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Fig. 7.2 A, Guttate, or the acute type of psoriasis, showing widespread droplike lesions. This type of psoriasis is associated with streptococcal infections, probably through the immune-stimulating effects of exotoxins secreted by the bacteria. B, Inverse psoriasis involves intertriginous areas such as the axilla, as shown here. Note the lack of silvery scale seen in psoriasis vulgaris. |
Guttate psoriasis is a variant of psoriasis usually seen in adolescents and young adults. It is characterized by crops of small, droplike, psoriatic papules and plaques (Fig. 7-2A). The word guttate is derived from the Latin
gutta, which means “drop.” This type of psoriasis is often found in association with streptococcal pharyngitis, and treatment of the pharyngitis with oral antibiotics may improve or even clear the psoriasis.