Guttate psoriasis was named after the Latin word "gutta", which means "drop".  The name fits, because guttate psoriasis, also known as raindrop psoriasis, looks like small, pink or red raindrops on the skin.  Guttate psoriasis occurs most often on the trunk, arms, or legs.

Guttate psoriasis is the second most common type of psoriasis, and affects up to 10 percent of all people with psoriasis.  Most sufferers of this disease are children and young adults.  This form of psoriasis is inherited, but is usually triggered by infections.  The symptoms of guttate psoriasis usually appear two to three weeks after the person has had an upper respiratory infection, such as a sore throat caused by the streptococcus bacteria.

Treatment of Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis is typically not life-threatening, and is rarely even a serious condition.  The disease usually responds to treatment, and may even go away on its own.

Treatments for guttate psoriasis are the same as for other types of psoriasis, and are relatively safe and have few side effects.  Topical psoriasis treatments, such as Vitamin D3 derivatives or topical retinoids, are typically used first.  If the skin condition does not respond to these psoriasis treatments, combination treatments may be used.

A typical combination treatment for guttate psoriasis is PUVA, or psoralen with ultraviolet light "A".  Psoralen is a topical treatment that sensitizes the skin to ultraviolet light.  Because ultraviolet light itself is an effective treatment for guttate psoriasis, skin is more effectively treated when sensitized by psoralen.

Guttate psoriasis seldom requires treatment with oral psoriasis medications.  Although the skin disease can clear up on its own, it is often a recurring disease, so it hasn't necessarily disappeared for good.

Conclusion

Guttate psoriasis should be diagnosed by a doctor.  Because all cases of psoriasis are different, you and your doctor should come up an effective treatment program that addresses your own psoriasis problem.

If you suffer from guttate psoriasis, chances are that you currently have or will eventually have another form of psoriasis, such as scalp psoriasis.  Enhance your chances of finding an effective treatment or reducing your symptoms by reading about effective treatments for scalp psoriasis.  What has worked for others may help you with your own psoriasis.