Psoriasis - guttate

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Psoriasis, guttate on the arms and chest

Psoriasis, guttate on the cheek

Psoriasis - guttate

Alternative Names:

Guttate psoriasis
Treatment:

Treatment is focused on control of the symptoms and prevention of secondary infections. It varies with the extent and severity of the disorder.

If an infection can be identified, it should be treated with appropriate antibiotics.

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Severe or resistant cases, or cases involving large areas of the body, may require intensive treatment or hospitalization. Mild cases are usually treated at home. Topical medications include:

Prescription or nonprescription dandruff shampoos
Shampoos or lotions that contain coal tar
Cortisone or other corticosteroids
Lubricants
Vitamin D containing medications (Dovonex)
Retinoids (Tazorac)

Oral or injected immunosuppressive medications (such as corticosteroids or methotrexate) may be used, but only in very severe cases. Other medications may include retinoids or cyclosporine.

Other treatments may include exposure to sunlight or phototherapy. The skin is sensitized by applying coal tar ointment or by taking oral psoralens (a medication that makes the skin sensitive to light). The person is then exposed to ultraviolet light.

To minimize flare-ups, maintain good general health. Avoid respiratory and other infections.

Expectations (prognosis):

Psoriasis is not curable, but it can be controlled with treatment.

Complications: