Health Encyclopedia

Psoriasis - guttate

Definition

Guttate psoriasis is a skin condition in which small, red, teardrop-shaped spots appear on the arms, legs, and middle of the body. Guttate means "drop" in Latin.

Alternative Names

Guttate psoriasis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Guttate psoriasis is a relatively uncommon form of psoriasis. It is usually seen in patients younger than 30. The condition often develops very suddenly, usually after an infection, most notably strep throat. Guttate psoriasis is not contagious.

Psoriasis seems to be an inherited disorder. That means it is passed down through families. Doctors think it probably occurs when the body's immune system mistakes healthy cells for dangerous substances. See: Inflammatory response

In addition to strep throat, the following may trigger an attack of guttate psoriasis:

Bacteria or viral infections, including upper respiratory infections
Injury to the skin, including cuts, burns, and insect bites
Some medicines, including those used to treat malaria and certain heart conditions
Stress
Sunburn
Too much alcohol

In general, psoriasis may be severe in persons who have a weakened immune system. This may include persons who have:

AIDS
Autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis
Chemotherapy for cancer

Symptoms

Symptoms include itching and spots on the skin, called skin lesions, which are pinkish-red and look like teardrops. The spots may be covered with silver, flaky skin called scales.

The spots usually occur on the arms, legs, and middle of the body (the trunk), but may appear in other body areas.

Signs and tests

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 include:

Throat culture
Skin biopsy

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to control your symptoms and prevent secondary infections.

If you have an 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:

Cortisone (anti-itch) cream
Dandruff shampoos (over-the-counter or prescription)
Lotions that contain coal tar
Moisturizers
Prescription medicines containing vitamin D or vitamin A (retinoids)

Persons with very severe guttate psoriasis may receive medicines to suppress the body's immune response. These medicines include corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and methotrexate.

Sunlight may help your symptoms go away. Be careful not to get sunburn. Some people may choose to have phototherapy. Phototherapy is a medical procedure in which your skin is carefully exposed to ultraviolet light. Phototherapy may be given alone or after you take a drug that makes the skin sensitive to light.

Expectations (prognosis)

Psoriasis is a life-long condition that can be controlled with treatment.

Complications

Pain
Severe itching
Secondary skin infections

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of guttate psoriasis.

References

Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004.

Rakel P, ed. Conn’s Current Therapy 2005. 57th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005.

Review Date:4/12/2007
Reviewed By:Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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