Guttate Psoriasis: The Real Deal

What is guttate psoriasis? Derived from the Latin word “gutta”, this is a type of psoriasis that manifests as red drop-like lesions on one's skin, with some very fine scaling involved. This type of psoriasis is more uncommon than most, with fewer than 2% of psoriasis sufferers acquiring this specific type of psoriasis. However, this condition is more prevalent in children and adults under 30 years of age.

What Are the Symptoms and Causes of the Condition?

Several causes can be attributed to this type of psoriasis, some of which are hereditary. If your family has a history of this disease, then you have an increased risk of acquiring this type of psoriasis. Other causes of this rare psoriasis disease are streptococcal infection and viral infections such as rubella, chicken pox and roseola (particularly in children).

The symptoms of guttate psoriasis should be clearly watched out for by someone with an increased risk of acquiring it. Be wary when you spot small salmon pink or red drops on your skin 2-3 weeks after a streptococcal infection, whether it manifested through strep throat or tonsillitis. These lesions will usually feel itchy, so you may also want to watch out for that.

Treatment for this Type of Psoriasis

There are several types of home remedies that you can use to treat this type of psoriasis. However, your best bet is an over-the-counter medication that you can use on yourself, particularly topical steroids.

While this type of psoriasis normally should go away in a few weeks' time without treatment, you will still need to seek the advice of your doctor on your next course of action. In more serious types of the condition, your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics, especially if the condition is triggered by a streptococcal infection such as strep throat.

Another alternative treatment that you can try for this type of psoriasis is phototherapy. The use of UV rays from the sun via this artificial light therapy apparently helps relieve the condition. However, this type of therapy has some side effects, such as nausea and vomiting.

Why This Type of Psoriasis Shouldn't Be a Source of Distress

Understandably, knowing that you are afflicted with a condition that has many physical manifestations can be distressing, especially if you are experiencing psoriasis for the very first time. However, be comforted in the fact that this is actually a very treatable disease, so long as you consult the doctor in time as soon as you recognize the symptoms.

Never delay a visit to the doctor as an early appointment may just save you from developing a more severe case of this type of psoriasis. Also, once you have been prescribed medication for the condition, make sure to follow the treatment consistently, so that your psoriasis disappears in due time.

No matter what, guttate psoriasis should not be an excessive cause for concern. The important thing is that you are informed of its symptoms and are wary of it.