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What is guttate psoriasis?

Guttate psoriasis is a form of psoriasis that looks like small, salmon-pink dots or drops on the skin. In fact, the term “guttate” is derived from the Latin word “gutta” which means drop. This type of psoriasis does cause scaling, but the scales are much finer that those in plaque psoriasis.

The trigger of this skin condition is usually a streptococcal infection. It is not uncommon for people who have strep throat to develop guttate psoriasis two or three weeks after the throat infection. In that case, the outbreak does not necessarily reoccur. However, people who are so-called strep carriers, meaning they always have streptococcal bacteria present in their respiratory system, may experience recurring outbreaks of guttate psoriasis. Psoriasis can also be triggered by other factors, such as chickenpox. In addition, people who already have plaque psoriasis are more at risk of suffering from guttate psoriasis outbreaks.

Guttate psoriasis is not very common. It covers only two percent of all psoriasis cases and it is usually seen in children, adolescents and adults below 30 years of age.

The treatment for guttate psoriasis consists of self-care at home, with moisturizers, medication treatment, usually with topical steroids and antibiotics, as well as photo-therapy, which was proven very effective against several different types of psoriasis, including this one.

Prevention of guttate psoriasis

Unfortunately, there is no specific prevention of guttate psoriasis. However, people who have already had an outbreak can take certain steps to prevent future outbreaks and flare-ups. This basically consists of identifying and avoiding the triggers. For example, a person suffering from psoriasis should try to avoid all sorts of trauma or injury to the skin, including bruises, scrapes, cuts, burns and punctures. Scratching or rubbing the area previously affected by psoriasis is also a risk factor for a new outbreak, even on the skin that was previously unaffected by this condition, and it should be avoided, even though the itching is intensive.

In addition, people who have a strep infection must be extra careful so the infection does not spread on the skin.

Guttate psoriasis can be alleviated if it is detected and treated early on. Some doctors even suggest using antibiotics for any type of sore throat, as a prevention of complications, which may include skin issues, such as psoriasis.

Since dry skin is more prone to infections and other problems, and since it is largely associated with psoriasis, using a good moisturizing lotion on the entire body on daily basis may be effective as a form of prevention against guttate psoriasis.

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