Review of treatments for generalized pustular psoriasis

• Published in: The Journal of dermatological treatment Vol. 32; no. 5; pp. 492 - 494
• Main Authors: Kearns, Donovan G., Chat, Vipawee S., Zang, Peter D., Han, George, Wu, Jashin J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 04-07-2021
• Subjects: Antibodies, Monoclonal - therapeutic use; Dermatologic Agents - administration & dosage; Humans; IL-17; IL-23; IL-36RN; Interleukin-17 - immunology; Psoriasis - drug therapy; Pustular psoriasis; Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous - drug therapy; Von Zumbusch; IL-36RN; Pustular psoriasis; IL-23; Von Zumbusch; IL-17
• ISSN: 0954-6634; 1471-1753
• DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2019.1682502

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is an uncommon variant of psoriasis that is characterized clinically by sterile pustule formation superimposed over inflamed, erythematous skin.
In June 2019, we conducted a systematic search of the PubMed Medline database using the keywords 'pustular psoriasis' and 'treatment'.
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.
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.