Guttate psoriasis

The lesions in guttate psoriasis (GP) are generally smaller than those in CPP and appear as if splattered across the body in a rain-drop pattern. The plaques are also generally less indurated and less scaly. GP occurs most commonly on the trunk and proximal areas of extremities, it is also more likely to present on the face (Figure 8.4). This type of psoriasis seems to affect children and young adults predominantly and often occurs after a streptococcal throat infection. It affects around 18% of the psoriasis population. For some, the acute appearance of GP is their only experience with psoriasis. It clears relatively quickly within a 4-week period and they do not experience the condition again. For others, especially those with a strong family history of psoriasis, the guttate form is an initial flare and it then changes into the more chronic form of plaque psoriasis.

Figure 8.3 Scalp psoriasis. (Source: Reprinted from Graham-Brown and Burns, 2006.)

Figure 8.4 Guttate psoriasis. (Source: Reprinted from Graham-Brown and Burns, 2006.)