Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Guttate Psoriasis Symptoms

By Andy Austim

An uncommon form of psoriasis, guttate psoriasis usually affects the legs, arms, and trunk of the body. Instead of thick plaques, guttate psoriasis is characterized by small and fine pink or red drops.

There is a hereditary element to guttate psoriasis, but it is most commonly cause by a viral infection or a strep throat infection. The onset will often occur a few weeks after the infection. Guttate psoriasis may be reccurring or there may be a single outbreak. There is no cure for guttate psoriasis.

Since guttate psoriasis is mild, it is unlikely to cause scarring. Instead, your skin may feel irritated and itchy. Although it may be reoccurring, it is not a chronic problem and usually clears up in a few weeks.

Since guttate psoriasis tends to be more mild than plaque psoriasis, over-the-counter treatments are often sufficient. Keep your skin moisturized, especially after bathing, to prevent skin irritation. Topical steroids bought over-the-counter can also be used to control itching and inflammation.

In addition to topical steroids, your doctor may recommend phototherapy, which is artificial ultraviolet light therapy. This UV therapy is especially good at treating psoriasis that covers a large area of the skin. If the guttate psoriasis is not wide-spread, your doctor may prefer to stick with medications.

Whether or not you see your doctor, most cases of guttate psoriasis clear up after a few weeks. If the psoriasis is reoccurring or bothersome you'll want to see your physician. If you have a different form of psoriasis and suffer from a strep throat infection, you'll want to see your doctor to be prepared if guttate psoriasis occurs.

While guttate psoriasis is not the most severe form of psoriasis, using over the counter treatments or seeing your doctor for a prescription or advice can help you control the outbreaks and the redness and itchiness that it brings.

About the Author:

No comments: