is a type of psoriasis. Psoriasis is a long-lasting disease. The immune system becomes overactive, and skin cells multiply too quickly. It is not contagious, so it can't spread to other people.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Itching.
- Pinkish-red spots that look like teardrops.
- Spots covered with silver, flaky skin called scales.
The spots usually occur on the arms, legs, and middle of the body, called the trunk. They may appear in other body areas too.
Psoriasis symptoms can come and go. Times when symptoms get worse are called flares. They are followed by times when you feel better.
Causes and who gets it
The exact cause is not known. Health care providers think genes and the immune system play a part. This type is usually seen in people younger than 30, especially in children. It often develops suddenly. It usually appears after an infection, most notably strep throat. Group A streptococcus bacteria cause strep throat.
Other things that may trigger an attack include:
- Bacterial or viral infections, including upper respiratory infections.
- Skin injury, including cuts, burns, and insect bites.
- Some medicines, including those for malaria and certain heart conditions.
- Stress.
- Sunburn.
- Too much alcohol.
Psoriasis may be severe in people with a weak immune system. This includes people with HIV/AIDS or an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis. It also includes people who have taken chemotherapy for cancer.
How doctors diagnose it
Your provider will look at your skin. The diagnosis is usually based on how the spots look. People with it have often had a recent sore throat or upper respiratory infection.
Tests to confirm the diagnosis may include:
- A skin biopsy, in which a small piece of skin is checked.
- A throat culture.
- Blood tests for recent exposure to strep bacteria.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type and severity of psoriasis. If you recently had a group A strep infection, your provider may give you antibiotics.
Mild cases are usually treated at home. Your provider may suggest:
- Cortisone or other anti-itch and anti-inflammatory creams.
- Dandruff shampoos.
- Lotions that contain coal tar.
- Moisturizers.
- Prescription medicines with vitamin D to apply to the skin.
- Prescription medicines with vitamin A (retinoids) to take by mouth.
People with severe cases may receive medicines that calm the body's immune response. These include cyclosporine and methotrexate. A newer group of medicines called biologics may also be used. They change parts of the immune system.
Your provider may also suggest phototherapy. In this procedure, your skin is exposed to ultraviolet light.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of guttate psoriasis. Some people with psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis. It can cause stiff, swollen, or painful joints. If you have these joint symptoms, see your doctor soon. Untreated psoriatic arthritis can cause damage that cannot be undone.
Go to the emergency room if red, scaly skin covers most of your body. This form of psoriasis is called erythrodermic psoriasis and it can be very serious. Call 911 if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, or fainting.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can look at your skin, check for a recent strep infection, and start or review treatment. They can also refer you to a dermatologist and help with long-term follow-up.
Common questions
Is guttate psoriasis contagious?
No, it is not contagious. It can't spread to other people.
What triggers guttate psoriasis?
An infection, most often strep throat, is the usual trigger. Skin injury, stress, sunburn, too much alcohol, and some medicines may also trigger an attack.
Does guttate psoriasis go away?
It can. It may clear up completely after treatment, especially phototherapy. Sometimes it becomes a lifelong condition or turns into plaque psoriasis, the more common type.
Who gets guttate psoriasis?
It is usually seen in people younger than 30, especially in children.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Guttate psoriasis
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - Psoriasis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
