What is the cure for palmoplantar pustulosis ?

 PALMOPLANTAR  PUSTULOSIS :


Palmoplantar pustulosis is a rare autoimmune skin condition. Blisters and pus-filled bumps, known as pustules, appear on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. It’s chronic and more likely to affect current or former smokers.

Palmoplantar pustulosis is considered a type of pustular psoriasis by some experts and a separate condition by others.

The condition is rare, with a prevalence of only about0.01% to 0.05% .When it does develop, it can affect the quality of your life. It can be a painful condition causing itchiness and skin cracks. It can also make walking or other activities difficult.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS ANS SYMPTOMS OF PALMOPLANTAR  PUSTULOSIS ?

Palmoplantar pustulosis is more common in adults than in children, within a mean onset age range of 40 to 58 .

The symptoms can vary. Most people with this condition have problems with the skin on their hands and feet.

The most common symptoms include :

  • red and tender skin
  • blisters and pustules (pus-filled bumps) on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet
  • itchiness
  • pain
  • skin cracks
  • scaly skin
  • dry and thick skin

The first symptom is red and tender skin on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Then, blisters and pustules form. The pustules can appear in patches on the skin. They can start as a small area and spread. It’s common for them to come and go.

The pus in the pustules can be white or yellow. After the blisters and pustules dry up, they can turn brown and scaly. Deep and painful cracks can form in the skin. The skin can also become dry and thick.

Since the condition is so rare, there haven’t been many reports on how it looks on skin of color. Generally, psoriasis may appear more purple on darker skin, and the person can experience more hyperpigmentation . 

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF PALMOPLANTAR PUSTULOSIS ?

The exact cause of palmoplantar pustulosis is unknown  However, several factors may contribute to the development of this condition.

You’re more likely to have palmoplantar pustulosis if you:

  • currently smoke
  • used to smoke
  • have a history of psoriasis
  • have a family history of palmoplantar pustulosis or other types of psoriasis
  • have another autoimmune disease, such as celiac disease, thyroid disease, arthritis, or type 1 diabetes

Triggers for flare-ups of palmoplantar pustulosis include:

  • streptococcal bacterial infections
  • other types of infections
  • stress
  • certain medications, such as steroids
  • smoking

Another trigger for palmoplantar pustulosis or pustular psoriasis is a type of medication called TNF-alpha inhibitors. Typically doctors use these to treat psoriasis, but they can actually causes flares of this type of psoriasis.

Palmoplantar pustulosis isn’t contagious and can’t be spread to other people.

HOW IS A PALMOPLANTAR  PUSTULOSIS DIAGNOSIS  ?

The diagnosis process for palmoplantar pustulosis starts  

Trusted Sourceby looking at your skin. A doctor will examine the skin on your palms and soles to check for blisters or pustules. They may need to do several tests and gather more information to rule out other medical problems.These tests and information include:

  • physical exam and medical history
  • skin biopsy
  • swab or scrape of the skin to check for infections
  • laboratory tests to check for infections or elevated biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and uric acid levels

A swab or scrape of the skin is usually painless. A skin biopsy may be necessary to rule out other problems. This usually requires a local anesthetic and stitches to close the wound from the biopsy.

HOW  TO TREAT PALMOPLANTAR PUSTULOSIS ?

Palmoplantar pustulosis is sometimes difficult to treat. This condition can come and go. It’s common for it to disappear and reappear over a long period.

There's no cure for palmoplantar pustulosis. Treatment may help you manage the symptoms, however. The most common treatments include:

  • topical steroids in the form of creams and ointments
  • skin-moisturizing creams and ointments
  • tar ointments
  • oral retinoids such as acitretin
  • phototherpy or ultraviolet light therapy (PUVA)

If those treatments don’t work, a doctor may recommend other treatments, including:

  • immunosuppressive therapy
  • cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Gengraf, Neoral)
  • methotrexates
  • biologics such as etanercept (Enbrel, Erelzi), and infliximab (Remicade, Inflectra, Renflexis) when other medications aren’t effective

Palmoplantar pustulosis can be resistant to treatment. It may take months to find the right treatment plan for you.

WHAT ARE THE PREVENTION OF  PALMOPLANTAR PUSTULOSIS ?


It may not be possible to prevent all cases of palmoplantar pustulosis. Still, there are things you can do to reduce flare-ups and your risk of developing this condition.

  • Avoid smoking, and if you do smoke, talk with a doctor about smoking cessation plans.
  • Use moisturizing creams and ointments on your palms and soles.
  • Replace your soap, bubble baths, and shower gels with moisturizing cleaning products for the skin.
  • Rest your feet and hands.
  • Keep your feet and hands clean.
  • Protect your hands with gloves while doing manual labor.

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