Pustular psoriasis appears as raised bums that are filled with pus that is not infectious and are therefore known as pustules. The skin surrounding these pustules is red and tender to the touch. When pustular psoriasis is localized it is most often on the hands and feet. When generalized it appears as patches which are widespread and randomly affecting any part of the body.

This type of psoriasis can also effect your scalp, causing damage to hair.  It is important to resist the urge to pop these pustules as it will only make them worse.

Pustular psoriasis is rare in relation to other types of psoriasis.  It is a severe form of the skin disorder and can cause general illness for those who suffer from it as they can experience fever and chills.

It is also possible that it will require special treatments because it may not respond to the more traditional treatment approaches.  The common treatment options for psoriasis may only serve to further irritate the skin of those who have pustular psoriasis.

If the condition does reach to the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet, it can cause disability.  It becomes very painful to walk or use your hands for everyday tasks.

Hospitalization for pustular psoriasis may become necessary for treatment of it.  Intensive topical therapy and systemically administered medications, such as retinoids or methotrexate can become required to provide relief.

A condition called impetigo herpetiformis is a pustular disease that occurs during pregnancy and is believed to probably be a form of pustular psoriasis.  Subcorneal pustular dermatosis is another condition that shares many similarities with pustular psoriasis and is thought to be related to it.

Even though pustular psoriasis happens in rare instances, its affects are significant.  It can be triggered by such things as medications, sunlight, infections, pregnancy, perspiration, stress or chemical exposure.  If you suffer from outbreaks of pustular psoriasis, it is important to try and pinpoint any possible triggers you have been exposed to so you can prevent future episodes.