Guttate psoriasis is a form of psoriasis that develops in childhood or early adulthood. Psoriasis is a chronic immunologic condition where the body reproduces skin cells too fast thereby causing skin lesions.
Identification
Guttate psoriasis has a scaly teardrop appearance that tends to affect the entire body, notes the DermNet NZ website. The lesions usually concentrate around the trunk, upper arms and thighs and quite often first develop after a streptococcal infection, an upper respiratory infection, stress or an injury, notes the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Treatments
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, topical treatments are the first line of treatment. Topicals can be purchased over the counter or a physician can prescribe stronger medications. Corticosteroids or "steroids" are the most common topicals used. They work by slowing down the fast cell reproduction.
Complication
A concerning complication of psoriasis is psoriatic arthritis which is pain and swelling in the joints. According to the PsoriasisNet website, psoriatic arthritis most commonly involves fingers and toes and can involve the neck, knees, back and ankles. The PsoriasisNet website notes that medication can prevent joint deformity and disability.
