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Skin growths are a group of cells that surround the skin. These growths can at time appear to be flat or raised. They can also range in color and size, from flesh-colored to black. Whatever, the disposition of the growth, it is important to keep a watchful eye on them.

Pustular Psoriasis is an uncommon form of psoriasis. Individuals with this skin aliment have raised bumps on the skin that are filled with pus. The skin surrounding these bumps appears to be red, and large areas around the skin are also red, as can be seen in the picture above. After a few days, these bumps dry up, and begin to peel leaving behind a smooth surface; new pustules may appear at that time. Pustular Psoriasis is broken into several different categories based on the symptoms that the individual exhibits. They range from acute (severe), to chronic (long-term) and sub acute (combination).

Who can get them?

Pustular Psoriasis can affect individuals of all races. It affects adult males and females equally. However, in children it seems to affect more boys than girls. Pustular Psoriasis inflicts adults over the age of fifty. In children the average age is between two to ten years old.

What can cause them?

The exact cause of Pustular Psoriasis is unknown. It does seem to occur in individuals who have a history of psoriasis. They are some factors that can lead to an outbreak of this skin disorder; these include withdrawal from taking corticosteroids, drugs such as lithium and iodide, strong topical corticosteroids and infections.

How does it happen?

An individual inflicted with Pustular Psoriasis skin will become dry, red and tender. Within a few hours of this happening, the pustules will begin to fill up with pus.

Where do they appear?

Pustular Psoriasis can arbitrarily appear on any part of the body. They are some forms of Pustular Psoriasis that just appear on the hands or the feet.

What are the symptoms of Pustular Psoriasis?

The initial symptoms of Pustular Psoriasis are: the skin becomes dry, red and tender to the touch. The individual can also develop a fever; have chills, a headache, and loss of appetite, nausea, and possible muscle weakness. Within a few hours of the onset, the pustules will fill up with pus. The sudden outbreak of Pustular Psoriasis can be shocking to the individual experiencing it. The condition begins to clear up within a couple of weeks. Many times an individual will experience another outbreak after the initial one clears up.

How can it be diagnosed?

Pustular Psoriasis is a serious condition. Once you are diagnosed with having this skin aliment, you may have to be hospitalized. Blood tests can be done to see if you have this skin disorder. Individuals with Pustular Psoriasis have a low level of calcium in their blood; other changes in the blood include low zinc numbers.

What treatments are available for Pustular Psoriasis?

Pustular Psoriasis is a severe condition that can possibly lead to death due to cardio respiratory failure during the eruptive phase of this skin disorder. It can also lead to another bacterial infection, and liver problems. The idea is to keep an individual from experiencing any other fluid loss. This is why it is critical to get treatment as quickly as possible.

The affected area is first treated with a topical compresses, this is to help with the pustules. Antibiotics are also prescribed to assist with the infection. In extreme cases, individuals will be given an oral retinoid. If a person was previously on corticosteroids they may have to restart taking them temporarily. Phototherapy has also been used successfully in some cases in treating Pustular Psoriasis. Other medications such as methotrexate and hydroxyurea have also shown signs of success in treating this skin disorder. Anyone taking these medications needs to be watched carefully, as they can have strong side effects.

Whatever treatment is used, the main goal is to remember that this is a serious skin aliment, and such if you think you have it that you seek immediate medical attention. The sooner you get attention the better the individual’s prognosis will be and the more likely that permanent damage can be prevented.