Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis is named after the French word for drop "goutte" since the lesions are multiple, small (5-15 mm), round, or oval and drop-like in shape. Lesions appear suddenly and will typically cover your trunk, arms, legs, face and scalp. Approximately 15% of people with psoriasis have the guttate variant. This form of psoriasis is seen mainly in children and young adults after a streptococcal throat infection; other causes include respiratory infections, stress, skin injuries and the side-effects from certain drugs, such as antimalarials and beta-blockers. This form of psoriasis often goes away on its own within a few weeks or months, but it can be successfully treated with phototherapy.