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What Are the Different Types of Guttate Psoriasis Treatment?

Nicole Etolen
Nicole Etolen

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by scaly patches. Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that appears as small pinkish drops on the skin. The drops may also have a scaly texture, but the scales are typically not as severe as other forms of psoriasis. There are several different types of guttate psoriasis treatment, including antibiotics, phototherapy, and home treatment options. A dermatologist can help determine the best treatment options depending on the severity of the condition.

Guttate psoriasis treatment for mild cases can often be performed at home with several different types of topical solutions. Dandruff shampoos and topical creams containing coal tar can help alleviate the flare-ups. Topical steroids can be used to help with the itchiness, however most over-the-counter steroid creams contain too low a concentration to be completely effective, so a stronger prescription strength cream may be recommended. Topical solutions containing vitamin D and retinoids, derived from Vitamin A, may also be used as guttate psoriasis treatment in mild to moderate cases.

Antibiotics may be prescribed for guttate psoriasis triggered by infections.
Antibiotics may be prescribed for guttate psoriasis triggered by infections.

In some cases, guttate psoriasis can be triggered by a streptococcal infection, and antibiotics may be prescribed. Physicians may also order antibiotic treatment in patients with a history of psoriasis if they present with a sore throat. A throat culture is usually performed to diagnose the streptococcal infection prior to prescribing the medication. Starting the antibiotic immediately helps prevent the infection from triggering a psoriasis flare-up.

Topical treatment may be recommended for cases of guttate psoriasis.
Topical treatment may be recommended for cases of guttate psoriasis.

Ultraviolet light from the sun or artificial sources is often beneficial to treating the symptoms of psoriasis. This form of treatment, called phototherapy, is usually prescribed as a short course due to the risks of ultraviolet ray exposure. In resistant cases of guttate psoriasis, physicians may combine a medication that increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun with the phototherapy treatment. The medication may cause nausea and vomiting, and patients are instructed to wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from the light for up to 24 hours after the therapy.

Patients with guttate psoriasis may also suffer from recurring strep throat infections.
Patients with guttate psoriasis may also suffer from recurring strep throat infections.

When a patient with guttate psoriasis also suffers from recurring strep throat infections, physicians may recommend surgery to remove the tonsils. This is typically done when the patient has recurring strep throat infections during a single year despite antibiotic therapy. While guttate psoriasis treatment is secondary to treating the recurring infections, it does help reduce flare-ups.

A dermatologist can design a treatment plan for severe cases of guttate psoriasis.
A dermatologist can design a treatment plan for severe cases of guttate psoriasis.

Although guttate psoriasis is not completely preventable, lifestyle changes and other preventative measures may help reduce the frequency of flare-ups. Patients should avoid scratching the affected areas as much as possible and keep the skin moisturized, especially after bathing or showering. While scalding hot water may seem to alleviate the discomfort, it can actually worsen flare-ups, so cool to warm water is better. A dermatologist can help patients determine which guttate psoriasis treatment is best for them based on the severity of the flare-up.

Discussion Comments

fBoyle

Tea tree oil and tea tree oil products work well for guttate psoriasis as well. But the tea tree oil has to be diluted with another natural oil.

I think that over the counter medications like hydrocortisone cream may also be used when necessary. What I don't approve of is the unnecessary use of antibiotics. I've heard that some guttate psoriasis patients use antibiotics when they discover their condition, without actually getting tested for an infection. Guttate psoriasis doesn't have to be caused by an infection. And unnecessary use of antibiotics will do nothing aside from causing antibiotic resistance and weak immune system.

The best thing to do is to see a doctor and get the necessary medical tests to check for infection.

fify

@stoneMason-- I have regular psoriasis, not guttate psoriasis. But I suspect that the natural remedies that are used on regular psoriasis would benefit you as well.

One of my favorite natural remedies is aloe vera gel. I use pure aloe vera gel whenever I feel dryness or when I notice that patches are starting to form. Aloe vera gel not only treats the dryness, but it's also very soothing. So it relieves the itch. Another great natural remedy is witch hazel which fights inflammation and itching.

You can also use all-natural cream made with natural oils like shea butter to help prevent psoriasis breakouts.

stoneMason

Are there any natural remedies that I can apply topically to relieve symptoms of my guttate psoriasis? I'm looking for a natural remedy for the inflammation and itching.

Prescription ointments work well, but I almost always experience side effects from them. So if anyone has any suggestions that would be great.

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    • Antibiotics may be prescribed for guttate psoriasis triggered by infections.
      By: NorGal
      Antibiotics may be prescribed for guttate psoriasis triggered by infections.
    • Topical treatment may be recommended for cases of guttate psoriasis.
      By: picsfive
      Topical treatment may be recommended for cases of guttate psoriasis.
    • Patients with guttate psoriasis may also suffer from recurring strep throat infections.
      By: Cheryl Casey
      Patients with guttate psoriasis may also suffer from recurring strep throat infections.
    • A dermatologist can design a treatment plan for severe cases of guttate psoriasis.
      By: michaeljung
      A dermatologist can design a treatment plan for severe cases of guttate psoriasis.
    • Smoking cigarettes may increase an individual's risk of developing psoriasis.
      By: illustrez-vous
      Smoking cigarettes may increase an individual's risk of developing psoriasis.
    • Psoriasis typically appears as scaly, reddish colored patches of skin.
      By: paulandlara
      Psoriasis typically appears as scaly, reddish colored patches of skin.