Download Guttate Psoriasis - Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation

Guttate Psoriasis
Patient Information
The Prosser White Dermatology Centre
Leigh Infirmary
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Guttate Psoriasis
HP
Derm 056
2
Guttate Psoriasis
February 2015
February 2017
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What is it?
Guttate psoriasis is characterised by multiple tiny areas of psoriasis that tend to affect
most of the body.
“Gutta” is Latin for teardrop; psoriasis looks like a shower of red scaly tear drops that have
fallen down on the body.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis seems to be an inherited disorder. Normally, skin takes about a month for its
new cells to move from the lower layers to the surface. In psoriasis, this process takes only
a few days, resulting in the build up of dead skin cells and formation of thick scales.
Where do the lesions appear?
Lesions are usually concentrated around the trunk and upper arms and thighs. Face, ears
and scalp are also commonly affected but the lesions may be very faint and quickly
disappear in these areas. Occasionally there may be only a few scattered lesions in total.
How does the rash start?
The rash comes on very quickly, usually within a couple of days, and may follow a
streptococcal infection of the throat.
Who does it affect?
It tends to affect children and young adults and has a good chance of spontaneously
clearing completely.
Treatment
Management may include:

The treatment of an underlying strepacoccal infection with antibiotics.

Phototherapy (ultraviolet light treatments)

Topical agents including mild topical steroids, coal tar or vitamin D (e.g. Denovex)

Psoriasis rarely requires treatment with oral medications.
Your individual treatment will be discussed with you when you visit the dermatology centre .
We can be contacted at the:
Prosser White Dermatology Centre
Leigh Infirmary, The Avenue, Leigh, WN7 1HS
Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm
Telephone: 01942 264748 or 264125
Guttate Psoriasis
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Comments, Compliments or Complaints
The Patient Relations/PALS Department provides confidential on the spot advice, information
and support to patients, relatives, friends and carers.
Contact Us
Tel: 01942 822376 (Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm)
The Patient Relations/PALS Manager
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust
Royal Albert Edward Infirmary
Wigan Lane
Wigan WN1 2NN
In addition to the Patient Relations/PALS Service, you can contact HELPline on 01942 822111.
This leaflet is also available in audio, large print, Braille and other languages upon request.
For more information call 01942 773106.
© Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust
All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the copyright owner
Guttate Psoriasis
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