The term pustular psoriasis is used for a heterogeneous group of diseases that share pustular skin characteristics.
Signs and symptoms
Characteristics may vary according to the subtype of pustular psoriasis. For example, it can be localized, commonly to the hands and feet (
localized pustular psoriasis
Localized pustular psoriasis presents as two distinct conditions that must be considered separate from generalized psoriasis, and without systemic symptoms, these two distinct varieties being pustulosis palmaris et plantaris and acrodermatitis con ...
), or generalized with widespread patches appearing randomly on any part of the body (
generalized pustular psoriasis).
However, all forms of pustular psoriasis share in common the presence of red and tender blotchy skin covered with
pustules.
Pustular psoriasis can be localized, commonly to the hands and feet (palmoplantar pustulosis), or generalized with widespread patches occurring randomly on any part of the body.
Acrodermatitis continua
Acrodermatitis /ac·ro·der·ma·ti·tis/ is a childhood form of dermatitis selectively affecting the hands and feet and may be accompanied by mild symptoms of fever and malaise. It may also be associated with hepatitis B and other viral infec ...
is a form of localized psoriasis limited to the fingers and toes that may spread to the hands and feet.
Pustulosis palmaris et plantaris is another form of localized pustular psoriasis similar to acrodermatitis continua with pustules erupting from red, tender, scaly skin found on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
(GPP) is also known as
(von Zumbusch) acute generalized pustular psoriasis in acute cases, and as
impetigo herpetiformis
Impetigo herpetiformis is a form of severe pustular psoriasis occurring in pregnancyJames, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). ''Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology''. (10th ed.). Saunders. Page 471. . which may occur dur ...
during pregnancy.
GPP is a rare and severe form of psoriasis that may require hospitalization. This form of psoriasis is characterized by an acute onset of numerous pustules on top of tender red skin. This skin eruption is often accompanied by a
fever,
muscle aches,
nausea, and an
elevated white blood cell count.
Annular pustular psoriasis
Annular pustular psoriasis is a rare variant of pustular psoriasis, having an annular, or circinate, lesion morphology that may appear at the onset of pustular psoriasis, with a tendency to spread and form enlarged rings.Freedberg, et al. (2003). ' ...
(APP), a rare form of GPP, is the most common type seen during childhood.
APP tends to occur in women more frequently than in men, and is usually less severe than other forms of generalized pustular psoriasis such as impetigo herpetiformis.
This form of psoriasis is characterized by ring-shaped plaques with pustules around the edges and yellow crusting.
APP most often affects the torso, neck, arms, and legs.
Diagnosis
Classification
Pustular psoriasis is classified into two major forms: localized and
generalized pustular psoriasis.
Within these two categories there are several variants:
Management
injection of methotrexate
References
External links
Psoriasis
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