Psoriasis (guttate)

Guttate psoriasis often follows acute group B haemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis in persons genetically predisposed to psoriasis. It accounts for 2% of the total cases of psoriasis. In a majority of patients it is a self limiting condition.

The clinical features include:

• presents with salmon pink, dew drop like papules
• numerous, small, round psoriatic lesions - less than 1 cm diameter
• number of lesions can vary (from 5 or 10 to over 100)
• lesions develop acutely and usually has a centripetal distribution pattern (over trunk) but may involve the head and limbs
• often erupts suddenly following infection - may rapidly disappear or form stable plaques
• may itch, initially
• clinically distinguished from pityriasis rosea because pityriasis rosea is a lighter pink colour with scaling confined to the edges of individual lesions
• acute episodes in children are usually self limiting, but in adults it may complicate chronic plaque disease

Click here for example images of guttate psoriasis

Reference:

1. Brandon A, Mufti A, Gary Sibbald R. Diagnosis and Management of Cutaneous Psoriasis: A Review. Adv Skin Wound Care. 2019 Feb;32(2):58-69