Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that causes several drop-like red lesions on any part of the body. The word ‘Gutta’ is derived from a Latin word that means ‘Drops’. This guttate psoriasis usually shows its first signs as a streptococcal infection in the throat, such as soreness and strep throat. This type of psoriasis can affect people of any age, is usually not contagious, and is not as severe as other types of psoriasis. Also, this type is not common and affects only 8% of people who are living with psoriasis.

Overview

What is guttate psoriasis?

Like other types of psoriasis, guttate psoriasis is also an autoimmune condition caused when the body’s immune system attacks its own cells, mistaking them for foreign particles. Usually, this type of psoriasis goes away on its own. But in some cases, it may cause several flare-ups and become chronic. So it’s essential to contact your doctor if you experience this condition.

Who gets guttate psoriasis?

Guttate psoriasis mostly affects children and young adults aged 30 or younger. But it doesn’t mean others won’t get it. It can sometimes affect older people too. Gender or race is not a barrier for this type of psoriasis to spread.

Is guttate psoriasis the same as chronic psoriasis?

In most cases, guttate psoriasis is not chronic and goes away on its own, leaving no scars. But it is recommended that you visit your doctor if you have this condition. In some cases, this type of infection may cause several flare-ups and inflammation, developing into chronic psoriasis.

Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms

Guttate psoriasis usually causes tear-drop-shaped pink or red patches in the skin and can spread to any part of the body.
The affected parts experience itching throughout the area.
The patches are not as thick as in other types of psoriasis but may be covered with silvery and flaky scales.
These guttate psoriasis symptoms are not severe, and in rare cases, they may develop into other forms of severe psoriasis.

Does guttate psoriasis happen in stages?

Guttate psoriasis usually doesn’t progress in stages and will develop anytime after a bacterial infection, mostly with streptococcal infection. Firstly, the infection causes soreness or strep in the throat. Then it will develop into teardrop-shaped patches. The symptoms are usually not serious, but in rare cases, they may become severe with inflammation.

Causes

Genes: Psoriasis is strongly associated with genes that can be transmitted by the genetics of family members with a history of psoriatic symptoms.
Bacterial Infections: Any type of bacterial infection can develop guttate psoriasis. However, bacteria named streptococci are the main culprits that develop this type of psoriasis.
Triggers: Other than these, factors like sinusitis, flu, tonsillitis, stress, external wounds and burns, and certain medications can trigger this type of psoriasis.

Is guttate psoriasis contagious?

Contagion factors in this type of psoriasis are a little complicated. All types of psoriasis are non-contagious, but the bacterial infection from which guttate psoriasis develops is contagious. In simple words, the red patches caused by this type of psoriasis are non-contagious, but the bacterial infection that causes sores and strep throat is contagious.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is guttate psoriasis diagnosed?

Skin Biopsy: In this procedure, the doctor will remove a small piece of your affected skin in the lab and test it with a microscope. This process is to identify how severe the condition is and if there are any other complications, like skin cancer or eczema. This procedure is recommended only if there is excess itching or burning from guttate psoriasis.
Throat Swab Culture: In this laboratory process, the doctor will make the patient open the mouth as wide as possible, press down the tongue with a depressor, and place a special cup called culture around the tonsils of the throat to collect the samples. Then the samples are tested with a microscope to determine the severity of guttate psoriasis.
Blood Test: Your doctor may take your blood sample to test for recent bacterial and fungal infections that have affected your body.

Management and Treatment

How is guttate psoriasis treated?

Usually, guttate psoriasis is found in three stages:

Mild: A few spots that are spread on the skin. This mild case doesn’t need any special treatment and will go away by itself.
Moderate: The spots cover some extended areas of the skin. This condition won’t need laboratory treatments and can be treated with ointments and creams.
Severe: The spots are spread to larger areas of skin or the entire body. In these cases, specialized laboratory treatments will be recommended by the doctor.

The treatments for guttate psoriasis include:

Xemsis: Formulated with the purest natural ingredients, this ointment can be effective for all types of skin conditions without any side effects.
Emollients: Doctors may provide moisturizers, creams, soaps, or lotions that have coal tar, Vitamin D, and anti-inflammatory properties for mild conditions.
Medications: Doctors may prescribe oral drugs with vitamin A, biological medications, or immunosuppressive drugs for more widespread spots that cause excess itching or burning.
Phototherapy: If guttate psoriasis is very severe with excess inflammation and turning into chronic psoriasis, doctors may provide ultraviolet laser therapy. The therapy is effective but has some side effects. Doctors prescribe it only for severe cases of psoriasis.

Prevention

Can guttate psoriasis be prevented?

Unfortunately, there are no proven measures to prevent guttate psoriasis. As it is caused by a bacterial infection, there are some common measures to prevent bacterial and viral infections.

Wash your hands often with sanitizer to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Eat a healthy diet with more vegetables, fruits, grains, and proteins that support your immune system.
Engage in physical activities like yoga and exercise regularly to boost your immunity.
Get an adequate amount of sleep in a scheduled manner to maintain proper body function.
Try to reduce your stress by involving yourself in meditation or other relaxation techniques. Excess stress can trigger multiple problems in your body.
Avoid consuming excess alcohol and tobacco products.

Conclusion

Guttate psoriasis usually isn’t as dangerous as other types of psoriasis and will mostly go away on its own. Only in rare cases does this type of psoriasis develop into other serious forms of psoriasis. With proper health care and lifestyle, we can escape any type of infection from microbes. Xemsis is formulated to provide effective relief for all forms of psoriasis and skin infections. Together, we can beat psoriasis out of this world.

Rakhul Mathivanan

Rakhul Mathivanan, a writer and filmmaker, focuses on creating innovative and unique content through directing short films, writing scripts, blogs, articles, case studies, and website content. He loves to watch movies, read books, listen to music, and travel. He has also had expertise in the field of writing and filmmaking for over a year and works closely with Xemsis by providing them with well-researched blogs about psoriasis.

Around the world, millions of people suffer from psoriasis, a skin disorder. It is essential to know about the various forms of psoriasis and what causes them. Let us go over the different types, symptoms, and effects of psoriasis, as well as how it affects everyday life, in this blog.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a long-term autoimmune skin condition that makes skin cell growth excessive, which leads to the formation of thick layers and red areas covered with white scales. These patches, known as plaques, can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. Psoriasis is not contagious and does not spread.

Types of psoriasis

1. Plaque Psoriasis

About 80% of cases of psoriasis are of this type, which is the most common. It looks like raised red patches with silvery-white scales covering them. These patches, which frequently appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, can be painful and itchy.

2. Guttate Psoriasis

Little red, scaly spots that look like drops of water are a sign of guttate psoriasis, which typically first appears in childhood or early adulthood. The scalp, arms, legs, and body can all develop these types of psoriasis. Similar to throat infections, bacterial infections can occasionally cause guttate psoriasis.

3. Inverse Psoriasis

The areas most commonly affected by inverse psoriasis are the skin folds under the arms, under the breasts, and on the abdomen. It appears as red, smooth patches of skin that may become irritated from sweating and rubbing. The sensitive areas where inverse psoriasis occurs can make it extremely uncomfortable.

4. Pustular Psoriasis

The main symptom of this type of psoriasis is the development of bumps, which are pus-filled wounds covered in red, inflammatory skin. There are two types of pustular psoriasis: localized and generalized, which affect different body parts.

5. Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare but severe form of psoriasis that typically causes severe pain, burning, and itching in addition to typical skin redness and scaling. It could affect the body’s capacity to regulate body temperature and fluid balance, which could lead to issues like dehydration and infection.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

The symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

Red, raised patches of skin covered with silvery-white scales
Itching or burning in affected areas
Dry, cracked skin
Thickened, pitted, or ridged nails
Stiff and swollen joints

Impact on Daily Life

Psoriasis can significantly affect day-to-day functioning, both physically and emotionally. Psoriasis comes with two symptom scales and plaques that make a person more self-conscious and feel ashamed, which can lower their quality of life and cause them to stay inactive socially. Additionally, the itching, pain, and discomfort associated with psoriasis can interfere with sleep, work, and activities of daily living.

Managing Psoriasis with Xemsis Ointment

Xemsis ointment is a topical treatment designed to help manage psoriasis symptoms. Its unique formula contains all-natural ingredients that soothe inflammation, reduce itching, and promote the healing of the skin in just 7 days. It prevents skin growth and helps reduce scaling and itching. After using this ointment, many users report significant improvements in their psoriasis symptoms. With Xemsis , you can unhide your psoriasis and restore normal skin faster in just 7 days.

In Conclusion

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that results in plaques—red, scaly patches on the skin. Psoriasis comes in various forms, each with unique types and signs. While psoriasis can impact daily life and quality of life, effective treatments like Xemsis ointment are available to help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. It is important to know the type and stay cautious about psoriasis.

If you suspect you have psoriasis or are experiencing symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. With proper care and management, individuals with psoriasis can lead fulfilling and productive lives.