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Home Scaly skin diseases Acute forms of psoriasis CME
Created 2009.
Note. You should have already read the overview page about psoriasis.
Acute guttate psoriasis
Acute guttate psoriasis is a common presentation of psoriasis in children and adolescents.
Erythrodermic psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis refers to very extensive or whole-body psoriasis and requires urgent specialist dermatologist review.
Generalised pustular psoriasis
Generalised pustular psoriasis (von Zombusch psoriasis) requires urgent specialist dermatologist review.
Rare subtypes of subacute or chronic generalised pustular psoriasis include:
Although often idiopathic, flares can be precipitated by:
Guttate psoriasis may be confused with:
Erythrodermic psoriasis may be confused with:
Generalised pustular psoriasis may be confused with:
Investigations indicated in acute forms of psoriasis may include:
Mild guttate psoriasis is usually managed with topical agents.
If guttate psoriasis is too extensive or severe to be effectively managed with topical treatments alone, refer to a dermatologist for phototherapy and/or systemic treatment.
Treatment for erythrodermic and generalised pustular psoriasis includes:
Oral corticosteroids should be avoided because withdrawal risks worsening of the psoriasis. However, sometimes they are the only treatment that helps, in which case specialist care is mandatory.
Topical tar preparations and phototherapy should also be avoided in the acute phase of erythrodermic or generalised pustulosis.
What is the evidence that antistreptococcal treatment is helpful in the management of psoriasis?
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