Pustular psoriasis

Pustular Psoriasis | Best Treatment for Psoriasis | Best Dermatologist

Pustular psoriasis is characterized by white pustules (blisters of noninfectious pus) surrounded by red skin. The pus consists of white blood cells. It is not an infection, nor is it contagious.

Symptoms

Pustular psoriasis is primarily seen in adults. It may be limited to certain areas of the body — for example, the hands and feet. Generalized pustular psoriasis also can cover most of the body. It tends to go in a cycle with reddening of the skin followed by pustules and scaling.

Triggers

A number of factors may trigger pustular psoriasis, including:

• Internal medications
• Irritating topical agents
• Overexposure to UV light
• Pregnancy
• Systemic steroids
• Infections
• Emotional stress
• Sudden withdrawal of systemic medications or potent topical steroids

Types of Pustular Psoriasis

Von Zumbusch can appear abruptly on the skin. It is characterized by widespread areas of reddened skin, which become painful and tender. Within hours, the pustules appear. Over the next 24 to 48 hours, the pustules dry, leaving the skin with a glazed and smooth appearance. Children rarely develop Von Zumbusch pustular psoriasis, but when it does happen it is often the first psoriasis flare and may have a better outcome than in adults. This form can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical care. People with von Zumbusch pustular psoriasis often need to be hospitalized for rehydration and start topical and systemic treatment, which typically includes antibiotics. Von Zumbusch is associated with fever, chills, severe itching, dehydration, a rapid pulse rate, exhaustion, anemia, weight loss and muscle weakness.

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) causes pustules on the palms of the hand and soles of the feet. It commonly affects the base of the thumb and the sides of the heels. Pustules initially appear in a studded pattern on top of red plaques of skin, but then turn brown, peel and become crusted. PPP is usually cyclical, with new crops of pustules followed by periods of low activity.

Acropustulosis (acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau) is a rare type of psoriasis characterized by skin lesions on the ends of the fingers and sometimes on the toes. The eruption occasionally starts after an injury to the skin or infection. The lesions can be painful and disabling, and cause deformity of the nails. Occasionally bone changes occur in severe cases.

Treatment

It is not unusual for doctors to combine or rotate treatments for pustular psoriasis due to the potential side effects of systemic medications and phototherapy. More than one study indicates a combination of acitretin (brand name Soriatane) and methotrexate can send pustular psoriasis into rapid remission and eventual clear the skin; however these medications do not need to be combined to be effective for pustular psoriasis. Treatments for specific types of pustular psoriasis include:

• Generalized pustular psoriasis: The goal of treatment is to prevent infection and fluid loss, stabilize the body’s temperature and restore the skin’s chemical balance. Acitretin, cyclosporine, methotrexate, oral PUVA (the light-sensitizing drug psoralen plus ultraviolet light A) and TNF-alpha blockers, such as infliximab, are often prescribed.
• Localized pustular psoriasis: This form can be stubborn to treat. Topical treatments are usually prescribed first. Your doctor may prescribe PUVA, ultraviolet light B (UVB), acitretin, methotrexate or cyclosporine.
• Von Zumbusch: Treatment often consists of acitretin, cyclosporine or methotrexate. Some doctors may prescribe oral steroids for those who do not respond to other treatments or who have become very ill, but their use is controversial because sudden withdrawal of steroids can trigger von Zumbusch pustular psoriasis. PUVA may be used once the severe stage of pustule development and redness has passed.
• Palmoplantar pustulosis: Because PP often is stubborn to treat, doctors usually prescribe topical treatments first, and then consider other options, including PUVA, UVB, acitretin, methotrexate or cyclosporine.
• Acropustulosis: Traditionally this form of pustular psoriasis has been hard to treat. Occlusion of topical preparations may help some people. Some people have had success using systemic medications to clear lesions and restore the nails.