Guttate Psoriasis

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Medical Author:

Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD

Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD

Dr. Cole is board certified in dermatology. He obtained his BA degree in bacteriology, his MA degree in microbiology, and his MD at the University of California, Los Angeles. He trained in dermatology at the University of Oregon, where he completed his residency.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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• Guttate Psoriasis Overview
• Guttate Psoriasis Causes
• Guttate Psoriasis Symptoms and Signs
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Guttate Psoriasis Diagnosis
• Guttate Psoriasis Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Guttate Psoriasis Medications
• Guttate Psoriasis Surgery
• Guttate Psoriasis Prevention
• Guttate Psoriasis Prognosis
• Support Groups and Counseling
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Guttate Psoriasis Pictures
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Viewer Comments: Guttate Psoriasis - Symptoms

Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that looks like small, salmon-pink drops on the skin. The word guttate is derived from the Latin word gutta, meaning drop. Usually there is a fine scale on the droplike lesion that is much finer than the scales in plaque psoriasis, which is the most common type of psoriasis.

Guttate psoriasis. Red droplike lesions are found on the skin.
Image courtesy of Hon Pak, MD.

Guttate psoriasis is not contagious and may be inherited. Guttate psoriasis usually occurs on the trunk, arms, or legs. However, it may cover a large portion of the body.

The trigger to the disease is often a streptococcal (bacterial) infection. The eruption of the lesions on the skin usually happens within two to three weeks of strep throat. The outbreak can go away and not reoccur. Outbreaks may also go away and come back, particularly if the person is a strep carrier (always carries streptococcal bacteria in his respiratory system).

The sudden appearance of an outbreak may be the first psoriasis outbreak for some people. Alternatively, a person who has had plaque psoriasis for a long time may suddenly have an episode of guttate psoriasis. This type of psoriasis can also be chronic and can be triggered by infections other than those from streptococcal bacteria. For example, the chickenpox or colds can trigger the psoriasis.

Who gets guttate psoriasis?

The guttate form of psoriasis is relatively uncommon. Fewer than 2% of those with psoriasis have the guttate type. Guttate psoriasis is more common in children and adults younger than 30 years of age. Boys and girls are equally affected.

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