How Does Infection Cause Guttate Psoriasis?
It has been postulated that an immunological mimicry between antibodies against bacterial super antigens and keratin proteins in the skin leads to activation of auto reactive T lymphocytes, which are responsible for the changes taking place in psoriatic skin. This occurs in genetically predisposed individuals. Both guttate and plaque psoriasis share strong gene associations with a specific gene called PSOR1, which resides in the short arm of chromosome 6. Guttate Psoriasis Clinical Features Following the inducing event, pin head to pea sized, tiny rain drops-like (guttate), erythematous (red) rashes erupt abruptly. The distribution is bilaterally symmetrical all over the body, especially the trunk, sparing the palms and soles. Sometimes face, ears and scalp may also be affected in guttate psoriasis, but this is infrequent. Scales are not evident in the early stage. Compared to plaque psoriasis, the scales that form in guttate psoriasis are thin. Although the guttate lesions are normall
