Causes of Guttate Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis is not one of the most common forms of psoriasis, but it can be rather alarming to those who are not familiar with the condition. Guttate psoriasis lesions are usually very small and have a salmon or pink color. They tend to have a very fine scale as opposed to plaque psoriasis, which usually presents with a very thick scale. Guttate psoriasis can be caused by a number of different factors.
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Streptococcal Infections
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The most common cause of guttate psoriasis is a bacterial infection, usually in the streptococcal family. It is not uncommon for individuals to have a guttate psoriasis outbreak between 14 and 21 days after having strep throat or a similar infection. With this particular type of psoriasis, the white blood cells that have gone into overdrive to protect the body from infection attempt to produce extra skin cells.
Guttate psoriasis caused by streptococcal infections can be chronic. Some people are carriers of this strain of bacteria, meaning they can carry the bacteria without ever developing the symptoms of an infection. They may continue to carry the strain without ever having more than an occasional guttate psoriasis outbreak.
Genetics
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Individuals who suffer from guttate psoriasis may be the victims of genetics. Those with a family history of psoriasis, of any kind, stand a greater chance of developing it themselves. This does not mean they will definitely develop the condition, but their chances of developing it are much higher than normal.
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Viral Infections
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Children suffering from certain viral infections stand a greater chance of developing a case of guttate psoriasis. The most common viral infections include the chicken pox, roseola, and rubella. Most children with these viruses have weakened immune systems and, as a result, their T cell counts increase. This increase in T cells contributes to the development of a guttate psoriasis outbreak.
Drug Reactions
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Certain medications that have an impact on the human immune system may cause guttate psoriasis. Beta-blockers and antimalarial medications, for example, commonly cause stress to the immune system and, in turn, to the skin. In these instances, the guttate psoriasis will clear up after the treatment is complete.
Additional Causes
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Guttate psoriasis outbreaks may be the result of a number of different medical conditions or triggers. These include not only the causes mentioned above but stress, excessive alcohol consumption, sunburn, skin injuries, chemotherapy, and rheumatoid arthritis, amongst others.
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a guttate psoriasis outbreak begins. Your doctor will likely prescribe medications that will help you to control your symptoms, relieve itching, and prevent other infections from developing.
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