The name comes from the Latin word “Gutta” which means “drop.” Guttate psoriasis occurs as an abrupt eruption usually associated with acute infections, such as a streptococcal pharyngitis–mostly in patients under the age of 30. The lesions are red, scaly and about the size of water droplets 2-5 mm in diameter.
TREATMENT: The treatment of Guttate Psoriasis is different from other forms of psoriasis. Because it usually starts with an acute infection, I place patients on antibiotics, such as Dicloxacillin or Erythromycin for a number of weeks to clear the infection. This often works, however, not always. Some authors have had great results with phototherapy such as broad-band ultraviolet B. I don’t usually promote this treatment because few dermatologist actually provide this type of care and it is usually reserved for teaching institutions. The next step for me is Methotrexate, which is a long standing treatment for psoriasis and I have had good results. Topical steroids, such as Triamcinolone, may be helpful for more dense areas, but the large degree of skin involvement makes this difficult to use as a primary form of treatment. There are two outcomes, either it resolves or it evolves into more usual forms of plaque type psoriasis vulgaris. To read more about Guttate Psoriasis click HERE. To read more about psoriasis click HERE.