Guttate Psoriasis: Symptoms, Specific Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment Method And Prognosis

Guttate Psoriasis: Symptoms, Specific Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment Method And Prognosis

What is guttate psoriasis? Guttate psoriasis is a condition of the skin that is characterized by small, red, teardrop-shaped areas which are seen on the arms, legs, back and chest. Some indicators of guttate psoriasis may also be noticeable as salmon pink to red, scaly patches of swollen skin more widely spread over the whole body. The spots often itch and are covered with silver, peeling scales. The name is derived from the Latin word, guttate, meaning 'spotted as if by drops'.

Causes and Triggers

A less common type of psoriasis, guttate psoriasis is most frequently seen in patients younger than 30 years old. The ailment often develops quite suddenly and could appear two to three weeks after infection with strep throat or other lung disease. Guttate psoriasis, like all types of psoriasis, is not contagious but does appear to run in families as a potentially inherited ailment. Most doctors think that the condition is an abnormal inflammatory response; such responses may attack healthy cells as being harmful or invasive.

In addition, the following are known to trigger an outbreak of guttate psoriasis: bacterial and viral infections, including upper respiratory infections, skin injuries, just like cuts, burns and insect bites, medicines like those used to deal with heart conditions and malaria, stress, sunburn and too much consumption of alcohol.

Generally, guttate psoriasis can be extreme in persons with weak or failing immune systems including those who are undergoing chemotherapy or who have AIDS or some other autoimmune disorder like rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnosis and Tests

A health care provider normally must study the patient's skin. Diagnosis is usually based on how the spots look and feel. Often someone with this sort of disorder has just recently experienced a sore throat or other upper respiratory ailment. Confirming diagnostic tests may include a biopsy of the affected skin area(s) and a throat culture.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to control symptoms like pain and itching and to prevent secondary infections. If the patient has an infection, a physician might prescribe antibiotics to ward off secondary or worse infections. Most cases of guttate psoriasis are dealt with at home or as an out-patient. Doctors recommend one or more of the following:

- cortisone or anti-itch creams (most contain steroids)

- dandruff shampoos (over-the-counter and prescription)

- lotions containing coal tar to stimulate the rebuilding of skin

- moisturizers to manage dry skin and flaking

- dietary supplements containing vitamin D and vitamin A to help restore normal skin

Severe cases of guttate psoriasis may receive powerful medicines to suppress the body's immune response such as corticosteroids, cyclosporines and methotrexate. Sunlight and phototherapy might also control the signs and symptoms. Phototherapy is a medical process that can be given alone or with drug(s) to make the skin extra sensitive to ultraviolet light.

Prognosis

The condition may also become chronic or worsen and become plaque-type psoriasis affecting bony areas. Secondary skin infections with extreme itching and pain are possible complications. Notice that guttate psoriasis may disappear completely or go into remission after treatment.

Guttate Psoriasis: Symptoms, Specific Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment Method And Prognosis
Guttate psoriasis is a disorder of the skin that is characterized by small, red, teardrop-shaped areas that are seen on the arms, legs, back and chest. Read this article and learn more about guttate psoriasis - its symptoms, causes and triggers, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Warts Treatment: Do It Yourself And Medical Treatments For Warts
A generally not-so-serious disease, warts are small tumors which appear on the skin and in most cases, does not require a doctor. This article provides a brief sketch of the different methods available in the market for warts treatment.

Some Suggestions To Enjoy Safe Sun With These Skin Care Remedies And Products, Bring Spa To Your Summer Time Party
These are new days with new ways of sunning, and the practices that traditionally have gone into the so-called "healthy tanned" look are on the verge of fading into history. Taking their place are safer sun practices that preserve people's natural skin color and condition.

How To Prepare Organic Skincare Preparations
Organic skincare preparations are the most natural lotions that you can use to pamper your skin, in fact, organic skincare was undoubtedly the first substance to be used by man when he realized that his skin needed attention.

All Holistic Skincare - Skincare Which Is Great For Your Skin Both Long Term & Short Term
In a quest for more beautiful skin, both men and women have a lot of options. There are so many products on the shelves that you could spend a week standing in a store studying them.

Cold Mouth Sores - If You Are Wondering About Cold Mouth Sores & What Brings Them About, Here Is Some Info
Cold sores are those awful eruptions that are caused by the herpes virus. They always appear at just the least opportune moment, most often during times of stress or illness

Skin Tag Home Remedy - Is A Skin Tag Home Remedy The Solution You've Been Looking For.
If you aren't crazy about the idea of a dermatologist removing your skin tags using clinical procedures, or you've tried that in the past and it's been less than effective, then a skin tag home remedy might be just what you're after.

Are Those Unattractive Stretch-Marks Making You Totally Nuts?
Don't you dislike grooming? I mean we do it everyday. It's this incessant redundant regime that just keeps us busy every single morning.