Final answer:
Guttate psoriasis is characterized by small, drop-shaped, scaling lesions on the skin. It is caused by rapid cell turnover due to immune system abnormalities and may be associated with psoriatic arthritis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis characterized by the appearance of small, water-drop-shaped sores on the trunk, arms, legs, and scalp. These sores are covered with a fine scale and aren't as thick as the plaques that occur with plaque psoriasis. Guttate psoriasis often develops suddenly and may be triggered by a variety of factors, including upper respiratory infections, streptococcal infections, tonsillitis, stress, or injury to the skin.
The condition is related to an abnormality in the immune system where the cell turnover for skin cells is accelerated due to cytokine activation, causing the cells to rise to the skin surface in a few days rather than a month, leading to the buildup of tissue and inflamed patches. This process can be triggered by various autoimmune factors and can sometimes be associated with psoriatic arthritis, where the joints become inflamed.