Guttate psoriasis is a skin condition in which small, red, and scaly teardrop-shaped spots appear on the arms, legs, and middle of the body. Guttate means "drop" in Latin.
Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis. It is usually seen in patients younger than 30. The condition often develops suddenly, usually after an infection, most notably strep throat. Guttate psoriasis is not contagious. This means it cannot spread to other people.
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:
Psoriasis may be severe in persons who have a weakened immune system. This may include persons who have:
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:
Goal of treatment is to control your symptoms and prevent secondary infections.
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:
Persons with very severe guttate psoriasis may receive medicines to suppress the body's immune response. These medicines include cyclosporine and methotrexate.
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.
Guttate psoriasis may clear completely following treatment. Sometimes, however, it may become a chronic (lifelong) condition, or worsen to the more common plaque-type psoriasis.
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of guttate psoriasis.
Van de Kerkhof PCM, Nestle FO. Psoriasis In: Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Schaffer JV, eds. Dermatology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 8.
Updated 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, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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