Have you ever noticed that small, red, water-drop-like spots suddenly appear on your body, especially on your chest, back, arms, and legs? Sometimes these spots can peel off and itch a little. If this happens, especially after you've had something like a sore throat or a cold and recovered, it could be a skin condition called guttate psoriasis, which we're going to talk about today. It's not something to be afraid of, but it's important to be aware of it.
What is Guttate Psoriasis?
Simply put, guttate psoriasis is a skin condition that occurs without warning , with small, red, raised, scaly patches appearing on the skin. The patches are called "guttate" because they resemble the shape of a drop of water. "Gutta" is Latin for "drop". This condition is often seen after a throat infection, especially strep throat, which is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus.
Who gets this the most?
Guttate psoriasis is a condition that is most common in children and young adults . It is especially common in people under the age of 30. Guttate psoriasis affects about 2% of all psoriasis patients. This means that it is less common than other types of psoriasis.
Is Guttate Psoriasis the same as Chronic Psoriasis?
This is a question that many people ask. Guttate psoriasis is related to chronic psoriasis, or what we know as plaque psoriasis, but the two are not the same condition. Guttate psoriasis usually clears up completely once it develops . However, for some people, about one-third of people, guttate psoriasis can later develop into plaque psoriasis. In plaque psoriasis, instead of the small, scaly patches, larger, thicker, and sometimes silvery-colored patches form, called plaques.
Psoriasis is generally an inflammatory disease. This means that our body's immune system overreacts for some unknown reason, causing the symptoms of psoriasis.
What are the symptoms of this?
There are several main symptoms of guttate psoriasis:
- Pink or red spots that are round or teardrop-shaped: These spots are usually between 2 and 10 millimeters (2mm - 10mm) wide. As we mentioned earlier, the name "gaited" comes from this "droplet" appearance. These spots are most commonly seen on your torso, legs, and arms . However, they can also appear on other parts of the body.
- Peeling skin: Dry skin may peel off or fall off like powder over the red patches.
- Itching: The areas where these spots appear are usually itchy and can sometimes feel like a burning sensation.
Does Guttate Psoriasis come in stages?
No, there are no specific stages of guttate psoriasis. It often appears suddenly, especially after a bacterial infection. However, as we mentioned earlier, guttate psoriasis can develop into chronic plaque psoriasis in some people. This is considered a separate condition.
What causes this?
Two main factors have been identified that contribute to the development of guttate psoriasis:
1. Genetics: Psoriasis has been linked to several genes. If someone in your family, especially your parents, has chronic psoriasis, you may be at slightly higher risk of developing it.
2. Bacterial infections: Guttate psoriasis is often associated with infections caused by a bacteria called Group A Streptococcus . This bacteria is what usually causes strep throat and related illnesses. Imagine, if you have a sore throat and suddenly develop red spots on your body a few days or a week or two later, it could be due to this.
Additionally, people with HIV, autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, or those whose immune systems are weakened by things like chemotherapy for cancer are also at increased risk of developing guttate psoriasis.
Is this a contagious disease?
This is a common misconception. Guttate psoriasis is not contagious . That means you cannot spread it to someone else. However, things like strep throat, which is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus, can be contagious. Psoriasis is not contagious.
How does a doctor recognize this?
Your doctor can usually diagnose guttate psoriasis by examining the patches on your skin. However, they may also order tests such as:
- Skin biopsy: A small piece of skin is taken from an affected area and examined under a microscope to see if there are any signs of guttate psoriasis.
- Throat swab culture: A sample of your throat is taken and tested for bacteria such as Group A Streptococcus. This test confirms that most people with guttate psoriasis have this bacteria.
- Blood tests: Blood tests can be done to check for immune system markers in the blood, which indicate whether you have had a recent bacterial infection. These are also commonly called titers.
How is it treated?
Treatment for guttate psoriasis varies depending on the severity of the disease.
For mild conditions:
If symptoms are not too severe, the following are usually recommended:
- Creams that reduce itching and inflammation: Especially creams containing cortisone or other corticosteroids. These reduce inflammation.
- Coal tar-containing creams and lotions: These also help reduce skin peeling and itching.
- Vitamin D supplements (applied to the skin) or vitamin A supplements (taken by mouth): These also help control skin cell growth.
- Dandruff shampoo: If you have guttate psoriasis on your scalp, you can use over-the-counter or prescription shampoos.
If significantly more (Severe):
If symptoms are severe, treatments such as these may be used:
- Immunosuppressant medications: Like chronic psoriasis, guttate psoriasis also responds to medications that reduce the body's immune system.
- Biologic medications: These are newer types of medications that target specific parts of the immune system and block their activity. This can reduce the symptoms of psoriasis.
- Phototherapy: Ultraviolet light (UV) can be used alone, in combination with oral medication, or in combination with topical medication to treat guttate psoriasis. Laser therapy is also used if guttate psoriasis progresses to chronic plaque psoriasis.
Can this be prevented from happening?
Unfortunately, there is no way to predict who will develop guttate psoriasis. Therefore, there is no surefire way to prevent it from developing in the first place.
However, people who have had guttate psoriasis before, especially those who have developed chronic plaque psoriasis, may experience attacks. These flare-ups can be triggered by:
- Bacterial or viral infections: Especially respiratory infections like strep throat.
- Burns and sunburns.
- Cuts, scrapes and other skin injuries.
- Insect bites.
- Some medications: especially lithium and medications for malaria and some heart diseases.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Stress.
Therefore, if you have had guttate psoriasis before, it is best to be as careful as possible with these things.
What happens in the long term if you develop Guttate Psoriasis?
Guttate psoriasis, especially in young children, often resolves on its own without treatment . Some people may have recurrent episodes. However, it may not progress to chronic plaque psoriasis each time.
However, if guttate psoriasis develops into chronic plaque psoriasis, it is a lifelong condition. Although there is no cure, there are many treatment options to reduce the severity of symptoms and reduce the frequency of flare-ups.
So, is guttate psoriasis a chronic disease?
No, guttate psoriasis is not usually a chronic condition . It usually clears up on its own within a few weeks. Some people may experience flare-ups, but it may also resolve on its own.
However, as we mentioned earlier, in about one-third of patients, guttate psoriasis can develop into chronic plaque psoriasis, a separate, lifelong condition.
What is the difference between Guttate Psoriasis and Plaque Psoriasis?
Now you may be wondering, 'So what's the difference between guttate psoriasis and plaque psoriasis?' Simply put, there are a few key differences between the two:
- Appearance and size of the patches: Guttate psoriasis causes small, teardrop-shaped, red patches . These are usually about 2-10 millimeters wide. Plaque psoriasis causes larger, thicker, silvery-scaly patches (plaques) .
- How it appears: Guttate psoriasis often appears suddenly , especially with something like a throat infection. Plaque psoriasis can develop gradually.
- Duration: Guttate psoriasis is often temporary , getting better in a few weeks or months. Plaque psoriasis is a long-term, chronic condition .
- Areas affected: Guttate psoriasis is most commonly seen on the trunk, arms, and legs, while plaque psoriasis is most commonly seen on the knees, elbows, scalp, and lower back.
Does Guttate Psoriasis Cause Joint Pain?
Guttate psoriasis does not directly cause joint pain. However, if guttate psoriasis progresses to chronic plaque psoriasis, it can lead to a condition called psoriatic arthritis in some people. This occurs after the disease has become chronic.
Does alcohol use increase this?
Yes, excessive alcohol consumption has been identified as a major trigger for the recurrence of Guttate Psoriasis. In general, there is a link between psoriasis and alcohol consumption. Therefore, it is a good idea to reduce your alcohol consumption. Your doctor can give you more advice on this.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have any new, unusual, or flaky patches on your skin, it's best to see a doctor for advice . Especially if your child has these flaky patches, it's important to see a pediatrician before trying to self-treat with over-the-counter medication.
Remember, do not use over-the-counter creams without a doctor's recommendation.
Finally, a few things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Guttate psoriasis is a skin condition that usually affects young children and young adults. It is often temporary, occurring after something like a sore throat, and may resolve on its own after a while. However, in about a third of people, it can develop into chronic psoriasis.
The important thing is that Guttate Psoriasis is not a dangerous disease . However, if you or your child are experiencing these strange, scaly patches, it is wise to talk to a doctor about it and get an accurate diagnosis and, if necessary, treatment. Don't worry, there are good treatments for this!
` Guttate psoriasis, psoriasis, skin diseases, skin spots, skin diseases, throat infections, streptococcus
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