Guttate Psoriasis: Signs And Symptoms, Possible Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment And Prognosis
What is guttate psoriasis? Guttate psoriasis is a condition of the skin that is characterised by small, red, teardrop-shaped areas that are seen on the arms, legs, back and chest. Some symptoms of guttate psoriasis may also be noticeable as salmon pink to red, scaly patches of swollen skin more widely spread over the entire body. The spots often itch and are covered with silver, peeling scales. The name is derived from the Latin word, guttate, which means 'spotted as if by drops'.
Causes and Triggers
A less common form of psoriasis, guttate psoriasis is usually seen in patients younger than 30 years old. The ailment usually develops quite suddenly and could appear two to three weeks after infection with strep throat or some other lung disease. Guttate psoriasis, like all forms of psoriasis, isn't infectious but does appear to run in families as a potentially inherited condition. Most doctors think that the ailment is an abnormal inflammatory response; such responses may attack normal cells as being bad or invasive.
Furthermore, the following are known to lead to an outbreak of guttate psoriasis: bacterial or viral infections, including upper respiratory infections, skin injuries, such as cuts, burns and insect bites, medications including those used to treat coronary heart disorders and malaria, stress, sunburn and too much consumption of alcohol.
In general, guttate psoriasis can be extreme in persons with weak or deteriorating immune systems including those who are undergoing chemotherapy or who have AIDS or another autoimmune problem just like rheumatoid arthritis.
Diagnosis and Tests
A health care provider often must study the patient's skin. Diagnosis is generally based on how the spots look and feel. Often a person with such a disorder has just recently experienced a sore throat or other upper respiratory problem. Confirming diagnostic tests may include a biopsy of the affected skin area(s) and a throat culture.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms such as pain and itching and to stop secondary infections. If the patient has an infection, a physician may prescribe antibiotics to ward off secondary or worse infections. Most cases of guttate psoriasis are dealt with at home or as an out-patient. Doctors recommend one or more of the following:
- cortisone or anti-itch lotions (most contain steroids)
- dandruff shampoos (over-the-counter or prescription)
- creams containing coal tar to stimulate the rebuilding of skin
- moisturizers to manage dry skin and flaking
- dietary supplements containing vitamin D or vitamin A to help restore normal skin
Severe instances of guttate psoriasis may receive powerful drugs to suppress the body's immune response like corticosteroids, cyclosporines and methotrexate. Sunlight and phototherapy might also control the symptoms. Phototherapy is a medical process that can be given alone or with drug(s) to make the skin much more sensitive to ultraviolet light.
Prognosis
The condition may also become persistent or get worse and become plaque-type psoriasis affecting bony sections. Secondary skin infections with extreme itching and pain are possible complications. Note that guttate psoriasis may disappear completely or go into remission after treatment.
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