In visualizing a picture of pustualr psoriasis; picture a large red area covered with yellow-green pustules. The pustules tend to be one to two millimeters in diameter and are quite tender. The yellow color is caused by masses of white blood cells (polymorph leucocytes), which flood into any part of the skin that is damaged or infected, in order to fight infection and aid recovery.
After seven to 10 days, the pustules become dispersed and a brown scale appears. This scale will start to shed as new pustules develop in other areas, often in a continuous cycle.The most common type of pustular psoriasis affects the palms and soles. It isn't normally itchy however it can be sore or uncomfortable to use either your hands or feet, for example if you are writing or walking.
Generalized pustular psoriasis is marked by a general reddening and inflammation of the skin with sheets of small pustules merging into larger sheets. This is a serious and potentially life-threatening illness that can severely disrupt the skin’s function.
Generalized pustular psoriasis which is spread over wide areas of the body is also called von Zumbusch pustular psoriasis, named after the physician who first described it in the early 1900s. In this relatively rare form of the disease, widespread areas of reddened skin (erythema) develop, and the skin becomes acutely painful and tender. Pustules—blisters of non-infectious pus—may appear on the skin, dry, then reappear in repeated cycles lasting several days.
