Do I Have Guttate Psoriasis?

Are you under 30?

Do you have red or salmon-pink, scaly, small, teardrop-shaped spots on your skin (“scaly teardrops that have fallen down on the body”)?

Do you have skin lesions located on your torso, arms or legs, but almost never on your palms, the soles of your feet, or nails?

Do your skin lesions spread to your face, ears, and scalp?

Do you feel itching on the affected part of your skin?

Do your skin changes occur more often during the winter (when the air is dry)?

Do you have a family history of guttate psoriasis?

Have you recently had a strep throat, tonsillitis or skin injury (cuts, burns, or bug bites) or have you been under a lot of stress lately?

Do you take antimalarials or beta-blockers (high blood pressure medicines)?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have guttate psoriasis.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have guttate psoriasis. Guttate psoriasis is a specific type of psoriasis, a skin disorder caused by impaired functioning of your immune system. Guttate psoriasis is common in childhood and in young adults of both sexes and all races. The name of this disorder is derived from the Latin word “gutta” which means “drop”. Guttate psoriasis is the second most common type of psoriasis and it is usually triggered by a bacterial infection. The symptoms last 2 to 3 weeks and often spontaneously clear up. Your doctor may recommend treatment for your symptoms in order to prevent possible infections.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have guttate psoriasis. Guttate psoriasis is a skin condition caused by a malfunction of your immune system and it is characterized by reddish, teardrop-shaped spots on your skin. Guttate psoriasis has three stages (mild, moderate and severe) depending on the percentage of the skin covered by lesions or how much they interfere with your daily life and activities. For example, psoriasis on your face can be classified as severe because it affects your appearance and can powerfully interfere whit your life. Your doctor will help you to find a treatment to keep your symptoms under control.