Guttate psoriasis: symptoms, treatment and how long it lasts

PCDS says that in mild cases an emollient (moisturiser) regimen may be sufficient until the rash clears spontaneously, usually after two to three months. Moderate natural sunlight can improve guttate psoriasis, but sun-beds are discouraged.

Coal tar preparations can be beneficial because they can be applied across a large area of skin. Vitamin D analogues can be used, but they are best applied directly to individual lesions, which is time-consuming when there are many. For widespread or unresponsive cases, PCDS says referral to dermatology for a course of narrow-band UVB phototherapy is an effective treatment.

The NHS lists the main psoriasis treatments as vitamin D preparations, emollients, steroid creams, lotions or gels and other treatments such as coal tar, with light therapy and medicines for more severe disease. You may need a combination, and a GP can prescribe some treatments or refer you to a dermatologist.

Guttate comes from the Latin for a drop. PCDS describes guttate psoriasis as multiple small tear drop lesions that tend to affect most of the body, with a rash that comes on very quickly. The NHS describes psoriasis in general as a common skin condition caused by the skin making more skin cells than usual, which creates patches on the skin, thought to be caused by a problem with the immune system.

PCDS says guttate psoriasis should be differentiated from chronic small plaque psoriasis, which usually has a more gradual onset with multiple small flat scaly patches.

PCDS describes an even distribution over the body, especially on the trunk and upper limbs, with relative sparing of the face. The spots are small, round to oval scaly papules up to about 1 cm in diameter. In the early stages there may be little scale. New lesions may appear at sites of skin injury, known as the Koebner phenomenon.

The NHS notes that psoriasis patches may be pink or red on white skin and grey on brown or black skin, sometimes leaving dark marks after the psoriasis has gone, so redness may be less obvious on darker skin.

PCDS says streptococcal infection can trigger guttate psoriasis, and that it is typically triggered 7 to 10 days after a streptococcal upper respiratory tract infection. The rash can appear after the sore throat has settled, so people may not connect the two.

The NHS lists general psoriasis triggers including stress, alcohol, smoking, obesity, pregnancy, certain medicines, infections such as strep A and HIV, skin injuries and sunlight. You are more likely to have psoriasis if a family member has it. PCDS also lists beta-blockers and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen as occasionally making psoriasis worse.

PCDS says it has a good chance of clearing spontaneously, often after two to three months in mild cases. A minority go on to develop ordinary psoriasis at a later stage, and an episode of guttate psoriasis does not necessarily mean you will have psoriasis for life.

No. The NHS says psoriasis is not contagious so you cannot catch it or spread it. Although the rash often follows a throat infection, the infection can pass between people, but the psoriasis itself does not.

See a GP if you have symptoms of psoriasis, if treatment is not working or is giving side effects, or if you have joint pain, stiffness and swelling that keeps coming back.

The NHS says to call 999 or go to A&E if you have psoriasis and your skin quickly turns red with white, pus-filled bumps that join together, have patches on the feet that turn yellow-brown and are filled with pus, or have red scaly pus-filled bumps on the tips of fingers and toes, especially with a fast heartbeat, high temperature or feeling hot, cold or shivery. A severe sore throat or an unwell child should be assessed through NHS 111 or a GP.

A GP can usually recognise guttate psoriasis, prescribe emollients and topical treatments and arrange a dermatology referral for phototherapy. Private dermatology clinics also offer assessment and light therapy; ask what the course includes and how many sessions are covered.