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Guttate Psoriasis Symptoms

Guttate psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis that typically appears on the legs, arms, or trunk, though it can occur elsewhere on the body. Guttate psoriasis appears as small red or pink drops on the skin and is finer than the more common plaque psoriasis.

Guttate psoriasis is often triggered by a strep throat infection or a viral infection. The outbreak may occur two to three weeks after the infection. Guttate psoriasis can run in the family, but it is not contagious. While there is no cure for guttate psoriasis, an outbreak can happen only once or may reccur.

The guttate form of psoriasis is often mild and is more likely to cause irritation and itching than scarring. Although the lesions will often form on the legs and arms, they are unlikely to occur on the bottoms of the feet or on the palms of the hands.

Medication is not always necessary for guttate psoriasis. Treatments that can be purchased over-the-counter may be effective. Look for topical steroids that control the inflammation and itching. After bathing, moisturizing your skin will prevent it from becoming irritated.

If the guttate psoriasis is bothering you, see a doctor. You may be prescribed medication or be treated with UV light therapy. Artificial ultraviolet light therapy, also known as phototherapy, can be used over a short term to help clear up guttate psoriasis outbreaks. Phototherapy is useful since it can treat a large area of psoriasis at once, something that can be difficult with creams and ointments.

With guttate psoriasis, it is reassuring to know that most cases will run their course and clear up in a matter of weeks, without even having to see a doctor for treatment. You should, however, seek medical attention if the guttate psoriasis is reoccurring or is making you extremely uncomfortable or if you have other forms of psoriasis and you a get strep throat infection.

No matter which path you choose to deal with your guttate psoriasis, control the itching and irritation and you should be well again in a few weeks.

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