Guttate psoriasis: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Guttate psoriasis | |||
| image = [[File:Gluttate_psoriasis.JPG|left|thumb|Guttate psoriasis on the arm]] | |||
| caption = Guttate psoriasis on the arm | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| synonyms = Eruptive psoriasis | |||
| symptoms = Small, red, scaly teardrop-shaped spots on the skin | |||
| complications = [[Psoriatic arthritis]], [[chronic plaque psoriasis]] | |||
| onset = Often follows a [[streptococcal infection]] | |||
| duration = Can be acute or chronic | |||
| causes = [[Genetic predisposition]], [[immune system]] triggers | |||
| risks = [[Family history]], [[infections]], [[stress]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical diagnosis]], [[skin biopsy]] | |||
| differential = [[Pityriasis rosea]], [[secondary syphilis]], [[nummular eczema]] | |||
| treatment = [[Topical corticosteroids]], [[phototherapy]], [[systemic medications]] | |||
| frequency = Common in children and young adults | |||
| prognosis = Variable; may resolve spontaneously or progress to chronic plaque psoriasis | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|A type of psoriasis characterized by small, drop-shaped lesions}} | {{Short description|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. | '''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== | ==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. | 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== | ==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. | 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== | ==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. | 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== | ||
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. | 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== | ||
Treatment for guttate psoriasis aims to control symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Options include: | Treatment for guttate psoriasis aims to control symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Options include: | ||
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* Systemic treatments: In severe cases, oral or injectable medications that suppress the immune system may be used. | * 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. | * Antibiotics: If a streptococcal infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==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. | 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== | ==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. | 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. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Psoriasis]] | * [[Psoriasis]] | ||
* [[Plaque psoriasis]] | * [[Plaque psoriasis]] | ||
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* [[Erythrodermic psoriasis]] | * [[Erythrodermic psoriasis]] | ||
* [[Psoriatic arthritis]] | * [[Psoriatic arthritis]] | ||
[[Category:Psoriasis]] | [[Category:Psoriasis]] | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 02:09, 7 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Guttate psoriasis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | Eruptive psoriasis |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Small, red, scaly teardrop-shaped spots on the skin |
| Complications | Psoriatic arthritis, chronic plaque psoriasis |
| Onset | Often follows a streptococcal infection |
| Duration | Can be acute or chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Genetic predisposition, immune system triggers |
| Risks | Family history, infections, stress |
| Diagnosis | Clinical diagnosis, skin biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Pityriasis rosea, secondary syphilis, nummular eczema |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, systemic medications |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable; may resolve spontaneously or progress to chronic plaque psoriasis |
| Frequency | Common in children and young adults |
| Deaths | N/A |
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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
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.
