Q: I had psoriasis diagnosed after I got strep throat. This is the second time I have been diagnosed with guttae psoriasis brought on by strep. I’ve tried creams which are not working. Is there anything you know of that will help get rid of these splotches that the dermatologist said would go away on their own but may take six months to do so?
A: Your condition presents with small, red, scaly teardrop shaped lesions on the arms, legs and center of the body. It is a type of psoriasis ordinarily seen in individuals younger than 30. It tends to develop suddenly and frequently follows a viral or bacterial infection such as the strep throat you have had twice now. Other triggers for development may include stress, some medications – particularly those to treat specific cardiac conditions, injuries to the skin such as burns or insect bites, consuming an excessive amount of alcohol, and sunburns. Guttate psoriasis is not contagious and appears to have a genetic component.
Symptoms may include spots that are covered with silver-colored flaky scales and spots that are pink to red in color in the shape of teardrops. If complications occur, they may cause intense itching and pain, as well as a secondary skin infection.
On the home front, mild cases may be treated with moisturizers, lotions that contain coal tar, dandruff shampoos, anti-itch and anti-inflammatory creams that contain cortisone, and topical or oral prescription medications that contain vitamin D analogs. Severe cases may require medication such as cyclosporin or methotrexate to suppress the body’s immune response. Still another treatment recommended may be phototherapy in which the areas of affected skin are exposed to ultraviolet light.
Vitamin E in capsule form or applied directly to the skin is touted as a possible cure, as is drinking chamomile tea. Topical medications will keep the affected areas moist which, in turn, will protect the skin from further irritation. Moisturizers and anti-itch drugs may be given to ameliorate the intensity of the disorder. Red clover is an anti-inflammatory and blood cleansing agent that may be considered. One easy home remedy is achieved by soaking in salt water. It is vital you avoid scented salts that could lead to further irritation. Dead Sea salt, raw seawater for those living near an ocean, a salt water mixture used for fish tanks or Epsom salts may be beneficial. Further, maintaining proper skin hydration can help prevent irritation and thus the potential for subsequent development of new psoriatic lesions at trauma sites. Most effective are ointments such as petroleum jelly or thick creams, especially when applied immediately after a hydrating bath or shower.
Whenever possible avoid stressful situations and other known triggers you associate with your outbreaks. Make appropriate dietary changes by adding fresh fruits and green vegetables. Lettuce, parsley, garlic, nuts and whole grains are recommended, while fast and processed foods should be avoided. Dishes that contain an excess of fat or sugar should be avoided, as should caffeine and alcohol that can aggravate your condition. Lastly, exercise. These changes should put you on the road to leading a more comfortable, healthy life.
The prognosis for guttate psoriasis is good. The condition may dissipate completely following treatment or be more manageable for many individuals but unfortunately for others, it may become a lifelong condition that worsens to become plaque psoriasis.
