Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that usually is diagnosed in individuals between the ages of ten and forty. It occurs relatively less frequently, as only about ten percent of the population of individuals who have psoriasis contract guttate psoriasis. The name of the condition comes from the Greek words meaning “drop” and “itching”, and this label is derived from the fact that the disorder manifests in the appearance of tens or even hundreds of tear drop-shaped lesions that appear on the skin of the affected individual. These tear drops can appear in only certain places on the body, or they can cover a majority of the affected person’s skin. Each case varies on an individual basis.
Learn more about Guttate Psoriasis Symptoms
The type and nature of the cases can be rather varied, depending on the person’s extenuating circumstances. As far as the manifestation of the disorder itself, the lesions typically appear primarily on the torso of the affected person, as well as the extremities like the arms and legs. However, the drop-shaped inflammations can also appear on the face and ears, and even the scalp. The inflammations are typically pink in color, sometimes salmon, and they can become scaly. The causes of the condition vary, but one of the notable catalysts can be if a person contracts strep throat or a related streptococcal infection. Guttate psoriasis can appear around 2-3 weeks after the strep throat incidence. The condition is not contagious, but if a person has a family history of guttate psoriasis, that individual likely has a higher chance of developing the condition. In this regard, a genetic predisposition towards developing the condition could exist, especially if an individual has relatives who have also experienced this same disorder.
Aside from a family history of guttate psoriasis, various causes have been attributed to the outbreak of guttate psoriasis. These include upper respiratory infections, tonsillitis, or skin injuries. In addition, weather conditions can have an impact on the emergence of symptoms: more cases happen in the colder winter months. Other factors like increased stress or ingestion of some medicines like lithium or beta blockers have also been linked to breakouts of guttate psoriasis. One or more of these factors can all contribute to the emergence of this condition in a patient.
Guttate Psoriasis Treatment
The most common treatment of guttate psoriasis is the application of topical creams, many of which are sold over-the-counter. Some such creams are blends of essential oils. Other popular treatments include the use of ultraviolet light. Some patients use antihistamines to try and reduce the severity of the symptoms. These can be utilized both externally or as an ingested substance. A combination of these treatments can be utilized, or a person can elect to use them in isolation. A physician or dermatologist should always be consulted to obtain an official confirmed diagnosis of guttate psoriasis, and the doctor’s recommendations for treatment should always be followed exactly.
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In addition to the previously described treatments, there also exist some additional natural remedies which people often opt to use as an extra means of combating the symptoms of the disorder. These natural remedies include some homeopathic remedies like taking an oatmeal bath. A person can also elect to soak in lukewarm water for around 20 minutes daily after salt has been added to the bath. Placing tea bags on the lesions can also serve to combat the itchiness and other symptoms of guttate psoriasis. Chamomile has been noted as being especially effective in this regard. If a person uses a moisturizer, especially a thick moisturizer, this can serve to soften the skin and combat the severity of the symptoms as well.
In addition to these remedies, reducing stress and attempting to follow a healthy lifestyle are also two useful treatments. For example, if a person ingests a healthy diet, this step can help combat and perhaps reduce the symptoms. A healthy diet should include nuts and whole grains, and should remain as free of processed foods as possible. A regular exercise regimen can also serve to decrease the severity of the case.
In more extreme cases, doctors might prescribe ingested medications. These are often corticosteroids. For some patients, a doctor might prescribe a short round of this type of medicine in an attempt to alleviate the symptoms and shorten the time span of the disorder.
The number of persons who tend to develop the condition is relatively small, even among the overall population of persons who live with psoriasis on a regular basis. The condition does not tend to be chronic, although such cases have been reported. A doctor should always be consulted for diagnosis and treatment.
Guttate Psoriasis Rash Pictures
Welcome to our Guttate Psoriasis rash picture landing page where we at RashResource have compiled various heat rash pictures photos and images from a number of our clients and patients.
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