Guttate Psoriasis Triggered by Streptococcal Pharyngitis in Older Patients: A Case Report

BACKGROUND Guttate psoriasis is a form of psoriasis that often occurs following infections and is most commonly triggered by group A Streptococcus. The link between streptococcal pharyngitis and the development of guttate psoriasis is well documented in younger populations; however, this presentation in older adults is less common. Additionally, older adult populations can have multiple comorbidities that could influence the development and clinical course of guttate psoriasis. CASE REPORT We report the case of a 66-year-old woman with multiple comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, vitamin D deficiency, colon cancer treated with surgical resection, and endometriosis, who developed guttate psoriasis following a confirmed episode of streptococcal pharyngitis. Initially, the patient's condition was misdiagnosed as tinea versicolor, leading to delays in appropriate treatment. After further dermatologic evaluation and laboratory investigations, the diagnosis of guttate psoriasis was more firmly established, allowing for more tailored treatment decisions. CONCLUSIONS This case highlights guttate psoriasis as a rare post-streptococcal complication in a 66-year-old woman, emphasizing the importance of clinical awareness and accurate diagnosis in older adults with recent upper respiratory infections. Although the exact mechanism of guttate psoriasis development remains unclear, its distinct clinical features allow for its recognition in patients of all ages. Guttate psoriasis also contributes to the understanding of the varied clinical manifestations of streptococcal pharyngitis, particularly in patients with complex medical histories.