Learn About Guttate Psoriasis

What is the definition of Guttate Psoriasis?

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

What are the alternative names for Guttate Psoriasis?

Psoriasis - guttate; Group A streptococcus - guttate psoriasis; Strep throat - guttate psoriasis

What are the causes of Guttate Psoriasis?

Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis. Guttate psoriasis is usually seen in people younger than 30, especially in children. The condition often develops suddenly. It usually appears after an infection, most notably strep throat caused by group A streptococcus. Guttate psoriasis is not contagious. This means it can't spread to other people.

Psoriasis is a common disorder. The exact cause isn't known. But doctors think genes and the immune system are involved. Certain things can trigger an attack of symptoms.

With guttate psoriasis, in addition to strep throat, the following may trigger an attack:

  • 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

Psoriasis may be severe in people who have a weakened immune system. This may include people who have:

  • HIV/AIDS
  • Autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis
  • Chemotherapy for cancer
What are the symptoms of Guttate Psoriasis?

Symptoms may include:

  • Itching
  • Spots on the skin that are pinkish-red and look like teardrops
  • Spots may be covered with silver, flaky skin called scales
  • Spots usually occur on the arms, legs, and middle of the body (the trunk), but may appear in other body areas
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What are the current treatments for Guttate Psoriasis?

If you are recently infected, your provider may give you antibiotics.

Mild cases of guttate psoriasis are usually treated at home. Your provider may recommend any of the following:

  • Cortisone or other anti-itch and anti-inflammatory creams
  • Dandruff shampoos (over-the-counter or prescription)
  • Lotions that contain coal tar
  • Moisturizers
  • Prescription medicines that have vitamin D to apply to the skin (topically) or that have vitamin A (retinoids) to take by mouth (orally)

People with severe guttate psoriasis may receive medicines to suppress the body's immune response. These include cyclosporine and methotrexate. A newer group of medicines called biologics that alter parts of the immune system may also be used.

Your provider 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.

Who are the top Guttate Psoriasis Local Doctors?
Elite in Guttate Psoriasis
Elite in Guttate Psoriasis
Barcelona, CT, ES 

Carmen Gil-De Jesus practices in Barcelona, Spain. Ms. Gil-De Jesus and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Guttate Psoriasis. Her top areas of expertise are Guttate Psoriasis, Plaque Psoriasis, Streptococcal Group A Infection, and Psoriasis.

Elite in Guttate Psoriasis
Elite in Guttate Psoriasis
1651796906 Dermatology Department, 
Madrid, MD, ES 

Raquel Navarro practices in Madrid, Spain. Ms. Navarro and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Guttate Psoriasis. Her top areas of expertise are Guttate Psoriasis, Necrosis, Psoriasis, and Plaque Psoriasis.

 
 
 
 
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Experienced in Guttate Psoriasis
Experienced in Guttate Psoriasis

University Of Virginia Physicians Group

1221 Lee St, 
Charlottesville, VA 
Languages Spoken:
English
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Barrett Zlotoff is a Dermatologist in Charlottesville, Virginia. Dr. Zlotoff and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Guttate Psoriasis. His top areas of expertise are Seborrheic Keratosis, Pompholyx Eczema, Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris, and Atopic Dermatitis. Dr. Zlotoff is currently accepting new patients.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Guttate Psoriasis?

Guttate psoriasis may clear completely following treatment, especially phototherapy treatment. Sometimes, it may become a chronic (lifelong) condition, or worsen to the more common plaque-type psoriasis.

When should I contact a medical professional for Guttate Psoriasis?

Call your provider if you have symptoms of guttate psoriasis.

What are the latest Guttate Psoriasis Clinical Trials?
PSOCADIA: Prevalence and Risk Factors AsSOciated with CArdiac ComorbiDIty in PsoriAsis

Summary: In a prospective cohort study (n = 1.000), the investigators aim to investigate the correlation between cardiac biomarkers and advanced echocardiography and determine whether these are prognostic markers of heart disease in patients suffering from psoriasis.

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Immunogenetic Profiling of Guselkumab for the Treatment of Plaque and Guttate Psoriasis

Summary: This is a two-arm open-label study to evaluate the clinical and immunogenetic responses of patients with plaque or guttate psoriasis to treatment with guselkumab.

Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: May 31, 2023
Published By: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Dinulos JGH. Psoriasis and other papulosquamous diseases. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif's Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 8.

James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, recalcitrant palmoplantar eruptions, pustular dermatitis, and erythroderma. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 10.

Lebwohl MG, van de Kerkhof P. Psoriasis. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Coulson IH, Murrell DF, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 210.