Pustular Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common inflammatory condition of the skin. However, pustular psoriasis which is characterized by white pustules surrounded by red ski...
Psoriasis is a common inflammatory condition of the skin. However, pustular psoriasis which is characterized by white pustules surrounded by red skin, is rather rare. It is seen mostly in adults and is usually localized to certain areas of the body but can be generalized. Pustular psoriasis often occurs in a cycle which starts with a reddening of the skin followed by formation of pustules and scaling.
The most common places that these pustules appear are in the genital area and the bends and folds of the skin. These pustules can appear on the face but it’s highly unusual. If they occur under the nails it will cause the nails to come off. Underneath, the skin is smooth and read on which new pustules appear. This cycle can go on for days or weeks and within a two to three month period of time, hair loss can even occur.
Individuals will also suffer other symptoms such as headache and fever. But, once the pustules improve the other symptoms will also disappear. Individuals who have never suffered from pustule psoriasis in the past should visit their physician if a rash or raised pus filled box appears on the skin. Other symptoms that may appear also are fever, chills, joint pain, a feeling of general discomfort, decreased appetite and nausea.
In most cases there is no identifiable cause found for generalized pustular psoriasis. The medical terminology for this is idiopathic, which means no identifiable cause. Some people have a previous history of chronic plaque psoriasis, a more common variety, while others may find they recently were treated with corticosteroids, had an infection, were pregnant, or are taking drugs such as lithium, indomethacin, iodide and some of the beta-blockers. These factors appear to be triggers for pustular psoriasis.
Individuals who suffer from pustular psoriasis will have their disease classified into one of several types depending upon the symptoms. The symptoms will either be sudden and severe (acute), long-term (chronic) or somewhere in between (subacute). In some cases, individuals will suffer a generalized pustular psoriasis with acute symptoms of fever and a toxic reaction that results in a ring shape. In this case the individual will require hospitalization for treatment.
During your physical examination the doctor may also perform a few blood tests looking for specific changes that occur in individuals who have pustular psoriasis. Your physician may also order a blood culture to determine if any organisms are growing in the blood and a urine sample to assess creatinine levels and determine if there is any disorder of the kidneys. The doctor will probably also perform a culture of one of the pustules which should be negative.
Individuals who suffer from generalized pustular psoriasis are usually admitted to the hospital to ensure adequate fluid intake. If enough of the skin is damaged because of the condition, the individual may have difficulty maintaining their temperature which puts a huge strain on the heart.
Doctors may also order topical drugs, phototherapy or systemic psychotherapies to help decrease the condition and stabilize the individual. Medications may be used to reduce the symptoms and improve the complications of the disease. These may include topical corticosteroids, vitamin D3, coal tar, anthralin or retinoids. These systemic medications can include Enbrel, Rehumatrex, Cyclosporine, Alefacept or methotrexate.
Individuals can suffer from significant complications which may include bacterial skin infections, hair loss, abnormally low amounts of albumin in the blood, low amounts of calcium, kidney damage, liver damage or malabsorption in the gastrointestinal tract. It is very important for an individual who believes he may be suffering from pustular psoriasis to seek medical care from his primary care physician or dermatologist. This particular type of psoriasis should never be attempted to be treated using natural remedies at home.
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