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GUTTATE PSORIASIS
This patient information on Guttate Psoriasis is provided by
John L. Meisenheimer, M.D. a board certified Dermatologist and skin care
specialist based in Orlando, Florida. This information is not intended as
a substitute for the medical advice or treatment of a dermatologist or other physician.
What is it? Guttate psoriasis is
a peculiar disorder of the skin. It is an unusual presentation of a common
skin problem, psoriasis. Guttate psoriasis occurs at any age, but is is
more commonly seen in older children and young adults. Typically it
appears as multiple, small, red, scaly bumps which suddenly appear on the trunk,
arms and legs. These spots may appear rapidly in just a few days. It
may look like a "shower" of spots on your skin.
What causes it? Psoriasis is caused by
skin cells dividing too rapidly which results in thickening and scaling of the
skin. The reason the skin cells begin to divide so rapidly remains
unknown, but part of the cause is inherited.
Guttate psoriasis is an unusual form of psoriasis. Unlike
regular psoriasis this type of psoriasis may be associated with a preceding cold
or a strep infection.
How is it diagnosed? I may suspect the
diagnosis of Guttate Psoriasis based on the clinical appearance of the
rash and a history of a preceding infection. I may also do a skin biopsy,
where the skin is looked at under the microscope, to confirm the diagnosis.
Is it dangerous? This is a
harmless disorder. It is not related to cancer and it does not involve
internal organs.
Can it be cured? The treatment
program I put you on will help control or clear the disorder, but it is not a
cure. Even if the psoriasis is totally cleared, you may be
predisposed to have repeat episodes. Repeat treatments may be needed and
some individuals may require continuous therapy. Guttate psoriasis in some
cases may clear without reoccurrences.
Is it contagious? Guttate
psoriasis is not contagious and you cannot "catch it" from anyone.
Was this caused by something I ate? No. Special diets or avoidance of certain foods will not improve the
condition.
© John L. Meisenheimer, M.D.
2004 WWW.OrlandoSkinDoc.com
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