All You Need to Know About Pustular Psoriasis
Pustular psoriasis is a very uncommon type of psoriasis. People having this typical type of psoriasis are actually often ashamed of the condition, considering the appearance of it and its symptoms.
Pustular psoriasis is characterized by raised bumps of white pus filled pustules. The surrounding skin is usually red and sometime patches tend to develop. In this type of psoriasis, the white blood cells often collect on the skin’s surface in the form of small spots. When these pustules affect the whole body, it is known as generalized pustular psoriasis. This is indeed a fatal condition.
There are different types of pustular psoriasis that includes acute, chronic and subacute. This type of psoriasis is usually common in the feet and hands. However, it is not a contagious disease, therefore chances of spreading to others does not exist.
The symptoms of pustular psoriasis manifest in the form of small, whitish or yellowish pustules developing in the arms and legs, the skin tends to become red, with a burning sensation; the pustules spread rapidly and it causes fever.
Our immune system produces certain substances that trigger the skin to produce new skin cells rapidly in psoriasis. It might as well result in the development of T-cells. If a person has even had psoriasis in the past, chances are that he might develop pustular psoriasis any time in the future. There are certain factors that trigger the development of pustular psoriasis, including infections, pregnancy, prescribed drugs and using steroid pills or creams. Other lifestyle factors, such as smoking, stress and any type of infection might provoke the condition.
Diagnosing any type of psoriasis is simple and easy. As the condition is typically visible to the naked eye, your GP can understand that it is psoriasis.
Pustular psoriasis treatment involves the use of different topical agents. Emollients, steroids, Vitamin D derivatives, dithranol and coal tar are some of the most commonly used topical treatments.
Light therapy is an excellent treatment for psoriasis too. Using natural light or ultraviolet light artificially can eliminate psoriasis. Light therapy is given by doctors in the hospital using UVB light therapy or PUVA light therapy.
Light therapy is considered to be the best treatment for pustular psoriasis, and every other type of psoriasis.
Oral medications, including Acitretin, Ciclosporin and Methotrexate are good medications for pustular psoriasis. However, these medications, or for that matter any other forms of medications are not meant for pregnant women.
It is possible to prevent pustular psoriasis if you have had a history of the disease. You must take the prescribed medicines to ensure that you don’t get the disease. However, it is always advised to see a doctor as and when required.