Guttate psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis we see start in childhood. Guttate pronounced (GUH-tate) comes from the Latin meaning (drop). This type of psoriasis looks like small red spots on the skin. Typically appears on the legs, arms or trunk, though it can appear other places on the body. The red spots are not as thick as the more common plaque lesions.
Triggered by Viral or Streptococcal Infection
Guttate psoriasis can be triggered by streptococcal infections of the throat (strep throat) or viral infections. It is also possible to have strep throat without symptoms that can cause an outbreak guttate psoriasis. If you suspect this is the case your medical professional can do some tests for it. To prevent the occurrence of an outbreak of the infection some doctors will prescribe antibiotics.
Guttate Psoriasis is Often Mild
The guttate form of psoriasis is often mild and is more likely to cause irritation and itching rather than scarring. Although the lesions will often form on the legs and arms, they do not occur on the bottoms of the feet or on the palms of the hands.
The Preferred Treatment
With the guttate form of psoriasis it tends to be a little milder than plaque psoriasis. The available over-the-counter moisturizers are the preferred treatment and take care of the symptoms very well. People find it a pain to be applying to the many small drops on the skin. The best thing is to keep your skin moisturized, especially after bathing to prevent skin irritation. Topical steroids bought over-the-counter can also be used to control the itching and inflammation.
See a Medical Professional for Other Treatments
Although over-the-counter treatments may be sufficient, you should also see your medical professional for treatment. They sometimes prescribe medication and other times use ultraviolet light B (UVB) or (PUVA) therapy, or phototherapy, to control the guttate psoriasis. The light-sensitizing drug psoralen is used with ultraviolet light A as an effective means for controlling guttate psoriasis. In very severe cases your medical professional will prescribe systemic medications. Sometimes they are administered by injection others orally, to get a rapid prolonged clearing of the psoriasis.
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