Psoriasis is a condition in which the immune system attacks skin cells as if they were an infectious foreign agent. The inflammation causes rapid skin cell division. One form of psoriasis, known as guttate psoriasis, typically affects children.
Symptoms
Guttate psoriasis is characterized by the appearance of pink or red skin lesions, which resemble tear drops. These lesions may be painful or itchy and are often covered in silvery scales. Guttate psoriasis lesions usually appear on the trunk, legs and arms, MedlinePlus explains.
Cause
Guttate psoriasis appears to have a genetic component in its etiology because it often runs in families. Although scientists do not know what causes the disease, it is commonly triggered by strep throat, upper respiratory infections, skin injury and tonsillitis, the National Psoriasis Foundation explains.
Treatment
Guttate psoriasis is often treated with topical medications, such as retinoids or corticosteroids, which help relieve the symptoms of the skin problems and can make the lesions fade. More severe cases may be treated with systemic medications, such as methotrexate, which decrease the activity of the immune system.
