psoriasis vulgaris, Guttate-type

Introduction

Guttate (drop-like) psoriasis.

Etiology

• frequently exacerbated by infection
  • especially following streptococcal pharyngitis

Epidemiology

• relatively rare form of psoriasis (<2%)
• most common in children & adolescents

Clinical manifestations

• abrupt appearance of papules 1-2 cm in size salmon pink in color
• usually discrete small scattered, scaly plaques concentrating on the trunk with less on the face & scalp, & sparing the palms & soles

Laboratory

• increased antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer in patients with preceding Streptococcal pharyngitis
• throat culture of group A Streptococcus

Differential diagnosis

• psoriatic drug eruption
• secondary syphilis
• pityriasis rosea

Management

• may resolve spontaneously within a few weeks without treatment
• UVB phototherapy
• penicillin VK or erythromycin for preceding Streptococcal infection
• otherwise treatment as for psoriasis

More general terms

• psoriasis