Guttate psoriasis is classically triggered by streptococcal infection. Which option best describes this trigger?

• A. Strep throat infection
• B. Emotional stress
• C. Trauma to skin
• D. UV exposure

Answer: (A)

Guttate psoriasis is classically precipitated by a streptococcal infection, most often a strep throat infection. After a recent pharyngitis, many tiny, droplet-like plaques appear on the trunk and proximal limbs. This pattern reflects an immune response where streptococcal antigens provoke T-cell–driven inflammation that targets the skin, leading to sudden eruption of small papules with fine scales.

Other factors like emotional stress can worsen psoriasis in general but are not the classic trigger for the guttate form; trauma to skin can induce new lesions at injury sites (Koebner phenomenon) but isn’t the typical precipitating event for guttate psoriasis; UV exposure tends to help psoriasis rather than act as a trigger.