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Guttate psoriasis is a sudden outbreak of small papules on the skin, often triggered by an infection. It can be treated with topical creams or more aggressive treatments like antibiotics and UV-B phototherapy. It can also be a precursor to other forms of psoriasis.
Guttate psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by the sudden appearance of tiny papules on the surface of the skin. The papules usually have a thin scale on the surface. The appearance of this form of psoriasis can be an isolated incident triggered by some kind of infection or serve as a precursor to the development of other forms of psoriasis.
The name of this type of psoriasis has its roots in the shape of the individual papules that sprout on the surface of the skin. Guttate comes from gutta, a Latin word that is translated to mean “drop,” an accurate description of what each of the papules look like. In addition to having the shape of a drop of liquid, the papules are usually somewhat pink in color.
Also known as eruptive psoriasis, guttate psoriasis usually appears on the individual’s chest or stomach, although the outbreak can also occur on extremities, such as the feet and hands. Generally, people who are under 30 are more susceptible to an outbreak, although there are situations where people over 50 may suffer a sudden attack. The outbreak can last for a few weeks, then start to fade. In some cases, the outbreak does not go away and begins to develop into a more chronic form of psoriasis.
For the most part, healthcare professionals believe that the causes of guttate psoriasis are related to infections, especially upper respiratory problems. However, there are also cases reported where there is no evidence of any type of respiratory disorder, leading some medical experts to determine that the condition could also be chronic, having been inactive for an extended period of time until fatigue or of some similar factor. Tests can usually determine whether psoriasis is due to the presence of a previously undiagnosed respiratory disorder.
Treatment for guttate psoriasis is sometimes unnecessary, as the condition often goes away over the course of a few weeks. For mild cases, applying some sort of topical cream will help prevent inflammation and relieve the itching that occurs. However, advanced cases may require guttate psoriasis treatments that are more aggressive in nature.
One guttate psoriasis treatment that often provides relief is a combination of antibiotics and direct exposure to sunlight. The amount of time spent in the sun should be closely monitored and, if necessary, adjusted by a qualified physician. There is also the possibility of using modern equipment to subject the patient to controlled bursts of UV-B phototherapy to treat small lesions. As with sunlight exposure, phototherapy treatments should be conducted under the care of a physician.
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