Guttate Psoriasis

The word guttate is from the Latin word meaning "drop."

Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that often starts in childhood or young adulthood. Small, red, individual spots form on the skin. Guttate lesions usually appear on the trunk and limbs, and are not normally as thick or as crusty as lesions of plaque psoriasis.

Guttate psoriasis often appears suddenly. A variety of conditions have been known to trigger an attack of guttate psoriasis, including upper respiratory infections, streptoccocal infections, tonsillitis, stress, injury to the skin and the administration of certain drugs. Strep throat is a common guttate psoriasis trigger. Strep throat can be present without symptoms and can still cause a guttate psoriasis to flare up. Some doctors will prescribe antibiotics to help prevent an infection that can cause the outbreak of guttate psoriasis.

This form of psoriasis may cure itself, and no further outbreaks will occur. Or it may clear up for a time but then reappear later as patches of plaque psoriasis.

Moisturizers or stronger topical medications can be used to treat guttate psoriasis. Bland moisturizers, such as Eucerin, Cetaphil or petroleum jelly, are considered the best treatment during the acute eruptive stage of guttate psoriasis.

The National Psoriasis Foundation website offers a detailed description of the different kinds of inverse psoriasis. Click on guttate psoriasis.