What is Guttate Psoriasis?

It is a rare skin condition where small, red, scaly, and teardrop-shaped spots start arising, especially on the arms, legs, and middle of the body. It falls under the umbrella of “auto-immune disorders”, where the immune system of our body starts harming healthy cells, and antibodies, instead of foreign invaders.

Guttate psoriasis is comparatively a rare type of psoriasis affecting around 2-3% of patients. It is generally seen among children, adolescents, teens, and adults who are younger than the age of 30. But such prevalence is not always necessary, it can affect anyone irrespective of their age, and gender.

The condition is usually followed by a strep throat infection and streptococcal infection (pharyngitis or perianal). In some cases, it may get fine on its own within a few weeks. But often, it does not go away easily. In such cases, it becomes necessary to avail an effective guttate psoriasis treatment option to end the pain & discomfort.

Causes of Guttate psoriasis

There is no one singular specific cause of guttate psoriasis. It may arise as a mutual outcome of several interrelated environmental, genetic, and immune system factors. However, some of the common causes of guttate psoriasis are:

• Bacterial infections: This type of psoriasis is primarily followed by a distinct Group A- streptococcal infection (pharyngitis, or perianal), commonly called strep throat infection.
• Heredity: There are likely chances of you experiencing guttate psoriasis if anyone in your family has a medical history of this skin disorder. It is believed that it may run in the family, however, such chances are very rare.
• Tonsilitis (inflammation of the tonsils): The condition may also be accompanied by an infection of the tonsils. The complications may include a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and lymph nodes on the sides of the neck.
• Certain drugs, and medications: Medicines such as antimalarials, and beta blockers (mainly used for heart diseases) may also contribute to the development of guttate psoriasis.
• Stress: Being in a state of hypertension, or distress acts as an open invitation to several health problems including guttate psoriasis. It sets off an immune system reaction that triggers the flares and spots on the skin.

Guttate Psoriasis Stages

Generally, there are basic 3 guttate psoriasis stages which are categorized on their skin-damaging capabilities. These stages are:

Mild guttate psoriasis: It is the initial stage of guttate psoriasis. If adequate precautions are taken timely, then stepping toward the next stages can be prevented. In mild guttate psoriasis, very few lesions are witnessed on the body.

Moderate guttate psoriasis: The stage works as a bridge between the mild and severe stages. At this stage, approximately 3- 10% of the body gets affected, or covered by painful and discomforting lesions.

Severe guttate psoriasis: It is a critical stage where medical action becomes necessary. At this level, the lesions may spread to more than 10% of your body. In extreme cases, the patient’s entire body becomes affected. .

Guttate Psoriasis Symptoms

It is a distinct variant that may occur without any prior warning. The symptoms of guttate psoriasis may vary from patient to patient depending upon their body constitution, and severity level. However, some common symptoms of this type of psoriasis are:

• Red, or pinkish spots shaped like teardrops on the skin.
• Flakes, or silver-colored scales on the skin.
• Tiny and separated bumps, and lesions.
• Intolerable itchiness.
• Hyperpigmentation
• Although guttate psoriasis is often confused with plague psoriasis, but both are different from each other. However, if guttate psoriasis is left untreated for aprolonged period, it may progress toward chronic psoriasis.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Guttate psoriasis

In Ayurvedic terminologies, the power of nature is utilized for enhancing skin health and glory both internally, and externally. Ayurvedic guttate psoriasis treatment mainly involves:

External Treatment Procedure

• A gentle application of Vata pacifying ointments such as virgin coconut oil, almond oil, and cow’s ghee is done on the affected areas of the skin to reduce dryness, itchiness, and redness.
• A paste of Kasamarda roots (Cassia occidentalis L.) pounded with sour gruel is applied to the patches, bumps, and lesions is also beneficial for reducing guttate psoriasis symptoms
• A sundried mixture of Indian tree spurge (Euphorbia tirucalli) and cow urine is also beneficial as a cure for guttate psoriasis.

Internal Treatment Procedure

• Oral consumption of Haldi, Guggul, Aloe vera, Neem, and Garlic is very beneficial for getting rid of all types of psoriasis. Such herbs can also be infused into regular meals, salads, or smoothies.
• Panchakarma is a pivotal branch of Ayurveda through which harmful toxins inside the body are eliminated and skin health is reclaimed. For complete relief purification procedures, it is advised to perform Shirodhara each alternative day, Vamana every fortnight, and Virechana every month.
• To initiate internal healing, the consumption of “Sattvik ahaara” is encouraged. A complete sense of avoidance of non-vegetarian food, excessive dairy, stale, and junk is shown to ensure long-term relief.

Depending upon the range, and involvement of aggravated doshas, both internal and external measures can be integrated so that the raging of psoriasis can be restricted.

FAQ's

 

1. What is guttate psoriasis caused by?

There is no single specific factor responsible for causing guttate psoriasis. However, Group A Streptococcus infections, Violated Vata and Kapha Dosha, Tonsillitis, and excessive medication, or stress are some of the main causative factors of guttate psoriasis.

2. How to stop guttate psoriasis spreading?

To prevent it from spreading all over the body, or to treat it at its initial stages, you can apply aloe vera gel, cow’s ghee, virgin coconut oil, or almond oil. But remember, medical advice is pivotal to be taken in addition to these herbal measures.

3. What happens when Guttate psoriasis is left untreated?

When left untreated for a prolonged period, the teardrop-shaped lesions and bumps may spread over the whole of your body and may leave permanent marks. In about one-third of the cases, guttate psoriasis may progress into chronic plaque psoriasis. That’s why guttate psoriasis treatment is a must at its initial stages.

4. Can guttate psoriasis go away on its own?

Guttate psoriasis is not a chronic condition, acute episodes of this type of psoriasis may fade away on their own within a few weeks, or months. However, in some cases, it could be rigid, or may even recur from time to time.

5. What herbs help guttate psoriasis?

Aloe vera, Bosewellia, Guggul, Basil, Turmeric, Neem, and Amla are some skin-friendly herbs that are considered helpful in the condition of guttate psoriasis.

6. Is guttate psoriasis contagious?

However, the condition is not contagious, which means it can not be spread from one person to another.

7. Is vitamin D good for guttate psoriasis?

Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis, that represents tear drops like patches on the skin. While managing this condition, often Vitamin D is recommended as it is considered safe and effective against psoriasis. Both adults and children of 2 years or older can consume Vitamin D.

8. Can stress cause guttate psoriasis?

Stress is known to be the biggest trigger for the majority of skin diseases, including Guttate psoriasis. These two work as a never-ending loop as stress can aggravate guttate symptoms whereas guttate psoriasis can elevate the stress for the patient.