Skip Navigation Linkshome > Psoriasis > Pustular Psoriasis
Size

Pustular Psoriasis

Overview

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

Pustular psoriasis on the chest
Pustular psoriasis of the fingernail
Pustular psoriasis of the foot
Pustular psoriasis covering the stomach

Most visited articles on Psoriasis

Healing Psoriasis begins with your diet!
You may be surprised to learn that what you eat can drastically affect the condition of your skin. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and their juices, plus whole grains may help to alleviate some of the discomfort associated with not only psoriasis, but other skin conditions as well, such as acne and Rosacea.
Vitamin D-3 and the skin
Although there is currently no proven cure for psoriasis, recent research indicates that there are numerous health benefits to vitamin D. Supplementation with D-3 provides relief from many inflammatory ailments and medical conditions. We believe these include psoriais, dermatitis, dandruff, eczema, rosacea and severe acne.
Inverse Psoriasis
Inverse psoriasis is found in skin folds such as the armpits, groin, under the breasts, around genitals and the buttocks. Inverse psoriasis is more common in people who are overweight and people with deep skin folds where friction and sweating occur.
More Articles >>


How Can We Help?

At DermaHarmony, our goal is to help inform chronic skin care sufferers about their choices, if necessary improve choices, and then support you in any way we can. Our Program supports healthy skin with nutritional supplements, topical treatments and dietary guidance. To learn more about our programs, click here or call us toll-free at 1-800-827-3730. Our Support Desk is open 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. EST, Monday-Friday.

Our skin assessment is designed to help us get a better understanding of your symptoms and to make diet and lifestyle recommendations for you. It’s super easy and free and only takes about 5 minutes. Take our Skin Assessment.

Principal Authors: DermaHarmony Editorial Staff
Date of Publication: 03/13/2004
Updated: 08/26/2009

This website is protected by the copyright laws of the United States of America.
Pursuant to Title 17, United States Code, the owner of this content has filed a valid certificate of registration with the United States Copyright Office.

The statements within this website have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease. If pregnant or nursing, please consult a physician before taking any dietary supplement. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase products.
Individual results do vary.