Guttate psoriasis

The goal of treatment is to control your symptoms and prevent secondary infections.

If you have a current or recent infection, your doctor may give you antibiotics.

Mild cases of guttate psoriasis are usually treated at home. Your doctor may recommend any of the following:

• Cortisone (anti-itch and anti-inflammatory) cream
• Dandruff shampoos (over-the-counter or prescription)
• Lotions that contain coal tar
• Moisturizers
• Prescription medicines containing vitamin D or vitamin A (retinoids)

Persons with very severe guttate psoriasis may receive medicines to suppress the body's immune response. These medicines include corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and methotrexate.

Sunlight may help your symptoms go away. Be careful not to get sunburn. Some people may choose to have phototherapy. Phototherapy is a medical procedure in which your skin is carefully exposed to ultraviolet light. Phototherapy may be given alone or after you take a drug that makes the skin sensitive to light.

Guttate psoriasis may clear completely following treatment. Sometimes, however, it may become a chronic (lifelong) condition, or worsen to the more common plaque-type psoriasis.

• Pain
• Secondary skin infections
• Severe itching

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of guttate psoriasis.

Images

Psoriasis, guttate on the cheek

Psoriasis, guttate on the arms and chest

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Review Date: 05/13/2011
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)