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== Guttate psoriasis ==
{{Short description|A type of psoriasis characterized by small, drop-shaped lesions}}


[[File:Guttate psoriasis.jpg|thumb|Guttate psoriasis]]
'''Guttate psoriasis''' is a type of [[psoriasis]] that presents with small, drop-shaped, scaly patches on the skin. It is one of the several clinical forms of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition.


'''Guttate psoriasis''' (also known as '''eruptive psoriasis''') is a type of [[psoriasis]] that presents as small (0.5–1.5&nbsp;cm in [[diameter]]) [[lesions]] over the [[upper trunk]] and [[proximal extremities]]; it is found frequently in young adults.<ref name="Fitz22">Freedberg, et al. (2003). ''Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine''. (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill. {{ISBN|0-07-138076-0}}.</ref>{{rp|410}}<ref name="Andrews2">James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). ''Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology''. (10th ed.). Saunders. {{ISBN|0-7216-2921-0}}.</ref>{{rp|194}}
==Presentation==
Guttate psoriasis is characterized by the sudden appearance of small, red, scaly spots on the skin. These lesions are typically less than 1 cm in diameter and are often described as "drop-like" or "tear-drop" shaped. The lesions are usually distributed over the trunk and proximal extremities, but they can also appear on the face, scalp, and ears.


The term "[[Guttae (medical)|guttate]]" is used to describe the drop-like appearance of skin lesions. Guttate psoriasis is classically triggered by a [[bacteria]]l infection, usually an [[upper respiratory tract infection]].<ref>{{cite journal|year=2000|title=Treatment of Psoriasis: An Algorithm-Based Approach for Primary Care Physicians|url=http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000201/725.html|journal=Am Fam Physician|volume=61|issue=|pages=725–33,736|doi=|pmc=|pmid=|vauthors=Feldman SR, Clark AR|accessdate=30 Mar 2011}}</ref>{{rp|726}}
==Causes==
The exact cause of guttate psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is believed to be an immune-mediated condition. It is often triggered by a [[streptococcal infection]], such as [[strep throat]]. Other potential triggers include stress, skin injuries, and certain medications. Genetic factors also play a role, as psoriasis tends to run in families.


== Signs and symptoms ==
==Pathophysiology==
Typically, guttate psoriasis erupts after a throat infection, or [[strep throat]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Prinz|first=J. C.|date=2001-06-01|title=Psoriasis vulgaris--a sterile antibacterial skin reaction mediated by cross-reactive T cells? An immunological view of the pathophysiology of psoriasis|journal=Clinical and Experimental Dermatology|volume=26|issue=4|pages=326–332|issn=0307-6938|pmid=11422184|doi=10.1046/j.1365-2230.2001.00831.x}}</ref> Initially, when the throat infection has cleared up, the person can feel fine for several weeks before noticing the appearance of red spots. They appear small at first, like a dry red spot which is slightly itchy. When scratched or picked, the top layer of dry skin is removed, leaving dry, red skin beneath with white, dry areas marking where flakes of dry skin stop and start. In the weeks that follow, the spots can grow to as much as an inch in diameter. Some of the larger ones may form a pale area in the center which is slightly yellow.
Guttate psoriasis involves an abnormal immune response that leads to rapid skin cell turnover. This results in the accumulation of skin cells on the surface, forming the characteristic scaly patches. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing inflammation and the rapid production of new skin cells.


Guttate psoriasis can occur on any part of the body, particularly the legs, arms, torso, eyelids, back, bottom, bikini-line and neck. The number of lesions can range from 5 to over 100.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Langley|first=R. G. B.|last2=Krueger|first2=G. G.|last3=Griffiths|first3=C. E. M. |authorlink3=Chris Griffiths (dermatologist) |date=2005-03-01|title=Psoriasis: epidemiology, clinical features, and quality of life|url=http://ard.bmj.com/content/64/suppl_2/ii18|journal=Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases|language=en|volume=64|issue=suppl 2|pages=ii18–ii23|doi=10.1136/ard.2004.033217|issn=0003-4967|pmc=1766861|pmid=15708928}}</ref> Generally the parts of the body most affected are seen on the arms, legs, back and torso.
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis of guttate psoriasis is primarily clinical, based on the appearance of the skin lesions. A [[dermatologist]] may perform a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. A throat culture or blood test may be conducted to check for a recent streptococcal infection.


<youtube>
==Treatment==
title='''{{PAGENAME}}'''
Treatment for guttate psoriasis aims to control symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Options include:
movie_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/O-EK92Sj7Tk
* Topical treatments: Corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and coal tar preparations can help reduce inflammation and scaling.
&rel=1
* Phototherapy: Exposure to ultraviolet light can slow the rapid growth of skin cells.
embed_source_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/O-EK92Sj7Tk
* Systemic treatments: In severe cases, oral or injectable medications that suppress the immune system may be used.
&rel=1
* Antibiotics: If a streptococcal infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed.
wrap = yes
width=750
height=600
</youtube>


== Causes ==
==Prognosis==
Genetic and environmental factors can influence the predilection for guttate psoriasis. [[Human leukocyte antigen]]s, especially those in the HLA-C group are associated with the skin disorder.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Mallon|first=E.|last2=Bunce|first2=M.|last3=Savoie|first3=H.|last4=Rowe|first4=A.|last5=Newson|first5=R.|last6=Gotch|first6=F.|last7=Bunker|first7=C. B.|date=2000-12-01|title=HLA-C and guttate psoriasis|journal=The British Journal of Dermatology|volume=143|issue=6|pages=1177–1182|issn=0007-0963|pmid=11122018|doi=10.1046/j.1365-2133.2000.03885.x}}</ref> [[Beta hemolytic streptococci|Beta-hemolytic streptococci]] infection is the major contributing environmental factor. The typical route of infection is the upper respiratory system. Rarely it is also caused by a skin infection surrounding the anus (perianal streptococcal dermatitis).<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Patrizi|first=A.|last2=Costa|first2=A. M.|last3=Fiorillo|first3=L.|last4=Neri|first4=I.|date=1994-06-01|title=Perianal streptococcal dermatitis associated with guttate psoriasis and/or balanoposthitis: a study of five cases|journal=Pediatric Dermatology|volume=11|issue=2|pages=168–171|issn=0736-8046|pmid=8041660|doi=10.1111/j.1525-1470.1994.tb00574.x}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Herbst|first=R. A.|last2=Hoch|first2=O.|last3=Kapp|first3=A.|last4=Weiss|first4=J.|date=2000-05-01|title=Guttate psoriasis triggered by perianal streptococcal dermatitis in a four-year-old boy|journal=Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology|volume=42|issue=5 Pt 2|pages=885–887|issn=0190-9622|pmid=10767696|doi=10.1016/s0190-9622(00)90263-9}}</ref>
Guttate psoriasis often resolves on its own within a few weeks to months, especially if it is triggered by an infection. However, some individuals may experience recurrent episodes or develop chronic plaque psoriasis.


== Diagnosis ==
==Prevention==
Guttate psoriasis can typically be diagnosed by clinical examination alone.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www-uptodate-com/contents/guttate-psoriasis?source=search_result&search=guttate%20psoriasis&selectedTitle=1~12#references|title=Guttate psoriasis|last=Mehlis|first=Stephanie|date=2017-03-26|website=Up-to-date}}</ref>
Preventive measures include managing stress, avoiding skin injuries, and treating infections promptly. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following a skincare routine can also help reduce the risk of flare-ups.


== Management ==
==Related pages==
The treatments used for [[plaque psoriasis]] can also be used for guttate psoriasis. Few studies have specifically focused on guttate psoriasis management, so there are currently no firm guidelines for managing guttate psoriasis differently from [[plaque psoriasis]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Chalmers|first=R. J.|last2=O'Sullivan|first2=T.|last3=Owen|first3=C. M.|last4=Griffiths|first4=C. E.|date=2001-12-01|title=A systematic review of treatments for guttate psoriasis|journal=The British Journal of Dermatology|volume=145|issue=6|pages=891–894|issn=0007-0963|pmid=11899141|doi=10.1046/j.1365-2133.2001.04505.x}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Chalmers|first=R. J.|last2=O'Sullivan|first2=T.|last3=Owen|first3=C. M.|last4=Griffiths|first4=C. E.|date=2000-01-01|title=Interventions for guttate psoriasis|journal=The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews|issue=2|pages=CD001213|doi=10.1002/14651858.CD001213|issn=1469-493X|pmid=10796758}} {{Retracted |doi=10.1002/14651858.cd001213.pub2}}</ref> Due to the role streptococcal infection plays in the development of guttate psoriasis, systemic antibiotics have been considered as a potential treatment option. Although systemic antibiotics may be considered to treat the initial infection at its source, there is no support for their use in the management of subsequent guttate psoriasis itself, nor is there evidence for the use of prophylactic tonsillectomy.<ref>{{Citation|last=Owen|first=Caroline M.|title=Antistreptococcal interventions for guttate and chronic plaque psoriasis|journal=Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews|issue=2|pages=CD001976|date=2000-04-24|last2=Chalmers|last3=O'Sullivan|last4=Griffiths|first2=Robert|first3=Teresa|first4=Christopher EM|doi=10.1002/14651858.cd001976|pmid=10796842}} {{Retracted |doi=10.1002/14651858.cd001976.pub2}}</ref> The condition often usually clears up on its own within weeks to months, and only about one third of patients will develop chronic plaques.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Martin|first=Branwen A.|date=1996-06-01|title=How Great Is the Risk of Further Psoriasis Following a Single Episode of Acute Guttate Psoriasis?|journal=Archives of Dermatology|language=en|volume=132|issue=6|pages=717–8|doi=10.1001/archderm.1996.03890300147032|pmid=8651734|issn=0003-987X}}</ref>
* [[Psoriasis]]
* [[Plaque psoriasis]]
* [[Pustular psoriasis]]
* [[Erythrodermic psoriasis]]
* [[Psoriatic arthritis]]


== Epidemiology ==
Guttate psoriasis accounts for approximately 2% of psoriasis cases.<ref name=":0" />
==References==
{{reflist}}
== External links ==
{{Medical resources
|  DiseasesDB    = 34089
|  ICD10          = L40.4 ([[ILDS]] L40.400)
|  ICD9          = 
|  ICDO          = 
|  OMIM          = 
|  MedlinePlus    = 
|  eMedicineSubj  = 
|  eMedicineTopic = 
|  MeshID        =
}}
{{Papulosquamous disorders}}
{{stub}}
[[Category:Psoriasis]]
[[Category:Psoriasis]]
[[Category:Dermatology]]

Revision as of 19:27, 22 March 2025

A type of psoriasis characterized by small, drop-shaped lesions


Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that presents with small, drop-shaped, scaly patches on the skin. It is one of the several clinical forms of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition.

Presentation

Guttate psoriasis is characterized by the sudden appearance of small, red, scaly spots on the skin. These lesions are typically less than 1 cm in diameter and are often described as "drop-like" or "tear-drop" shaped. The lesions are usually distributed over the trunk and proximal extremities, but they can also appear on the face, scalp, and ears.

Causes

The exact cause of guttate psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is believed to be an immune-mediated condition. It is often triggered by a streptococcal infection, such as strep throat. Other potential triggers include stress, skin injuries, and certain medications. Genetic factors also play a role, as psoriasis tends to run in families.

Pathophysiology

Guttate psoriasis involves an abnormal immune response that leads to rapid skin cell turnover. This results in the accumulation of skin cells on the surface, forming the characteristic scaly patches. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing inflammation and the rapid production of new skin cells.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of guttate psoriasis is primarily clinical, based on the appearance of the skin lesions. A dermatologist may perform a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. A throat culture or blood test may be conducted to check for a recent streptococcal infection.

Treatment

Treatment for guttate psoriasis aims to control symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Options include:

  • Topical treatments: Corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, and coal tar preparations can help reduce inflammation and scaling.
  • Phototherapy: Exposure to ultraviolet light can slow the rapid growth of skin cells.
  • Systemic treatments: In severe cases, oral or injectable medications that suppress the immune system may be used.
  • Antibiotics: If a streptococcal infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Prognosis

Guttate psoriasis often resolves on its own within a few weeks to months, especially if it is triggered by an infection. However, some individuals may experience recurrent episodes or develop chronic plaque psoriasis.

Prevention

Preventive measures include managing stress, avoiding skin injuries, and treating infections promptly. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and following a skincare routine can also help reduce the risk of flare-ups.

Related pages