Context:

Guttate psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition predominantly affecting children and adolescents, characterized by small, round, teardrop-shaped bumps. It is most commonly triggered by a Streptococcus A infection, such as strep throat, or reactions to certain medications. Symptoms include itchy papules that can appear anywhere on the body, often turning into plaque psoriasis in 39% of cases. Diagnosis typically involves a medical history review and skin examination, sometimes supplemented by a biopsy. Treatment options vary from topical and oral medications to biologics and light therapy, with tonsillectomy as a potential option for severe cases resistant to other treatments.

Dive Deeper:

• Guttate psoriasis is triggered predominantly by strep infections and medication reactions, affecting about 8% of those with psoriasis, and is more prevalent in children and young adults under 30.

• Common triggers include infections like strep throat and tonsillitis, and medications such as beta-blockers, lithium, TNF-alpha antagonists, and antimalarial drugs, all of which can disrupt immune function.

• Risk factors include genetics, autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, chemotherapy, respiratory infections, and skin injuries, all of which can increase susceptibility to guttate psoriasis.

• The condition manifests as small, teardrop-shaped papules that may be itchy and are typically red or pink on lighter skin, while appearing light or dark brown or purple on darker skin tones, and can develop silvery or white scales.

• Diagnosis involves examining the skin and considering recent infections or triggers, with a skin biopsy sometimes used to confirm the condition and exclude other potential causes.

• Treatment for guttate psoriasis encompasses moisturizing products, medicated creams, and shampoos for mild cases, while more severe cases might require oral medications, biologics delivered via injection or infusion, and light therapy.

• In cases related to recurrent tonsillitis, tonsillectomy might be considered, although its effectiveness is not conclusively proven and further research is needed to ascertain its benefits.