Also Known As:

What is Guttate Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition. The disease is characterised by the rapid build-up of skin cells, causing inflammation and scaling on the skin’s surface.

Guttate Psoriasis is the second most common type of Psoriasis. It causes small, droplet-shaped, red patches which are sometimes covered with thin, flaky skin called scales. These lesions are commonly found on the skin of the arms, legs, scalp and trunk.

Causes

Doctors are unclear as to the exact underlying cause of Guttate Psoriasis. However, the general two key factors are:
•   Immune System: Guttate Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. Autoimmune conditions are the result of the body attacking itself. In the case of Guttate Psoriasis, white blood cells known as T cells mistakenly attack the skin cells. This causes the skin cell production process to go into overdrive and develop too quickly.
•   Genetics: Some people inherit genes that make them more likely to develop Guttate Psoriasis. If you have an immediate family member with the skin condition, the risk for developing Guttate Psoriasis is higher.

Guttate Psoriasis primarily affects young adults and children. It’s usually triggered by a bacterial infection such as streptococcal throat.

Symptoms

Guttate Psoriasis flare-ups are often sudden. The breakouts typically involve small, red marks that intensify and expand. They can cover large portions of the body or may remain in smaller patches. The lesions of Guttate Psoriasis are typically:
•   Small in size
•   Red or dark pink
•   Separate from each other
•   Thinner than Plaque Psoriasis lesions

Diagnosis & Treatment

Guttate Psoriasis is diagnosed by a Doctor using a physical examination. If the symptoms are unclear, or if your doctor wants to confirm their suspected diagnosis, they may conduct a biopsy.

There is currently no known cure for Guttate Psoriasis. Treatments aim to reduce inflammation and scales, slow the growth of skin cells. Psoriasis treatments fall into three main categories:
•   Topical treatments
•   Systemic medications
•   Light therapy using ultraviolet (UV) or natural light

Additional Information

The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) estimates that about 10 percent of people with Psoriasis have Guttate Psoriasis type.

Guttate Psoriasis isn’t contagious. Touching a Psoriatic lesion on another person won’t cause you to develop the condition.

Also see: Psoriasis