Does guttate psoriasis go away. Guttate Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
What are the key characteristics of guttate psoriasis. How does guttate psoriasis differ from other types of psoriasis. What triggers guttate psoriasis outbreaks. How is guttate psoriasis diagnosed and treated. Can guttate psoriasis resolve on its own.
Understanding Guttate Psoriasis: A Distinct Form of Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis is a unique variant of psoriasis, characterized by its distinctive appearance and onset. This condition manifests as small, teardrop-shaped, red, and scaly spots on the skin, setting it apart from the more common plaque psoriasis. Typically affecting children and young adults, guttate psoriasis is less prevalent, occurring in less than a third of all psoriasis cases.
As an autoimmune condition, guttate psoriasis results from the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking its own cells. This misguided immune response leads to the characteristic skin lesions. While some individuals may experience a single episode of guttate psoriasis, others may face recurring flare-ups. In certain cases, the condition may persist, requiring ongoing management and treatment.
Key Features of Guttate Psoriasis Lesions
- Small, teardrop-shaped spots
- Red or pink in color
- Covered with fine, scaly skin
- Less thick compared to plaque psoriasis lesions
- Usually do not leave scars
Identifying Symptoms and Distribution of Guttate Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis has a distinct pattern of distribution on the body. The lesions primarily appear on the arms, legs, and upper body. In some cases, they may extend to the face, ears, and scalp. Unlike other forms of psoriasis, guttate psoriasis typically spares the palms, soles of the feet, and nails.
Seasonal variations can influence the severity of guttate psoriasis. Many individuals experience more pronounced flare-ups during winter months when the air is drier. Conversely, symptoms often improve during summer, possibly due to increased sun exposure and higher humidity levels.
Common Areas Affected by Guttate Psoriasis
- Arms
- Legs
- Torso
- Face (less common)
- Ears (less common)
- Scalp (less common)
Stages and Severity of Guttate Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis is classified into three stages based on the extent of skin involvement and the impact on daily life:
1. Mild Guttate Psoriasis
In mild cases, only a few spots are present, covering approximately 3% of the skin surface. This stage typically has minimal impact on daily activities and quality of life.
2. Moderate Guttate Psoriasis
Moderate cases involve lesions covering about 3-10% of the skin surface. At this stage, the condition may begin to interfere with certain aspects of daily life.
3. Severe Guttate Psoriasis
Severe guttate psoriasis is characterized by lesions covering 10% or more of the body surface. In extreme cases, it can affect the entire body, significantly impacting the individual’s quality of life and daily functioning.
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 daily life also play crucial roles in determining severity. For instance, guttate psoriasis on the face or scalp, even if covering only 2-3% of the total body surface area, might be classified as severe due to its visibility and potential psychological impact. Similarly, lesions on the hands, while covering a small area, could be considered moderate to severe if they interfere with work or daily activities.
Triggers and Causes of Guttate Psoriasis
Understanding the triggers and causes of guttate psoriasis is crucial for managing the condition effectively. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, several factors have been identified as potential triggers for guttate psoriasis outbreaks:
Bacterial Infections
The most common trigger for guttate psoriasis is a bacterial infection, particularly streptococcal infections such as strep throat. The immune system’s response to these infections can inadvertently lead to the development of psoriatic lesions.
Genetic Predisposition
There is a genetic component to guttate psoriasis. Individuals with a family history of the condition are at a higher risk of developing it themselves. This genetic susceptibility may interact with environmental factors to trigger outbreaks.
Other Potential Triggers
- Upper respiratory infections
- Sinus infections
- Influenza
- Tonsillitis
- Stress
- Skin injuries (cuts, burns, or bites)
- Certain medications (e.g., antimalarials and beta-blockers)
Identifying personal triggers can be a valuable step in managing guttate psoriasis. By recognizing and avoiding these triggers when possible, individuals may be able to reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.
Diagnostic Approaches for Guttate Psoriasis
Diagnosing guttate psoriasis typically involves a combination of clinical examination and, in some cases, additional tests. The diagnostic process usually includes the following steps:
Medical History Review
Your healthcare provider will inquire about your medical history, including any recent infections, medications, and family history of psoriasis or other autoimmune conditions. This information can provide valuable context for the diagnosis.
Physical Examination
A thorough examination of the skin is usually sufficient for an experienced dermatologist to diagnose guttate psoriasis. The characteristic appearance of the lesions, their distribution, and the overall presentation of symptoms are key factors in making a diagnosis.
Additional Tests
In some cases, your doctor may recommend additional tests to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions:
- Blood tests: These may be conducted to check for signs of infection or inflammation.
- Throat culture: If a streptococcal infection is suspected, a throat swab may be taken to confirm the presence of the bacteria.
- Skin biopsy: In rare cases where the diagnosis is uncertain, a small sample of skin may be taken for microscopic examination.
These diagnostic approaches help healthcare providers distinguish guttate psoriasis from other skin conditions and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Guttate Psoriasis
While guttate psoriasis often resolves on its own within 2 to 3 weeks, treatment can help manage symptoms, prevent complications, and potentially shorten the duration of an outbreak. The treatment approach may vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual patient factors.
Topical Treatments
For mild to moderate cases, topical treatments are often the first line of defense:
- Corticosteroid creams: These help reduce inflammation and itching.
- Coal tar products: These can help soothe the skin and reduce scaling.
- Vitamin D analogues: Topical medications containing vitamin D can help slow skin cell growth.
- Moisturizers: Regular use of moisturizers can help reduce dryness and scaling.
Systemic Medications
For more severe cases or those that don’t respond to topical treatments, systemic medications may be prescribed:
- Oral corticosteroids: These can help quickly reduce inflammation in severe cases.
- Methotrexate: This medication can help slow skin cell growth and reduce inflammation.
- Biologics: These newer drugs target specific parts of the immune system involved in psoriasis.
- Apremilast (Otezla): This oral medication helps reduce inflammation.
- Deucravacitinib (Sotyktu): A newer oral medication that targets specific enzymes involved in inflammation.
Phototherapy
Light therapy, or phototherapy, can be an effective treatment for guttate psoriasis. This involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of ultraviolet light:
- Narrowband UVB therapy: This targeted form of light therapy can be particularly effective for guttate psoriasis.
- PUVA therapy: This combines UVA light with a light-sensitizing medication.
- Natural sunlight: Controlled exposure to natural sunlight can sometimes help improve symptoms.
Prognosis and Long-term Management of Guttate Psoriasis
Understanding the long-term outlook for guttate psoriasis is crucial for individuals managing this condition. While the prognosis can vary from person to person, there are several key points to consider:
Resolution of Acute Outbreaks
In many cases, acute outbreaks of guttate psoriasis resolve spontaneously within 2 to 3 weeks. However, the duration can vary, and some individuals may experience longer episodes.
Recurrence and Chronic Cases
While some people may experience only a single episode of guttate psoriasis, others may have recurring flare-ups. In a subset of cases, guttate psoriasis can persist or evolve into chronic plaque psoriasis.
Factors Influencing Prognosis
- Trigger management: Identifying and avoiding triggers can help reduce the frequency of flare-ups.
- Early treatment: Prompt and appropriate treatment can help control symptoms and potentially prevent complications.
- Lifestyle factors: Stress management, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption may positively influence the course of the condition.
- Adherence to treatment: Consistent use of prescribed treatments can help maintain remission and manage symptoms effectively.
Long-term Management Strategies
Effective long-term management of guttate psoriasis often involves a combination of approaches:
- Regular follow-ups with a dermatologist to monitor the condition and adjust treatment as needed.
- Consistent use of prescribed medications and topical treatments, even during periods of remission.
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet.
- Stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or counseling.
- Joining support groups or seeking psychological support to cope with the emotional aspects of living with a chronic skin condition.
By understanding the potential long-term course of guttate psoriasis and adopting appropriate management strategies, individuals can often achieve good control of their condition and maintain a high quality of life.
Lifestyle Considerations and Self-Care for Guttate Psoriasis
While medical treatments play a crucial role in managing guttate psoriasis, lifestyle factors and self-care practices can significantly impact the frequency and severity of flare-ups. Implementing these strategies can complement medical treatments and improve overall quality of life:
Skin Care Routine
Developing a gentle and consistent skin care routine is essential for managing guttate psoriasis:
- Use lukewarm water for bathing and showering, as hot water can irritate the skin.
- Choose mild, fragrance-free soaps and cleansers to avoid skin irritation.
- Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing to lock in hydration.
- Consider using emollient-rich bath oils to soothe and moisturize the skin.
Dietary Considerations
While there’s no specific “psoriasis diet,” certain dietary choices may help reduce inflammation and support overall skin health:
- Increase consumption of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
- Include anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, and olive oil in your diet.
- Limit intake of processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars.
- Consider probiotics to support gut health, which may influence skin health.
Stress Management
Stress is a known trigger for many individuals with guttate psoriasis. Implementing stress-reduction techniques can be beneficial:
- Practice mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises.
- Engage in regular physical activity, such as yoga or walking.
- Ensure adequate sleep and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
- Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or counseling for stress management.
Environmental Factors
Managing environmental factors can help reduce skin irritation and flare-ups:
- Use a humidifier in dry environments to maintain skin hydration.
- Wear soft, breathable fabrics and avoid tight-fitting clothes.
- Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure while still benefiting from moderate sunlight.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and irritants in household and personal care products.
Lifestyle Habits
Certain lifestyle choices can impact the course of guttate psoriasis:
- Quit smoking, as it can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms and reduce treatment efficacy.
- Limit alcohol consumption, which can interfere with treatments and trigger flare-ups.
- Maintain a healthy weight, as obesity can increase the risk and severity of psoriasis.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
By incorporating these lifestyle considerations and self-care practices, individuals with guttate psoriasis can take an active role in managing their condition. These strategies, when combined with medical treatments, can lead to better symptom control and improved overall well-being. Remember, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your lifestyle or starting new self-care routines, especially if you’re currently undergoing treatment for guttate psoriasis.
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:
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
- 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.