Guttate Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis is a form of psoriasis
that resembles tiny, salmon-pink drops on the skin. The
term “guttate” basically comes from “gutta”, which is
Latin for “drop.” Oftentimes there is a fine scale over
the lesion, while scales in the case of plaque psoriasis
tend to be courser. There are some factors that are known
to contribute to the skin condition. One major trigger is
a bacterial or streptococcal infection. The outburst of
the lesions on the skin often occurs around 2 to 3 weeks
after the patient has a strep throat. The flare-up can
disappear and not come back. They may also go into
remission and suddenly return, especially if the patient
is a strep carrier.
Cause of Guttate
Psoriasis
In some
cases, the sudden occurrence of an outbreak is an indicator
of the first psoriasis. On the other hand, an individual
who’s had plaque psoriasis for an extended time may abruptly
experience a breakout of guttate psoriasis. This is still a
chronic disease and other types of infections aside from
streptococcal bacteria (i.e.: the common cold and chicken
pox) can contribute to its onset.
Statistics for Guttate
Psoriasis
Guttate
psoriasis is comparatively infrequent among people. Less
than 2 percent of individuals with psoriasis experience the
guttate type. The condition is more widespread among
children and adults below the age of 30. It equally affects
both girls and boys.
Symptoms of Guttate
Psoriasis
There are
several symptoms that accompany guttate psoriasis. As
mentioned earlier, drop-shaped patches of skin that are
salmon-pink typify the skin condition. A sufferer may have
skin lesions that are red and have silvery or grayish scales
on top. These lesions may appear only in certain portions of
the body or the whole body. Pain, irritation and itching may
be experienced and there could also be discoloration in
affected parts of the body. While changes in the nails
(pitted nails) are typical with other types of psoriasis,
these do not seem to occur with guttate psoriasis. On the
other hand, guttate psoriasis, like other types of
psoriasis, can also be triggered by genetic
factors—individuals with an occurrence of HLA-CW6 and the
HLA-C gene expression are more prone to the skin
condition.
Testing for Guttate
Psoriasis
A
physician will analyze your skin. The diagnosis of guttate
psoriasis often depends on the appearance or characteristic
patterns of the skin. As mentioned earlier, it is common for
someone with guttate psoriasis if he/she has lately had a
sore throat or upper respiratory infection. There are two
tests that can confirm the diagnosis: skin biopsy and throat
culture.
Treatment of Guttate
Psoriasis
The aim
of the treatment of guttate psoriasis is to manage your
symptoms and prevent secondary infections. If an infection
occurs, antibiotics may be prescribed. Mild guttate
psoriasis can often be treated at home. You may be advised
by your physician to use cortisone creams, coal tar lotions
or ointments, dandruff shampoos, prescription drugs
containing vitamin A or D, and/or moisturizers. If the skin
condition is severe, your physician may recommend medication
to hold back your body’s immune response (i.e. cyclosporine,
corticosteroids and methotrexate). Alternative treatments
exist and they may employ natural exposure to sunlight
and/or phototherapy.
| 
