Pustular Psoriasis

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• Pustular Psoriasis Overview
• Pustular Psoriasis Causes
• Pustular Psoriasis Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Pustular Psoriasis Treatment
• Medical Treatment
• Medications
• Other Therapy
• Next Steps
• Prevention
• Outlook
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Pustular Psoriasis Overview

Pustular psoriasis is an uncommon form of psoriasis. People with pustular psoriasis have clearly defined, raised bumps on the skin that are filled with pus (pustules). The skin under and around these bumps is red. Large portions of your skin may redden.


Pustular psoriasis. Note the clearly defined, raised bumps on the skin that are filled with pus (pustules). The skin under and around these bumps is red.

The skin changes you may notice before, during, or after an episode of pustular psoriasis may be similar to those of regular psoriasis. People with the usual skin symptoms of psoriasis have patches of raised skin with scales.  
 
Pustular psoriasis is classified into one of several types, depending on your symptoms. Your symptoms may be sudden and severe (acute), long term (chronic), or somewhere in between (subacute). The generalized type affects your whole body with more than just skin symptoms. A generalized type with acute symptoms, fever, and a toxic reaction in your tissues is called the von Zumbusch type. A ring-shaped (annular, or circinate) type has also been described. It is usually subacute or chronic, and people with this type do not usually have symptoms aside from the skin symptoms. Pustules may be localized to the palms and soles (palmoplantar pustulosis). The least common type is the juvenile, or infantile type, which occurs in children.
 
Pustular psoriasis is not common. In Japan, only about 7.46 people per 1,000,000 have pustular psoriasis. Pustular psoriasis affects all races. In adults, it affects men and women equally. In children, it affects boys somewhat more often than girls. The average age of people with pustular psoriasis is 50 years. Children aged 2-10 years can be affected, but this is rare.