Guttate psoriasis often appears in conjunction with an upper respiratory infection, particularly streptococcal tonsillitis, as it did in this patient. This phenomenon is more common in children.
A 56-year-old man sought medical attention because of the sudden appearance of a rash on the trunk and extremities. Immediately before presentation, he had experienced a severe upper respiratory tract infection, which included pharyngitis.
Key point: The patient’s eruption largely consists of multiple small plaques of psoriasis. There was a notable paucity of large plaques. Scalp and nails were normal. This is a good example of guttate (“drop-like”) psoriasis.
Treatment: The patient responded well to topical mid-potency topical corticosteroid application combined with narrow band UVB phototherapy.
Note: Guttate psoriasis often appears in conjunction with an upper respiratory tract infection, particularly streptococcal tonsillitis. This phenomenon is more common in children.