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psoriasis vulgaris, Guttate-type
Guttate (drop-like) psoriasis.
Etiology:
- frequently exacerbated by infection
- especially following streptococcal pharyngitis
Epidemiology:
1) relatively rare form of psoriasis (<2%)
2) most common in children & adolescents
Clinical manifestations:
1) abrupt appearance of papules 1-2 cm in size salmon pink in color
2) usually discrete small scattered, scaly plaques concentrating on the trunk with less on the face & scalp, & sparing the palms & soles
Laboratory:
1) increased antistreptolysin O (ASO) titer in patients with preceding Streptococcal pharyngitis
2) throat culture of group A Streptococcus
Differential diagnosis:
1) psoriatic drug eruption
2) secondary syphilis
3) pityriasis rosea
Management:
1) may resolve spontaneously within a few weeks without treatment
2) UVB phototherapy
3) penicillin VK or erythromycin for preceding Streptococcal infection
4) otherwise treatment as for psoriasis
Interactions
disease interactions
General
psoriasis
References
- Color Atlas and Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology, Common
and Serious Diseases, 3rd ed, Fitzpatrick et al, McGraw Hill, NY,
1997, pg 82-83
- Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 11, 14
American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 1998