Pustular psoriasis
In pustular (PUHS-choo-ler) psoriasis, blisters
of noninfectious pus appear on the skin. Attacks of pustular
psoriasis may be triggered by medications, infections, stress,
or exposure to certain chemicals.
- Widespread areas of reddened skin develop.
- Skin becomes very tender and painful.
- Pustules appear on the skin, dry, and then peel within
several days, leaving the skin with a glazed, smooth appearance.
- Pustules may reappear and erupt every few days or weeks.
Pustular psoriasis is further subcategorized as either "localized"
or "generalized". Generalized pustular psoriasis
occurs in random, widespread patches on the body. Localized
pustular psoriasis may be present either on the hands and
feet (palmo-plantar pustulosis) or on the tips of
the fingers (acropustulosis).
Generalized pustular psoriasis can appear quickly. Within
as little as a few hours after the skin becomes tender, blisters
(pustules) of noninfectious pus can appear. The pus inside
consists of white blood cells. It is not an infection, and
it is not contagious.
Generalized pustular psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis.
It is spread over wide areas of the body. It is also called von Zumbusch pustular psoriasis, named after the
physician who first described it in the early 1900's.
This form rarely appears in children, although when it does,
the chance of improvement is usually much better than it is
for adults. Physicians generally avoid giving systemic (oral
or injected) treatments to children because the condition
may improve without those medications.
Images of pustular psoriasis
Principal Authors: DermaHarmony Editorial Staff
Date of Publication: 03/13/2004
Updated: 02/11/2008
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