In guttate psoriasis, small, red, scaly patches appear on the skin. The word guttate comes from the Latin word for “drop”, since the spots look like paint drops. A common cause of guttate psoriasis is infection, such as strep throat or tonsillitis, in children and young adults.
The exact cause of guttate psoriasis is not known, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the skin cells. Some factors that may trigger or worsen guttate psoriasis include:
Infections, especially strep throat, tonsillitis, or upper respiratory infections
Stress
Injury to the skin, such as cuts, burns, or insect bites
Medications, such as beta-blockers, antimalarials, or lithium
Alcohol
Smoking
Usually, guttate psoriasis causes small, red, scaly patches on the trunk, arms, legs, and scalp, which may be itchy or sore. They may also join together to form larger patches. Colors of the spots can range from pink to salmon to brown. They usually appear suddenly, within a few days or weeks of an infection, and may last for several weeks or months. In addition to the spots, some people may also experience fever, chills, or fatigue.
The doctor will examine the patient's skin and ask about their medical history and symptoms in order to diagnose guttate psoriasis. In order to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other skin conditions, including eczema, fungal infections, or pityriasis rosea, a skin biopsy may be performed. A throat swab may also be performed to check for strep infection, which is often associated with guttate psoriasis.
There is no cure for guttate psoriasis, but the symptoms can be managed with various treatments. The treatment options may include:
Topical medications, such as corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, coal tar, or salicylic acid, to reduce inflammation and scaling
Phototherapy, or exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, to slow down the growth of skin cells and improve the appearance of the spots
Systemic medications, such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, or biologics, to suppress the immune system and prevent flare-ups
Antibiotics, to treat any underlying infection, such as strep throat
Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers, moisturizing the skin, using mild soap and shampoo, and wearing loose-fitting clothing
There is no way to prevent guttate psoriasis, but some steps that may help reduce the risk or severity of outbreaks include:
Treating any infection, especially strep throat, as soon as possible
Avoiding stress or finding healthy ways to cope with it
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake
Protecting the skin from injury and sunburn
Following the doctor’s advice and taking the prescribed medications as directed
The guttate psoriasis is a chronic condition that can develop over a lifetime. However, most people can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life with proper treatment and care. Consult your doctor or dermatologist if you have any questions or concerns about guttate psoriasis.
