guttate

Guttate is an adjective meaning drop-like or shaped like small droplets. It derives from the Latin guttatus, from gutta meaning drop. In medical terminology, guttate describes lesions or forms that resemble tiny droplets.

The best-known use is in guttate psoriasis, a form of psoriasis characterized by numerous small, round to oval, salmon-pink papules with fine scaling, typically 2–5 mm in diameter. These lesions are usually distributed on the trunk and proximal limbs. Onset is often abrupt, and a preceding streptococcal throat infection is a common trigger. Guttate lesions differ from the larger plaques seen in chronic plaque psoriasis.

Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on appearance and history. A biopsy is rarely needed.

Management aims to reduce inflammation and scaling. Treatments may include topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, or calcineurin inhibitors; keratolytics like salicylic acid can help remove scales. For more extensive disease, phototherapy (narrow-band UVB) or systemic therapies such as methotrexate, acitretin, apremilast, or biologics may be used. If an active streptococcal infection is suspected, appropriate antibiotic treatment can be considered, though it is not always required to manage guttate psoriasis.

Prognosis is generally favorable, with many cases resolving spontaneously within weeks to months. Some individuals experience relapses or progress to chronic plaque psoriasis.

Etymology: guttate comes from Latin gutta, meaning drop, reflecting the droplet-like appearance of the lesions.