Psoriasis Slideshow Pictures How Much Is Psoriasis Affecting Your Life? Is Your Psoriasis Treatment on Target?

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 Prognosis

• Although guttate psoriasis usually clears up within a few weeks, it may also be the first step to chronic plaque psoriasis.
• The acute guttate form progresses into the chronic plaque form in an estimated 68% of people.
• In another study of 15 patients, the likelihood of an individual developing chronic psoriasis within 10 years of a single episode of acute guttate psoriasis was suggested to be about one in three. Although further studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to determine the risk more accurately.
• Like other forms of psoriasis, guttate psoriasis has the tendency to improve during the summer and worsen during the winter. Once the outbreak clears, many patients with acute guttate psoriasis usually have limited or no evidence of psoriasis for prolonged periods.