Guttate psoriasis is one of the rarer forms of psoriasis. It mainly occurs on the legs and arms, but the palms of hands and soles of feet are not affected. It can also appear on the trunk of the body. Instead of thick and scaly plaques, guttate psoriasis causes fine and small red and pink drops to appear on the skin.
Guttate psoriasis is not contagious. It may run in the family and is most often triggered by an infection. The most common infection that triggers guttate psoriasis is a strep throat infection. The onset occurs a few weeks after the infection. There is no cure for guttate psoriasis, but it is possible that it will only happen once and then clear up. For others, it is reccurring.
While guttate psoriasis is a problem, it is one of the more mild forms of psoriasis. It is unlikely to result in scarring. Although the lesions will often appear on the legs and arms, they rarely spread to the palms of the hands or the bottom of the feet. These lesions usually itch but are not usually painful.
Since guttate psoriasis tends to be more mild than plaque psoriasis, over-the-counter treatments are often sufficient. Keep your skin moisturized, especially after bathing, to prevent skin irritation. Topical steroids bought over-the-counter can also be used to control itching and inflammation.
If the guttate psoriasis is bothering you, see a doctor. You may be prescribed medication or be treated with UV light therapy. Artificial ultraviolet light therapy, also known as phototherapy, can be used over a short term to help clear up guttate psoriasis outbreaks. Phototherapy is useful since it can treat a large area of psoriasis at once, something that can be difficult with creams and ointments.
Whether or not you see your doctor, most cases of guttate psoriasis clear up after a few weeks. If the psoriasis is reoccurring or bothersome you'll want to see your physician. If you have a different form of psoriasis and suffer from a strep throat infection, you'll want to see your doctor to be prepared if guttate psoriasis occurs.
No matter which path you choose to deal with your guttate psoriasis, control the itching and irritation and you should be well again in a few weeks.
