Guttate psoriasis
Psoriasis - guttate; Group A streptococcus - guttate psoriasis; Strep throat - guttate psoriasisGuttate 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.
Causes
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
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes skin redness, silvery scales, and irritation. Most people with psoriasis have thick, red, well-defined pat...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleStrep throat
Strep throat is a disease that causes a sore throat (pharyngitis). It is an infection with a bacteria called group A streptococcus.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticlePsoriasis 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
Burns,
Burns commonly occur by direct or indirect contact with heat, electric current, radiation, or chemical agents. Burns can lead to cell death, which c...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleInsect bites
Insect bites and stings can cause an immediate skin reaction. The bite from fire ants and the sting from bees, wasps, and hornets are most often pai...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Some medicines, including those used to treat malaria and certain heart conditions
- Stress
- Sunburn
Sunburn
A sunburn is reddening of the skin that occurs after you are overexposed to the sun or other ultraviolet light.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Too much alcohol
Psoriasis may be severe in people who have a weakened immune system. This may include people who have:
- HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When a person becomes infected with HIV, the ...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis
Autoimmune disorders
An autoimmune disorder occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake. There are more than 80 autoimmune d...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleRheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also aff...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Chemotherapy for cancer
Chemotherapy
The term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Itching
Itching
Itching is a tingling or irritation of the skin that makes you want to scratch the area. Itching may occur all over the body or only in one location...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - 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
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will look at your skin. Diagnosis is usually based on what the spots look like.
Often, a person with guttate psoriasis has recently had a sore throat or upper respiratory infection.
Tests to confirm the diagnosis may include:
- Skin biopsy
Skin biopsy
A skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined under a microscope. The skin is tested to look for skin conditi...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Throat culture
Throat culture
A throat swab culture is a laboratory test that is done to identify germs that may cause infection in the throat. It is most often used to diagnose ...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Blood tests for recent exposure to strep bacteria
Treatment
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.
Outlook (Prognosis)
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 to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if you have symptoms of guttate psoriasis.
References
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.
Psoriasis
Animation
Psoriasis - guttate on the arms and chest - illustration
This is a picture of guttate (drop-shaped) psoriasis on the arms and chest. Guttate psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis. It frequently follows a streptococcal infection, appears rapidly and affects the face, chest, and nearest limbs. The patches are small and round or oval and have the typical appearance of psoriasis. This photograph shows the diffuse and widespread coverage on the arm and chest.
Psoriasis - guttate on the arms and chest
illustration
Psoriasis - guttate on the cheek - illustration
This is a picture of guttate (drop-shaped) psoriasis on face and neck. Guttate psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis. It frequently follows a streptococcal infection, appears rapidly and affects the face, chest, and nearest limbs. The patches are small and round or oval and have the typical appearance of psoriasis. This photograph shows the diffuse and widespread coverage on the face and neck.
Psoriasis - guttate on the cheek
illustration
Psoriasis - guttate on the arms and chest - illustration
This is a picture of guttate (drop-shaped) psoriasis on the arms and chest. Guttate psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis. It frequently follows a streptococcal infection, appears rapidly and affects the face, chest, and nearest limbs. The patches are small and round or oval and have the typical appearance of psoriasis. This photograph shows the diffuse and widespread coverage on the arm and chest.
Psoriasis - guttate on the arms and chest
illustration
Psoriasis - guttate on the cheek - illustration
This is a picture of guttate (drop-shaped) psoriasis on face and neck. Guttate psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis. It frequently follows a streptococcal infection, appears rapidly and affects the face, chest, and nearest limbs. The patches are small and round or oval and have the typical appearance of psoriasis. This photograph shows the diffuse and widespread coverage on the face and neck.
Psoriasis - guttate on the cheek
illustration
Review Date: 5/31/2023
Reviewed 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.