Guttate psoriasisis a key in of psoriasis characterized by the spontaneous eruption of small, teardrop-shaped skin lesions.
When triggered by an infectious disease, symptoms typically appear two to three weeks after the initial infection.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
These raised and reddish-colored psoriatic “drops” resemble pimples but are called papules.
Can Acute Guttate Psoriasis Become Chronic?
An acuteflare-upof guttate psoriasis usually spontaneously resolves within a few weeks or months.
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However, in some people the acute flare can progress to chronic psoriasis.
Acute Guttate Psoriasis vs.
Both of these types of psoriasis are inflammatoryautoimmune diseasesthataren’t contagious.
Afamily history of psoriatic diseaseandstressful life eventsare also risk factors for a first episode of acute guttate psoriasis.
However there is no true consensus on what each category encompasses.
Guttate Psoriasis Treatment
Acute guttate psoriasis typically goes into spontaneous remission after a few weeks or months.
Guttate psoriasis isn’t a contagiousskin disease.
Should you shower more or less with psoriasis?
Complications
Scratching itchy skin during a guttate psoriasis outbreak can worsen symptoms and slow healing.
The most common cause of guttate psoriasis is a bacterial infection like strep throat or a virus.
Stressful life events and a family history of psoriasis are also risk factors for having a guttate outbreak.
In most cases, guttate psoriasis clears up and heals itself in a few weeks or months.
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