What is Guttate Psoriasis and How to Handle It

Do you find round, scaly spots on your skin? It’s itchy, so it might be a ringworm, right? However, the problem didn’t go away after applying an anti-fungal cream. You can’t pinpoint it to psoriasis because it looks a bit different from what you know. What you have is probably another form of skin disease called Guttate psoriasis.

What is Guttate Psoriasis?

Guttate psoriasis (Guttate) is a type of psoriasis that manifests on the skin as red, scaly, small, teardrop-shaped spots. The term Guttate is derived from the Latin word gutta meaning ‘a drop’.

The small, scaly, round spots that distinguish Guttate from other types of psoriasis are called papules. These psoriasis plaques commonly appear on the torso, upper arms, and thighs. The ears, face, and scalp may also be affected but the lesions are usually very faint, and they immediately disappear. It rarely appears on the palms, nails, or the soles of the feet unlike the other forms of psoriasis. 

Guttate is an autoimmune skin disease. While the skin problem is rarely found in adults, it’s quite common in children and adolescents.

The severity of Guttate psoriasis is divided into three stages:

•  Mild – Around 3% of your skin will have papules.

•  Moderate – Up to 10% of your skin will be covered with lesions.

•  Severe – Lesions can be seen on more than 10% of the body.

The severity of the case can also be based on how much it’s affecting your daily life.

For instance, even if you only have Guttate psoriasis on the scalp, which is around 3% of your total skin area, your case can still be diagnosed as severe. Your work and appearance can be affected by psoriasis symptoms, forcing you to change the way you used to live.

Only a third of the people who suffer from psoriasis have this type of skin problem. However, it’s possible to have Guttate psoriasis and plaque psoriasis at the same time.

Causes of Guttate Psoriasis

The known triggers of Guttate psoriasis are tonsillitis, a recent streptococcal infection, skin injury, stress, and certain medicines. Genetic predisposition is also a factor, so looking into your family history can help you prepare for an outbreak.

Guttate psoriasis isn’t contagious. Also, it’s the only type of psoriasis that progresses after a viral or bacterial infection.

Symptoms

Numerous factors contribute to the onset and exacerbation of psoriasis in general. The same influences can also affect the onset of Guttate.

Guttate psoriasis symptoms can appear suddenly even without any history of the disease.

The main risk factors for developing Guttate psoriasis are streptococcal and upper respiratory infection. These infections are felt about 1 to 3 weeks before the symptoms of Guttate start appearing on the skin.

A recent streptococcal infection can guide the diagnosis towards Guttate; it almost always precedes the appearance of the symptoms. A strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacterium, resulting in pain and inflammation of the throat.

However, it is possible to have a streptococcal infection without symptoms. When this happens, healthcare providers can perform a streptococcal test. If tested positive, antibiotic treatment of the underlying infection should be considered according to your MD.

Like any other type of psoriasis, flare-ups are most common during the winter when the air is dry and it sucks up the moisture of the skin. Psoriasis can appear and then spontaneously clear up within three or four months.

Guttate psoriasis can be challenging to determine because its symptoms are similar to seborrheic dermatitis, ringworm, pityriasis rosea, and lichen planus. These skin problems may also occur alongside the outbreak of Guttate psoriasis.

Management

To determine the best treatment for Guttate psoriasis, your doctor will look into your medical history, especially the medications you’re taking. A physical exam will also help your doctor rule out or diagnose the causes of Guttate psoriasis.

The diagnosis of Guttate can usually be made through the combination of medical history, the clinical appearance of the rash, and evidence of preceding infection. To confirm their findings, doctors may request a blood sample or a throat culture. A skin biopsy is also an option to confirm the occurrence of the skin disease, but it’s not necessary.

Phototherapy and medications are the most common solutions given to soothe Guttate psoriasis symptoms. Your doctor can give over-the-counter prescriptions to deal with the swelling, dryness, and itchiness of the skin.

Shampoos, lotions, moisturisers, and cortisone creams may also be recommended depending on the severity of your case. Topical creams and ointments are often given as preliminary solutions for reducing the effect of psoriasis symptoms.

If the symptoms persist, combination treatments may be recommended by the doctor. The best solution on how to stop Guttate psoriasis from spreading will depend on the severity of the symptoms and your medical history. The common therapeutic treatments include topical agents including steroids, coal tar, and Calcipotriol – a synthetic derivative of vitamin D.

Correct diagnosis is vital in determining how to handle the condition.

In some cases, Guttate psoriasis may be misdiagnosed as an allergy to antibiotics being used to treat the streptococcal infection. This can sow confusion and cause delays and difficulties in providing treatment.

Clinicians and patients must be aware of all risk factors in managing Guttate. There are environmental risk factors including infectious diseases as mentioned above. Medications and lifestyle should also be observed as these can provide insight into the pathogenesis of the disease so that doctors can arrive at the best treatment and prognosis.

Soothing the symptoms of Guttate psoriasis during its early stage is vital in reducing its effect on the body in the future. Without immediate medical attention, the symptoms can become severe, and the disease will evolve into a chronic skin condition that’s more difficult to manage.

Medovie For Guttate Psoriasis Management

While there’s no cure for Guttate psoriasis, there are ways to manage its symptoms. One of the most effective and proven methods is by applying Medovie products to the affected area.

Medovie offers a range of skincare products designed to be long-term solutions for chronic skin conditions, including all forms of psoriasis. We have shampoos, derma creams, scalp lotions, body creams, and capsules clinically tested to be safe, natural, and effective in restoring your skin’s health.

Our products are infused with the patented 3HX formula which is a combination of the most powerful botanicals scientifically proven to be effective in soothing and revitalising the skin. Because we use all-natural components, our products are gentle even on sensitive skin.

We sell individual products, but we recommend taking the packaged plans designed to provide a holistic solution for your skin problems. Don’t forget to add a bottle of 3HX capsules made to nourish and balance problematic skin, inside and out.

Not sure which skin solution to try? Book a free consultation with one of our skin experts.