Pustular psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that is very uncommon. Psoriasis though is a prevalent skin disease in which the the skin cells life cycle is affected. Generalized pustular psoriasis is characterized by pustules that are widespread and appear on tender, red skin. This type is also very rare. All races are affected by pustular psoriasis, though it’s not common in the United States. The age range of those who get pustular psoriasis is wide, but 50 years of age is the average. This condition does not occur in children very often.

Pustular psoriasis treatment comes in three types: topical therapy, phototherapy, and systemic therapy. These treatments can all be used together or individually.

Topical Therapy

The initial options for treatment include directly applying medications to the skin. Coal tar, vitamin D-3 derivatives, corticosteroids, retinoids, or anthralin are examples. No topical drug has been designated as the best pustular psoriasis treatment for all. These drugs are commonly rotated since each one has certain side effects. To create a stronger and more effective pustular psoriasis treatment, a combination of drugs are used as opposed to using just one individual drug.

Phototherapy

The sun’s UV light decreases skin cell production and cuts down inflammation. For some people, their psoriasis symptoms are reduced from exposure to sunlight. If psoriasis is spread throughout the body, so much so that the number of patches can’t be counted easily, then light therapy becomes an option. Light therapy also may be used when topical treatment is resisted. Erythroderma may accompany pustular psoriasis, which means that a patient’s skin may be too red in some cases in order to receive light therapy. As a result, other types of therapy will have to be considered.

Systemic Therapy

If a patient has generalized pustular psoriasis, then he or she may start their pustular psoriasis treatment off with systemic agents, like retinoids for instance. PUVA treatment then may follow. When pustular psoriasis is chronic or mild, a patient may receive light treatment or topical treatment first. Systemic treatment may also be considered when the pustular psoriasis is disabling for the patient whether for economic, social, psychological, or physical reasons.