Pustular Psoriasis – A Serious Form of Psoriasis

p>Pustular psoriasis is a relatively rare form of psoriasis characterized by raised bumps filled with pus, which are usually clearly defined and surrounded by red skin. When classified according to its severity, pustular psoriasis is described as one of three types; acute, sub-acute, and chronic, and in the acute form, can be quite dangerous. Sometimes pustular psoriasis is classified according to its distribution on the body; when described this way, pustular psoriasis is described as either as generalized pustular psoriasis or localized pustular psoriasis.

Generalized pustular psoriasis is also known as von Zumbusch psoriasis, and requires immediate medical attention and can even be fatal if not treated properly. It is often accompanied by fever, chills and aches and a chemical toxicity called polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) chemotaxis. The symptoms can arise within a matter of hours and often progresses into a drying out of the pustules, a glazing over of the skin, followed by the formation of more pustules. The acute generalized form most often occurs in adults and in the anal or genital areas, or in the folds of the skin.

The causes of pustular psoriasis are not very well understood, however pustular psoriasis has been associated with a withdrawal from topical or oral steroid use, and has also been identified as being potentially triggered by infection, pregnancy, certain drugs, and exposure to sunlight. Treatment for generalized von Zumbusch pustular psoriasis often requires hospitalization for rehydration and sometimes (ironically enough) the use of systemic steroids. Many of the usual treatments for psoriasis, such as Vitamin D-3, phototherapy, retinoids, Anthralin, methotrexate, cyclosporin and the biologics such as Enbrel, Amevive, and Humira are also used to treat pustular psoriasis, as are palliative measures such as compresses and saltwater solutions. Sometimes antibiotics are used, particularly if an infection is a clear trigger of the symptoms.

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