Cures for Guttate Psoriasis

Overview

Guttate psoriasis is a relatively uncommon form of psoriasis in which small, itchy, drop shaped, red lesions appear on the skin of the legs, arms and torso. It is typically found in people under the age of 30 after an infection. It is not contagious. It is thought to be the result of the immune system misidentifying healthy cells as something infectious.

Step 1

Use over-the-counter creams to relieve the symptoms of guttate psoriasis. Apply one of the following daily: anti-itch (cortisone) cream, dandruff shampoo (which should be rubbed into the skin and then washed off), or a moisturizer or lotion that has coal tar as an ingredient.

Step 2

Use prescription lotions. Your doctor can prescribe lotions with high levels of retinoids, which are chemicals made out of vitamins A and D. These chemicals can be absorbed by the skin and relieve the itching and help remove the spots the guttate psoriasis causes.

Step 3

Expose your skin to sunlight (without sunscreen). The ultraviolet light in sunlight can help treat psoriasis. Other people opt to receive phototherapy, which uses special lamps that emit UV light to treat skin conditions such as guttate psoriasis. The goal is to get UV light exposure without causing sunburn, so the amount of sunlight that is safe varies from person to person. The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends starting with five to ten minutes of noontime sun daily and to gradually work up to 30 minutes per day.

Step 4

Take prescription immunosuppressants, such as corticosteroids and methotrexate. These medications may be prescribed by a doctor for very severe cases of guttate psoriasis. They work by suppressing the body's immune system.