Can guttate psoriasis disappear on its own. What triggers guttate psoriasis outbreaks. How is guttate psoriasis diagnosed and treated. What are the stages of guttate psoriasis progression. How does guttate psoriasis differ from other types of psoriasis.

What Is Guttate Psoriasis and How Does It Manifest?

Guttate psoriasis is a distinct form of psoriasis characterized by small, teardrop-shaped, red, and scaly spots on the skin. This autoimmune condition typically affects children and young adults, with less than a third of psoriasis patients experiencing this variant. Unlike plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis lesions are smaller and less thick.

The term “guttate” originates from the Latin word “gutta,” meaning droplet, which aptly describes the appearance of the skin lesions. These spots commonly appear on the arms, legs, and torso, occasionally spreading to the face, ears, and scalp. Interestingly, guttate psoriasis rarely affects the palms, soles of the feet, or nails, distinguishing it from other forms of psoriasis.

Key Characteristics of Guttate Psoriasis

• Small, teardrop-shaped lesions
• Red or pink color
• Scaly appearance
• Typically appears on the trunk, arms, and legs
• Can occur in children and young adults

Do guttate psoriasis lesions leave scars. Generally, guttate psoriasis does not cause scarring, which is a relief for many patients concerned about long-term skin damage.

The Stages and Severity of Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis progression can be categorized into three main stages based on the extent of skin coverage and impact on daily life:

1. Mild: Lesions cover approximately 3% of the skin surface.
2. Moderate: Affected areas range from 3% to 10% of the skin.
3. Severe: More than 10% of the body is covered, potentially affecting the entire skin surface.

It’s important to note that the classification of severity isn’t solely based on the percentage of skin affected. The location of lesions and their impact on quality of life also play crucial roles in determining the stage of guttate psoriasis.

For instance, facial or scalp psoriasis covering only 2-3% of the total body surface area might be classified as severe due to its significant impact on appearance and social interactions. Similarly, psoriasis on the hands, even if limited in extent, could be considered moderate to severe if it interferes with a person’s ability to work.

Unraveling the Causes and Triggers of Guttate Psoriasis

Understanding the underlying causes and potential triggers of guttate psoriasis is crucial for effective management and prevention of flare-ups. While the exact cause remains unclear, several factors have been identified as potential triggers:

Bacterial Infections

The most common trigger for guttate psoriasis outbreaks is a bacterial infection, particularly streptococcal infections such as strep throat. These infections can set off an immune system reaction that manifests as the characteristic skin lesions.

Genetic Predisposition

Family history plays a significant role in guttate psoriasis. Individuals with relatives who have this condition are at a higher risk of developing it themselves, suggesting a genetic component to the disease.

Other Potential Triggers

• Upper respiratory infections
• Sinus infections
• Influenza
• Tonsillitis
• Psychological stress
• Skin injuries (cuts, burns, or bites)
• Certain medications (antimalarials and beta-blockers)

Is the onset of guttate psoriasis seasonal. Many patients report more frequent flare-ups during winter months when the air is dry, while symptoms may improve during summer.

Diagnosing Guttate Psoriasis: What to Expect

The diagnosis of guttate psoriasis typically involves a comprehensive approach that combines medical history, physical examination, and sometimes additional tests. Here’s what you can expect during the diagnostic process:

Medical History Review

Your doctor will inquire about your medical history, paying particular attention to recent illnesses, medications, and family history of psoriasis or other autoimmune conditions.

Physical Examination

A thorough skin examination is usually sufficient for an experienced dermatologist to diagnose guttate psoriasis. They will look for the characteristic small, drop-shaped lesions and their distribution on the body.

Additional Tests

In some cases, your doctor may recommend additional tests to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions:

• Blood tests: To check for signs of infection or inflammation
• Throat culture: To test for streptococcal infection, a common trigger
• Skin biopsy: A small sample of skin may be taken for microscopic examination to confirm the diagnosis

How long does the diagnostic process typically take. While the physical examination can often provide an immediate diagnosis, additional tests may take a few days to a week for results.

Effective Treatment Strategies for Guttate Psoriasis

While guttate psoriasis outbreaks often resolve within 2 to 3 weeks, treatment can help manage symptoms, prevent complications, and reduce the likelihood of future flare-ups. Treatment approaches may vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual patient factors.

Topical Treatments

Over-the-counter and prescription topical medications are often the first line of treatment for mild to moderate cases:

• Corticosteroid creams to reduce inflammation and itching
• Coal tar-based lotions to soothe the skin
• Moisturizers to combat dryness
• Vitamin D analogues to slow skin cell growth
• Salicylic acid preparations to help remove scales

Systemic Medications

For more severe cases or those unresponsive to topical treatments, oral or injectable medications may be prescribed:

• Oral corticosteroids
• Methotrexate
• Biologics (e.g., guselkumab, ixekizumab)
• Apremilast (Otezla)
• Deucravacitinib (Sotyktu)

Phototherapy

Light therapy, or phototherapy, can be an effective treatment for guttate psoriasis. This involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of ultraviolet light under medical supervision. Sometimes, photosensitizing medications may be used to enhance the effects of light therapy.

Can natural sunlight exposure help manage guttate psoriasis. Some patients find that controlled exposure to natural sunlight can help improve their symptoms, but it’s important to discuss this with a healthcare provider to avoid overexposure and potential skin damage.

Living with Guttate Psoriasis: Lifestyle Modifications and Self-Care

While medical treatments are crucial in managing guttate psoriasis, lifestyle modifications and self-care practices can significantly impact the course of the disease and quality of life for those affected.

Stress Management

Given that stress can trigger or exacerbate guttate psoriasis flares, implementing stress-reduction techniques is essential:

• Regular exercise
• Meditation and mindfulness practices
• Adequate sleep
• Engaging in hobbies and relaxation activities

Dietary Considerations

While no specific diet has been proven to cure guttate psoriasis, some dietary changes may help reduce inflammation and improve overall health:

• Increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseed, and walnuts)
• Consuming anti-inflammatory foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Maintaining a healthy weight

Skin Care Routine

Proper skin care can help manage symptoms and prevent complications:

• Gentle cleansing with fragrance-free products
• Regular moisturizing, especially after bathing
• Avoiding hot showers and baths, which can dry out the skin
• Using humidifiers in dry environments

How often should individuals with guttate psoriasis moisturize their skin. It’s generally recommended to moisturize at least twice daily, and more frequently if the skin feels dry or itchy.

The Psychological Impact of Guttate Psoriasis

Living with guttate psoriasis can have significant psychological effects, often overlooked in discussions about physical symptoms and treatments. The visible nature of the condition can lead to emotional distress, social anxiety, and decreased self-esteem.

Common Psychological Challenges

• Social withdrawal due to embarrassment about skin appearance
• Anxiety about potential flare-ups in public situations
• Depression related to chronic condition management
• Frustration with treatment efficacy and disease unpredictability

Coping Strategies

Addressing the psychological impact of guttate psoriasis is crucial for overall well-being:

• Seeking support from mental health professionals
• Joining support groups or online communities for individuals with psoriasis
• Practicing self-compassion and positive self-talk
• Educating friends and family about the condition to foster understanding

Can cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) help individuals cope with guttate psoriasis. CBT has shown promising results in helping patients manage the psychological aspects of chronic skin conditions, including psoriasis, by addressing negative thought patterns and developing coping mechanisms.

Future Directions in Guttate Psoriasis Research and Treatment

The field of guttate psoriasis research is dynamic, with ongoing studies aimed at improving understanding of the condition and developing more effective treatments. Several exciting areas of research are currently being explored:

Genetic Research

Scientists are delving deeper into the genetic factors that contribute to guttate psoriasis susceptibility. This research could lead to more personalized treatment approaches based on an individual’s genetic profile.

Microbiome Studies

There’s growing interest in the role of the skin microbiome in psoriasis development and progression. Understanding the interplay between skin bacteria and the immune system could lead to novel therapeutic strategies.

Advanced Biologics

Researchers are continually working on developing new biologic medications that target specific components of the immune system involved in psoriasis. These treatments aim to provide more effective and targeted therapy with fewer side effects.

Combination Therapies

Studies are exploring the potential benefits of combining different treatment modalities, such as biologics with phototherapy or topical treatments, to enhance overall efficacy.

How might future treatments for guttate psoriasis differ from current options. Future treatments may be more personalized, targeting specific genetic or immunological factors unique to each patient, potentially leading to more effective and long-lasting remissions.

In conclusion, while guttate psoriasis can be a challenging condition to manage, ongoing research and advancements in treatment options offer hope for improved outcomes. By understanding the nature of the disease, recognizing triggers, and working closely with healthcare providers, individuals with guttate psoriasis can effectively manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life. As research progresses, we can anticipate even more targeted and efficient treatment strategies in the future, bringing us closer to better control and possibly prevention of guttate psoriasis flares.

Rash, Causes, Stages, Symptoms, Treatment

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Is Guttate Psoriasis?
• Symptoms of Guttate Psoriasis
• Stages of Guttate Psoriasis
• Causes and Triggers of Guttate Psoriasis
• Diagnosis of Guttate Psoriasis
• Treatment for Guttate Psoriasis
• More

Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that shows up on your skin as red, scaly, small, teardrop-shaped spots. It doesn’t normally leave a scar. You usually get it as a child or young adult. Less than a third of people with psoriasis have this type. It’s not as common as plaque psoriasis.

It’s an autoimmune disease, meaning your body treats your own cells like invaders and attacks them. You might get it only once, or you could have several flare-ups. In some cases, this type of psoriasis doesn’t go away. With the help of your doctor, you can find a treatment to keep your symptoms under control.

The spots you get from guttate psoriasis aren’t as thick as the ones from plaque psoriasis. You can sometimes have both kinds of psoriasis at once. You probably would get them on your arms, legs, and upper body.

It can sometimes spread from there to your face, ears, and scalp. But it doesn’t show up on your palms, the soles of your feet, or nails like other forms of psoriasis can. You’re more likely to have a flare-up during the winter, when the air is dry. Your symptoms may clear up more quickly in summer.

There are three:

• Mild. Only a few spots cover about 3% of your skin.
• Moderate. Lesions cover about 3%-10% of your skin.
• Severe. Lesions cover 10% or more of your body and could cover your entire body.

The stage can also be based on how much they interfere with your daily life and activities. For example, psoriasis on your face or scalp can affect only 2%-3% of your total body surface area, but it could be classified as severe because it affects your appearance and livelihood. Psoriasis on your hands might only cover 2% total body surface area, but could affect your livelihood if you work with your hands. In that case it would be classified as moderate to severe.

An outbreak is usually triggered by a bacterial infection — typically streptococcus (strep throat). It sets off an immune system reaction that causes the spots on your skin.

In some cases, guttate psoriasis is genetic. If someone in your family has it, your chances of getting it go up.

Other triggers include:

• Upper respiratory infections
• Sinus infections
• Flu
• Tonsillitis
• Stress
• Cuts, burns, or bites on your skin
• Some drugs you take (antimalarials and beta-blockers)

Your doctor will want to know your medical history, especially what kinds of medications you may be taking. They’ll look at your skin. Usually, a physical exam gives your doctor enough information to diagnose or rule out guttate psoriasis.

If they need more information, your doctor may take a blood sample or a throat culture to check for strep. It’s also common for doctors to perform a skin biopsy when they want to know for sure what you have.

In most cases, an outbreak of guttate psoriasis lasts 2 to 3 weeks. But your doctor may want to treat your symptoms and help prevent other infections in your body.

• Medications. There are several over-the-counter or prescription options for the itchy, flaky skin, as well as the dryness and swelling. They include:
  • Cortisone cream for itching and swelling
  • Dandruff shampoo for your scalp
  • Lotions with coal tar to soothe your skin
  • Moisturizers
  • Prescription medicines with vitamin A
  • If your case is more serious, your doctor may give you a prescription to take by mouth. These include:
    • Corticosteroids
    • Biologics (guselkumab, ixekizumab)
    • Apremilast (Otezla)
    • Deucravacitib (Sotyktu)
    • Methotrexate
• Phototherapy. Also known as light therapy, this is another option. Your doctor will shine ultraviolet light onto your skin during this treatment. They may also give you medication to make your skin react more quickly to light. Sometimes, just going out into the sunshine can help.

Top Picks

Rash, Causes, Stages, Symptoms, Treatment

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Is Guttate Psoriasis?
• Symptoms of Guttate Psoriasis
• Stages of Guttate Psoriasis
• Causes and Triggers of Guttate Psoriasis
• Diagnosis of Guttate Psoriasis
• Treatment for Guttate Psoriasis
• More

Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that shows up on your skin as red, scaly, small, teardrop-shaped spots. It doesn’t normally leave a scar. You usually get it as a child or young adult. Less than a third of people with psoriasis have this type. It’s not as common as plaque psoriasis.

It’s an autoimmune disease, meaning your body treats your own cells like invaders and attacks them. You might get it only once, or you could have several flare-ups. In some cases, this type of psoriasis doesn’t go away. With the help of your doctor, you can find a treatment to keep your symptoms under control.

The spots you get from guttate psoriasis aren’t as thick as the ones from plaque psoriasis. You can sometimes have both kinds of psoriasis at once. You probably would get them on your arms, legs, and upper body.

It can sometimes spread from there to your face, ears, and scalp. But it doesn’t show up on your palms, the soles of your feet, or nails like other forms of psoriasis can. You’re more likely to have a flare-up during the winter, when the air is dry. Your symptoms may clear up more quickly in summer.

There are three:

• Mild. Only a few spots cover about 3% of your skin.
• Moderate. Lesions cover about 3%-10% of your skin.
• Severe. Lesions cover 10% or more of your body and could cover your entire body.

The stage can also be based on how much they interfere with your daily life and activities. For example, psoriasis on your face or scalp can affect only 2%-3% of your total body surface area, but it could be classified as severe because it affects your appearance and livelihood. Psoriasis on your hands might only cover 2% total body surface area, but could affect your livelihood if you work with your hands. In that case it would be classified as moderate to severe.

An outbreak is usually triggered by a bacterial infection — typically streptococcus (strep throat). It sets off an immune system reaction that causes the spots on your skin.

In some cases, guttate psoriasis is genetic. If someone in your family has it, your chances of getting it go up.

Other triggers include:

• Upper respiratory infections
• Sinus infections
• Flu
• Tonsillitis
• Stress
• Cuts, burns, or bites on your skin
• Some drugs you take (antimalarials and beta-blockers)

Your doctor will want to know your medical history, especially what kinds of medications you may be taking. They’ll look at your skin. Usually, a physical exam gives your doctor enough information to diagnose or rule out guttate psoriasis.

If they need more information, your doctor may take a blood sample or a throat culture to check for strep. It’s also common for doctors to perform a skin biopsy when they want to know for sure what you have.

In most cases, an outbreak of guttate psoriasis lasts 2 to 3 weeks. But your doctor may want to treat your symptoms and help prevent other infections in your body.

• Medications. There are several over-the-counter or prescription options for the itchy, flaky skin, as well as the dryness and swelling. They include:
  • Cortisone cream for itching and swelling
  • Dandruff shampoo for your scalp
  • Lotions with coal tar to soothe your skin
  • Moisturizers
  • Prescription medicines with vitamin A
  • If your case is more serious, your doctor may give you a prescription to take by mouth. These include:
    • Corticosteroids
    • Biologics (guselkumab, ixekizumab)
    • Apremilast (Otezla)
    • Deucravacitib (Sotyktu)
    • Methotrexate
• Phototherapy. Also known as light therapy, this is another option. Your doctor will shine ultraviolet light onto your skin during this treatment. They may also give you medication to make your skin react more quickly to light. Sometimes, just going out into the sunshine can help.

Top Picks

Guttate psoriasis.

What is guttate psoriasis?

IMPORTANT
The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.

Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis, the distinguishing features of which are the absence of damage to the nail plates and the spontaneous, unpredictable spread of skin rashes associated with the presence of an infection in the body. The primary element is a pink teardrop-shaped papule. The appearance of a papule is accompanied by itching. Initially, the rash is localized on the trunk and extremities, but subsequently spreads over the entire skin, with the exception of the palms and soles. The disease is diagnosed clinically when the psoriatic triad is detected, using histological data. The most effective methods of treatment are PUVA therapy and plasmapheresis.

• Causes of guttate psoriasis
• Classification of guttate psoriasis
• Symptoms of guttate psoriasis
• Diagnosis of guttate psoriasis
• Treatment of guttate psoriasis
• Prices for treatment

General

Guttate psoriasis is a rather rare form of scaly lichen of autoimmune coloration with a chronic course. Dermatosis has no gender or racial differences, does not have a clear seasonality, and is not endemic. Most often, guttate psoriasis is diagnosed in school-age children, young men and women. In the world, more than 4% of the population suffer from psoriasis, teardrop-shaped accounts for about 2 million people. Guttate psoriasis is organ-specific, often combined with somatic pathology, acute or exacerbated chronic infections. It is assumed that such combinations are due to a violation of the protective properties of the skin and easy penetration into the body of infectious agents, which are one of the main triggers in the trigger mechanism for the development of the disease.

It is believed that disseminated guttate psoriasis shortens the life of a woman by 3 years, men – by 1.5 years. The reason for the shortening of life is autoimmune disorders. The development of guttate psoriasis is adversely affected by bad habits, especially smoking and a high atherogenic dietary profile. Smoking a pack of cigarettes a day increases the risk of guttate psoriasis by 2 times. Eating a large amount of fish (a natural source of polyunsaturated fatty acids) reduces the likelihood of the disease by 3 times. The urgency of the problem is associated with the severe course of the psoriatic process, which significantly worsens the quality of life of patients.

Guttate psoriasis

Causes of guttate psoriasis

The vast majority of dermatologists consider the main cause of the development of guttate psoriasis to be an infection of any etiology: influenza, tonsillitis, pneumonia, acute respiratory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, mucosal candidiasis. In favor of the infectious theory, the presence of pathogenic pathogens in a scraping from a teardrop-shaped plaque testifies. An infectious disease either leads to the debut of the pathology, or exacerbates the course of other forms of psoriasis and stimulates their transformation into guttate psoriasis. The background of pathological changes is stress, overwork, decreased immunity, hereditary predisposition, or a combination of several of these factors. Despite the fact that a pathogenic pathogen is determined in scrapings from plaques, guttate psoriasis is not an infectious disease, it is not contagious.

In the pathogenesis of guttate psoriasis, the leading role belongs to autoimmune reactions. The presence of infection activates the genes responsible for the development of the disease, stress affects neuropeptides that can stimulate keratinocytes, which, in turn, release cytokines. Cytokines activate lymphocytes of the immune system and histiocytes of the connective tissue component of the skin, which attract eosinophils. There are three stages in the development of guttate psoriasis: sensitization, latent existence and effector. In the first phase, the mechanism of the antigen-antibody reaction is launched, where pathogenic microorganisms that penetrate the skin act as antigens, and cells of the immune and reticuloendothelial system act as antibodies. In the second phase, there is a latent accumulation of antibodies produced by dermal cells and lymphocytes of the immune system. Antibodies, due to an overabundance, bind not only foreign particles, but also endogenous skin structures.

Finally, in the third phase, a manifest rash of primary elements begins on the surface of the skin. The time of the onset of the final phase cannot be predicted, since the duration of the latent period depends on the virulence of the pathogen or the cytotoxicity of another pathogen, its quantity and the resistance of the organism. It should be noted that in the case of guttate psoriasis, genetic predisposition does not play a decisive role, since there are many genes responsible for the development of guttate psoriasis, and the genetic transmission of any form of psoriasis does not obey Mendel’s laws. It is impossible to consider guttate psoriasis as genodermatosis, one can only speak of a genetically determined heterogeneous disease.

Guttate psoriasis classification

In dermatology, it is customary to classify guttate psoriasis according to severity, taking into account the prevalence of skin lesions. Distinguish:

Severe guttate psoriasis is a common rash that covers more than 10% of the skin. They are localized everywhere, seriously disrupt the patient’s condition, require medical intervention in a specialized hospital and treatment according to an individual program until the primary psoriatic elements completely regress.

Symptoms of guttate psoriasis

The disease has an undulating course, remissions are replaced by relapses, especially frequent in the autumn-winter period. Clinical manifestations of guttate psoriasis occur spontaneously. The primary element is a bright red teardrop-shaped papule, 3 to 10 mm in diameter, covered with a silvery scale. Papules grow along the periphery, merge and turn into plaques. When injured, the elements are prone to ulceration and transformation into exudative psoriasis. The rash is accompanied by itching. The rash is located on the trunk and limbs – this is a typical localization of the primary elements of guttate psoriasis. The face almost always remains free, the nail plates are not affected. The rash may resolve on its own or transform into a more severe form of psoriasis. The disappearance of the rash is not a guarantee of recovery.

Diagnosis of guttate psoriasis

When making a diagnosis of guttate psoriasis, data on a recent infection, complaints, and the presence of a specific diagnostic triad: stearin stain, terminal film, and dewdrop bleeding are taken into account. In the KLA, an increased ESR and leukocytosis are determined, according to biochemistry, the presence of a rheumatoid factor is detected. Children who have had a streptococcal infection are given serological tests with the detection of an increased titer of antistreptolysin-O and antideoxyribonuclease, a swab is taken from the nasopharynx with bacteriological examination for hemolytic streptococcus.

Histology is typical for drip psoriasis, morphological changes indicate the immaturity of the epidermal cells, the presence of T-lymphocytes in the biopsy, and the phenomena of hyperkeratosis. The disease is differentiated with other varieties of psoriasis, pink lichen, secondary syphilis, drug toxicoderma, dermatitis and viral exanthema.

Treatment of guttate psoriasis

Dermatosis is resistant to ongoing therapy, requires patience from both the patient and the dermatologist. The treatment is complex, depending on the severity of the process, it is carried out on an outpatient or inpatient basis. First of all, sanation of foci of chronic infection is carried out, residual effects of acute forms of acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections are treated, and concomitant somatic pathology is corrected. The dermatologist selects an individual program of anti-atherogenic nutrition profile with the use of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Simultaneously carry out symptomatic therapy. For guttate psoriasis, PUVA therapy is most effective when given in small doses under medical supervision. The use of plasmapheresis can reduce the frequency of relapses.

Medications for guttate psoriasis are used for different purposes and according to different therapeutic regimens. For example, hormonal ointments, taking into account the area of ​​\u200b\u200bdamage to the skin, are used only in short courses; Antibacterial therapy against the inoculated hemolytic streptococcus is carried out by prescribing long cycles of antibiotic therapy using cephalosporins. The longest time is the intake of immunomodulators.

Vitamin therapy (A, D, C, E, group B) and preparations containing monoclonal antibodies are shown. If the growths of the primary elements are significant and continue to progress, retinoids are used internally and ointments with calcitriol externally. Assign sedative, antipruritic and antihistamine therapy. Baths with bran give a good effect. The prognosis is relatively favorable, taking into account the undulating course of guttate psoriasis and a decrease in the quality of life of patients.

You can share your medical history, what helped you in the treatment of guttate psoriasis.

Sources

1. self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact your doctor.

   Treatment of acute guttate psoriasis in addition to drugs directed against streptococcal infection

   Survey question

   The purpose of this review is to find out how well different non-streptococcal agents (i.e. drugs that do not target streptococcal infection) work for acute guttate psoriasis or guttate flare-ups of chronic psoriasis in adults and children, and how safe they are compared with placebo (identical but inactive agent) or other treatment. This topic is important because there is a lack of information and evidence regarding the best way to treat guttate psoriasis. We collected and analyzed all relevant studies to answer this question and found one study.

   Relevance

   Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by red, scaly patches (known as plaques). About 2% of people suffer from psoriasis. Guttate psoriasis is characterized by smaller lesions and is more common in children and young adults. Treatment for guttate psoriasis aims to clear the skin of lesions for as long as possible and includes topical (applied to the skin) or oral (taken by mouth) drugs, phototherapy (i.e., ultraviolet light therapy), and biologics (through which a living the body produces the active substance). It is not known which of these options is better at eliminating lesions in guttate psoriasis, and whether they are safe.

   Study profile

   We found one relevant study comparing the effects of intravenous injections of two different lipid (fat) emulsions twice a day for 10 days: one emulsion (two or more liquids that often do not mix) was derived from fish oil, and the other is from soybean oil. The follow-up period for participants was 40 days. The study was conducted in Germany among 21 adults (18 men and 3 women) aged 21 to 65 years. The average area of ​​skin lesions was 25%. Participants were hospitalized for acute guttate psoriasis. The study was funded by an oil emulsion company.

   Main results

   Treatment options for which we did not find evidence include phototherapy and topical, oral, and biologic agents. The only study found did not assess two main outcomes: the percentage of treated people whose skin cleared (or nearly cleared) of lesions, and side effects or harm from treatment.

   Most secondary outcomes were also not assessed, including worsening of guttate psoriasis or recurrence within six months of completing treatment, and the percentage of participants who achieved a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index of 75 or a Physician’s Overall Score of 1 or 2. The included study did not report about the assessment of harm from treatment; however, the study authors reported rare skin irritation at the injection site, but did not state the number of participants who experienced it.

   Study participants self-assessed several outcomes, including skin lesions, impact on daily life, itching, burning and pain.