Living with Generalized pustular psoriasis
A severe form of psoriasis with repeated episodes of red, inflamed skin and small pus-filled blisters, often with fever and tiredness.
Understanding Generalized pustular psoriasis
People have repeated episodes in which large areas of skin become red and inflamed and form small pus-filled blisters (pustules). Fever, extreme tiredness, muscle weakness, and other signs of body-wide inflammation can come with them. Episodes come and go, and can be triggered by infection, certain medicines, menstruation, or pregnancy, though the trigger is often unknown. It is usually noticed in adulthood.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Red, inflamed patches of skin
- Small pus-filled blisters (pustules)
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Joint pain or arthritis
- Nail changes
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists and skin, hair, and nail specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
National Psoriasis Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Genetic specialists (geneticists); Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: National Psoriasis Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with National Psoriasis Foundation and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
Changes in genes cause this condition. A child inherits a changed copy of the gene from each parent (autosomal recessive). GARD does not name the gene.
Also known as: acute generalized pustular psoriasis; generalized pustular psoriasis of von zumbusch; gpp
Patient organizations
- National Psoriasis FoundationGeneralized pustular psoriasis · United States
- Children's Skin Disease FoundationSkin diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Generalized pustular psoriasis.
Explore research for Generalized pustular psoriasis
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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