Psoriasis variant

THE more familiar presentation of psoriasis is with red scaly plaques on the elbows and knees. Sometimes it presents explosively on the trunk and limbs following a streptococcal throat infection. This variant is known as raindrop or guttate psoriasis.

It is usually seen in children but can be seen in adults, as in this case, where psoriasis was presenting for the first time. The scale is best appreciated by scratching the surface of the lesions. Some of them have joined to form plaques, and others below the knee have a linear arrangement from scratching called the Koebner phenomenon.

This form of psoriasis usually clears without treatment within three months. It resolves more quickly with ultraviolet exposure, either from natural sunlight or in a phototherapy box. Topical steroids seldom help, unless the condition is itchy, which it rarely is. For further discussion of this case, log into www.skinconsult.com.au.