Whats The Difference Between Guttate And Plaque Psoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. It is said to affect up to 90% of people who suffer from psoriasis. Although both plaque psoriasis and guttate psoriasis have the same scale-like appearance, plaque psoriasis appears as red lesions with the scale look, while guttate psoriasis appears as tiny red spots with the scale look. Guttate psoriasis spots dont tend to be as thick as the lesions that appear when suffering from plaque psoriasis.
Plaque psoriasis tends to start by appearing on the elbows, knees and scalp, while guttate psoriasis usually starts appearing on your torso, arms and legs. Plaque psoriasis lesions tend to be from 110cm in size, while guttate psoriasis spots tend to be around 1cm in size.
Also, unlike plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis generally doesnt come back. However, plaque psoriasis tends to come back when youre run down in the form of a flare-up.
Diet And Psoriasis: What’s The Connection
Can your diet help keep psoriasis under control? Maybe. An observational study published online July 25, 2018, by JAMA Dermatology found that people with psoriasis who followed a Mediterranean diet an eating pattern rich in fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish, fruit, nuts, and extra-virgin olive oil experienced fewer severe flare-ups. This was only an association and more research is needed, but experts believe the Mediterranean diet contains many foods that have an anti-inflammatory effect in the body and may offer extra protection against psoriasis triggers.
What Are The Symptoms
Guttate psoriasis is a form of psoriasis that isnt isolated to a specific area of the body. You may have a guttate psoriasis flare-up show up anywhere on your body. However, it does tend to show up first on your torso, arms or legs. It may then spread to your scalp and other parts of the body. When it does appear, it shows up in the form of small teardrop-shaped red spots . These can sometimes have a silver sheen to them, or they can be a bit flaky.
Guttate psoriasis gets its name from the Latin word gutta, which means drop. This reflects the teardrop-shaped spots that appear when someone is suffering from guttate psoriasis.
Another indication that the rash youre dealing with is guttate psoriasis is that the spots can also be quite itchy. Theyre not often painful but try not to scratch at the itch, as this can break the skin and cause the spots to become painful.
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How To Deal With Psoriasis Flare
Have you ever experienced the frustration of a psoriasis flare-up?
They can cause you to feel self-conscious and frustrated, especially if theyre in a high-visibility area like your hands or face.
Its important to have a game plan before you experience the stress of a psoriasis flare.
This article will discuss what a psoriasis flare-up is and how to deal with it when it happens.
Dealing With A Psoriasis Flare
If you have psoriasis, you may choose your wardrobe and even your activities based on how active your disease is. The inflamed, itchy, scaly plaques that cover your skin can make you feel self-conscious and affect the way that others react to you, too.
Our expert dermatologists at Specialists in Dermatology in Houston, and The Woodlands, Texas, offer cutting-edge, effective psoriasis therapies including topical and oral medications, and biologics to clear your skin quickly and beautifully. If you do have a flare-up, here are a few tips on how to stay comfortable until you can get treatment.
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Treat At The First Sign Of A Flare
Dont wait until your symptoms are really affecting you to start treating a flare-up: As soon as you notice a change in your skin that could signal an oncoming flare , its time to act, Dr. Stein says. Apply a topical steroid as directed and try to take it easy.
Also, its important not to stop treatment until youre completely free of symptoms, Dr. Stein says, even if the flare appears to be going away. In my opinion, it comes back faster if its not completely clear to begin with, she explains.
What Is Psoriasis Flare Up
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches to appear on the skin.
Its important to remember that psoriasis is not contagious and that there are different types of psoriasis such as guttate psoriasis, so you dont have to worry about passing it on or catching it from anyone else who has psoriasis.
Psoriasis flare-ups can range from mild to severe and theyre never fun to deal with.
If you are concerned about your child getting psoriasis as he/she gets older, theres no need to panic.
Theres no evidence that suggests that children with parents who have psoriasis are more likely than other kids their age.
In fact, most people with psoriasis dont even realize they have the condition until they reach adulthood!
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Articles On Psoriasis Flare Prevention
There are few proven triggers for psoriasis. But many people with psoriasis feel a connection between certain activities or exposures and their psoriasis outbreaks.
Tracking psoriasis flares can help you feel more in control of your condition. It can also help you communicate better with the doctor and might reduce your psoriasis symptoms.
Treatment For Guttate Psoriasis
In most cases an outbreak of guttate psoriasis lasts 2 to 3 weeks. But your doctor may want to treat your symptoms and help prevent other infections in your body.
- Medications. There are several over-the-counter or prescription options for the itchy, flaky skin, as well as the dryness and swelling. They include:
- Cortisone cream for itching and swelling
- Dandruff shampoo for your scalp
- Lotions with coal tar to soothe your skin
- Moisturizers
- Prescription medicines with vitamin A
- If your case is more serious, your doctor may give you a prescription to take by mouth. These include:
- Corticosteroids
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Lifestyle Changes And Home Remedies
The most important lifestyle change that people with psoriasis can make is to avoid triggers, which might include cold weather, stress, or smoking.
People may also wish to try the following home remedies. While they will not cure psoriasis, they may reduce itching, dryness, and other types of discomfort:
- applying aloe vera gel to reduce redness and itching
- avoiding alcohol and tobacco
Or Try One With Vitamin A Or D
Meanwhile, products containing vitamins A or Dincluding their synthetic versions and derivativescan also reduce the symptoms of a flare-up thanks to their anti-inflammatory effects, Dr. Stein says.
For example, your derm may recommend trying a prescription retinoid, a derivative of vitamin A, like tazarotene. Medications like this increase cell turnover while reducing the buildup of psoriasis scales, making retinoids a great option for those who deal with thick plaques during flares.
Synthetic forms of vitamin D can also be useful because they help regulate the cell turnover process and, therefore, help reduce scales.
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The Redness On Louis Face Drew Unwanted Attention From Others It Became Easier For Him To Explain Once He Had A Diagnosis Of Psoriasis
EMBED CODEItching and scratching at night
- sitting on the hands
Soreness and painSkin flaking
- worrying about other people seeing or touching the skin flakes
- concerns about cooking or working in a job with food
- skin flakes showing up on dark coloured clothes and hair
- getting distracted and picking at skin flakes
- doing more cleaning, such as hoovering and changing bedding
- finding symptom relief products to gently remove flakes, such as exfoliating gloves for Lucy
- difficulties shaving Damini and Lisa found their skin cut more than usual, though Simon found his psoriasis skin was less prone to bleeding
Systemic And Biologic Treatment
People with severe psoriasis may need to use oral or injected medicines, which are systemic treatments. These medications include:
- cyclosporine, which suppresses the immune system
- methotrexate to slow down skin cell formation and reduce inflammation
- oral retinoids or vitamin A derivatives
Systemic treatments can have severe side effects, so people typically use them alongside topical creams or light therapy and only take them for short periods.
Biologics aim to reduce the impact of psoriasis by targeting a specific part of the immune system. They can help prevent flares and relieve symptoms, and they are part of a long-term treatment plan.
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How Long Does It Last
Generally, guttate psoriasis will fade and go away on its own within a few weeks to a couple of months. A lot of the time people will only get it once and it wont come back. However, some people find that having guttate psoriasis led them to having life-long plaque psoriasis flare-ups. These can be managed using topical treatments or other prescriptions from your doctor.
Something else to consider about guttate psoriasis is that in summer it tends to recover quicker, while flare-ups may worsen during the colder winter months. This is similar to other types of psoriasis as well, due to sunshine being a great treatment for psoriasis.
Supplement With Vitamin D
Research has suggested that vitamin D deficiency is common in people with psoriasis, particularly in the winter.
While identifying a link between the vitamin and the health condition requires additional research, maintaining sufficient levels of vitamin D may help prevent psoriasis flare-ups.
People can get more vitamin D from:
- natural sunlight
- certain foods, such as salmon, milk, and fortified cereals
- vitamin D supplements
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Skin Injury And Infection
A wound or infection can cause your immune system to react by producing more skin cells and triggering inflammation in your body leading to a flare-up of your psoriasis symptoms.
For example, if you get a cut on your finger and it becomes infected with bacteria , it could lead to an increase in your psoriasis symptoms due to the immune system reacting against the bacteria.
Foods That Contain Gluten
Research suggests that people with psoriasis tend to have higher rates of celiac disease. In people with celiac disease, gluten triggers an autoimmune response that causes the body to attack tissues in the small intestine. People with celiac disease need to avoid gluten completely, though some people without the disease have found that reducing gluten in their diet lessens psoriasis flare-ups.
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Foods Containing Refined Carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates are highly processed . Theyve been stripped of fiber and whole grains and tend to contain a lot of sugar, which can cause your blood sugar to spike. Refined carbohydrates also increase advanced glycation end products, which are substances in your blood that can lead to inflammation.
What Causes Psoriasis To Flare Up And Worsen
Sometimes, psoriasis flare-ups can be completely random. But they can also occur in response to specific triggers.
The severity of a flare-up varies from person to person. Thats why its helpful to find out whether youre doing anything that may cause your psoriasis to worsen. Here are nine triggers that have been linked to flares:
- Stress. An increase in stress levels or living with ongoing, chronic stress can cause your psoriasis to flare up. Psoriasis itself can also be a source of stress.
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Patches Get Smaller Or Disappear
Psoriasis is characterized by thick, scaly patches that form on your skin. These patches can range in size from small to large, and they usually appear on certain areas of the body, like the scalp, knees, elbows, and hands. If you have a more severe case of psoriasis, your patches may be quite large and could be itchy and painful.
Fortunately, several medications are available that can help to reduce the size of your existing patches and prevent new ones from forming. One popular choice, methotrexate, has been used for years as a front-line psoriasis therapy. Many people see their psoriasis patches disappear within about a month after they begin using this drug.
What Is Guttate Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that shows up on your skin as red, scaly, small, teardrop-shaped spots. It doesnât normally leave a scar. You usually get it as a child or young adult. Less than a third of people with psoriasis have this type. Itâs not as common as plaque psoriasis.
Itâs an autoimmune disease, meaning your body treats your own cells like invaders and attacks them. You might get it only once, or you could have several flare-ups. In some cases, this type of psoriasis doesnât go away. With the help of your doctor, you can find a treatment to keep your symptoms under control.
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Diagnosis Of Guttate Psoriasis
Your doctor will want to know your medical history, especially what kinds of medications you may be taking. Theyâll look at your skin. Usually, a physical exam gives your doctor enough information to diagnose or rule out guttate psoriasis.
If they need more information, your doctor may take a blood sample or a throat culture to check for strep. Itâs also common for doctors to perform a skin biopsy when they want to know for sure what you have.
Can Lifestyle Changes Help
Although psoriasis is very common, several triggers can possibly contribute to the skin condition. Some patients find that making minor lifestyle alterations can be effective to reduce the severity of flare-ups. Some lifestyle changes may include abstaining from alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, and staying active.
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Try A Moisturizer With A Keratolytic Ingredient
For particularly thick plaques, Dr. Newsom suggests applying a lotion that contains a keratolytic, or a softening and peeling agent, like salicylic acid, lactic acid, or urea. That will help dissolve some of the scales. For instance, check out CeraVe Psoriasis Moisturizing Cream, $19, or Gold Bond Ultimate Psoriasis Relief Cream, $8.
However, note these ingredients, particularly salicylic acid, can irritate the skin, exacerbate dryness, and in extreme cases be toxic. So be sure to use keratolytic moisturizers as directed and only on the thickest plaques rather than across large swaths of skin.
Eat More Greens And Healthy Fats
Although your ideal diet is based on your unique metabolism and biochemistry, almost every woman and man benefits from eating more fresh green vegetables, low-glycemic fruits, and healthy fats, such as omega 3s. Some research suggests, too, that losing weight can reduce psoriasis flare-ups. In addition to filling your diet with more fruits and vegetables, try cutting out foods that are nutrient-poor and may contribute to inflammation, including processed foods and beverages, sugar, and corn syrup.
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How To Calm Down Psoriasis Flare Up
If you want to know how to stop psoriasis flare-ups, the following tips can help relieve your symptoms:
- Apply a cool compress to the affected area. This will help calm your skin and relieve itching.
- Keep skin moisturized. Use a moisturizer on your skin to keep it hydrated and healthy.
- Wear sunblock during the day to avoid getting burned by the suns harmful rays. This will also prevent new symptoms from developing on your skin later on.
- Healthy Meals. Eat healthy foods that contain good fats and proteins so that your body has all of the nutrients it needs to heal itself from within. Avoid processed foods as much as possible since they lack essential nutrients needed for healing purposes. It is recommended to eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Minimize Stress. If possible, try not to stress over things too much this will only worsen your condition! Instead, take time out every day if need be so that youre able to breathe again before starting another stressful situation.
- Medicine and Skin Therapies. Skin therapies such as light therapy, or even topical treatments can relieve your symptoms, but before applying products, it is best to have them approved by your dermatologist.
Stay On Top Of Scalp Irritation And Itching
Try to resist the urge to scratch or rub your scalp during a flare-up. Doing so can cause bleeding, scabbing, and even hair loss.
Avoid using shampoos containing fragrance and alcohol. These products can dry out the scalp and worsen or even cause more flare-ups. When washing your hair, be gentle. Avoid scratching or scrubbing your scalp.
A scale softener that contains salicylic acid can help soften and loosen patches of psoriasis plaque during a flare-up.
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How Common Is Guttate Psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis is the second most common form of psoriasis that people get. Its more common in children and those under 30 years of age. The National Psoriasis Foundation suggests that of those who suffer from psoriasis, around 10% will suffer from guttate psoriasis. It comes in just behind plaque psoriasis, which is the type of psoriasis that is considered to be the most common form of psoriasis that people suffer from.
Lasts At Least A Few Days
Dr. Husni also says that a psoriatic arthritis flare usually doesnt go away after an hour or two. If you get better right away we dont really consider that a flare, which usually lasts over a couple of days or a week, she says. But, if the symptoms are really severe, you should still call your doctor even if its only been a short time. Theres no magic number of days or hours its more of how it affects your activities of daily living, Dr. Husni says.
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