Review of treatments for generalized pustular psoriasis

Abstract

Background

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is an uncommon variant of psoriasis that is characterized clinically by sterile pustule formation superimposed over inflamed, erythematous skin.

Methods

In June 2019, we conducted a systematic search of the PubMed Medline database using the keywords ‘pustular psoriasis’ and ‘treatment’.

Results

First-line treatment for the condition consists of established therapies, such as acitretin, cyclosporine, methotrexate, and infliximab. Several medications targeting IL-17 or IL-23 have also emerged recently with drugs such as ixekizumab, secukinumab, brodalumab, guselkumab, and ustekinumab having shown some efficacy.

Conclusions

This review highlights the research in support of common treatments of GPP, including classically used medications and newer monoclonal antibodies, and addresses the continued need for high quality studies regarding treatments for this condition.

Keywords:

• Pustular psoriasis
• IL-23
• Von Zumbusch
• IL-17
• IL-36RN

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.