Annular Pustular Psoriasis
What is Annular Pustular Psoriasis?
Annular pustular psoriasis is a less common form of psoriasis rash. Annular pustular psoriasis is a ring-shaped rash of pustular psoriasis. This variation of pustular psoriasis has a tendency to spread and form enlarged rings. Annular pustular psoriasis tends to have a ring-like appearance where the outer margin is red with lighter or normal looking skin inside the circle.
Annular pustular psoriasis is usually defined as sub acute or chronic, and people with this type of rash do not usually have symptoms aside from the skin symptoms. The symptoms include inflammation and redness, itchiness, and thickened plaques of the skin. These thickened plaques may flake away or in more severe episodes they can affect the movement of joints. Annular pustular psoriasis is the most common form of pustular psoriasis in children but can occur in adults also.
Cause of Annular Pustular Psoriasis
The cause of annular pustular psoriasis is not entirely understood. Annular pustular psoriasis is believed to be an autoimmune condition. It may also be a simple malfunction in the portion of the skin cells responsible for manufacturing more skin cells. This malfunction causes the cells to over-produce causing a build up of excess skin cells.
Symptoms of Annular Pustular Psoriasis
Annular pustular psoriasis symptoms include plaques - a flat, raised patch on the skin, inflammation of the skin, pustules, flaking of the skin, and itching of the skin. Annular pustular psoriasis in particular also carries with it unique lesions. The lesions appear in circular form surrounding the plaques, creating a spotted or mottled appearance. These rings have a tendency to spread and form enlarged rings.
The plaques caused by annular pustular psoriasis are themselves painless, but their location can cause discomfort. The plaques are stiff and may restrict the movement of joints. This lack of flexibility can make movement very difficult.
The pustules of annular pustular psoriasis can be painful. Pustules are small bubbles of pus that form under the skin. These may be quite irritating, leading to an intense desire to scratch them, which may lead to infection.
Treatment of Annular Pustular Psoriasis
Treatment for annular pustular psoriasis consists primarily of immune suppressing treatments. These have proven effective at forcing psoriasis into remission if applied aggressively enough. They carry with them many side effects but it is believed that the possible benefits outweigh the side effects.
Other possible treatments are based on the individual symptoms. Anti-inflammatory treatments and medications may help with the formation of pustules. Extreme inflammation may require a limited-time use of corticosteroids.
Jojoba Oil may be used to moisturize and soothe the skin, especially near plaques. In addition to Jojoba Oil, oatmeal baths may help to exfoliate away dying skin and reduce itching.
