What Is Von Zumbusch Disease? Psoriasis

Medically Reviewed on 6/2/2022
What Is Von Zumbusch Disease
Von Zumbusch psoriasis is caused by sudden, severe autoimmune inflammation

Von Zumbusch disease or acute generalized pustular psoriasis is a rare and life-threatening type of psoriasis characterized by pus-filled pustules. The pustules are not contagious and generally limited to the hands and feet

Von Zumbusch psoriasis can develop at any age but mostly affects adults over age 50. It is caused by sudden, severe autoimmune inflammation.

What are the symptoms of Von Zumbusch disease?

Von Zumbusch psoriasis can develop suddenly and initially appear as widespread red, painful, tender, skin blotches. These blotches are followed by tiny pustules that combine to form large blisters. These pustules rupture easily when scratched. 

Within 24-48 hours, the pustules tend to dry up and leave a smooth, glazed appearance. The skin will be itchy and start to peel off. This can lead to rapid loss of moisture and dehydration.

Symptoms of Von Zumbusch disease include:

What causes Von Zumbusch disease?

Generally, psoriasis develops when the immune system is overactive and produces an excess amount of inflammatory agents called cytokines. Cytokines usually help the body fight infections and heal injuries. But with autoimmune diseases, cytokines attack healthy tissue instead of concentrating on fighting off an infection.

Due to the inflammatory attack, skin cell production is accelerated, causing cells to accumulate on the skin surface and form patches of scaly lesions. With pustular psoriasis, the autoimmune response is even more severe. 

Von Zumbusch disease is usually caused due to a defect in an inflammatory protein called interleukin. Generally, there are matched sets of interleukins, with one that promotes inflammation and one that reduces inflammation. Defective interleukin cells can trigger an autoimmune response and result in a massive burst of inflammation.

Some of the triggers that can lead to Von Zumbusch disease include:

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How is Von Zumbusch disease treated?

Because Von Zumbusch disease is a life-threatening disease, it requires immediate medical attention. The aim of the treatment is to:

  • Prevent the loss of fluid
  • Stabilize body temperature
  • Restore the skin’s protective function 
  • Correct electrolyte imbalances

Medications commonly used for treating Von Zumbusch disease include:

Can Von Zumbusch disease be prevented?

Although Von Zumbusch psoriasis cannot necessarily be prevented, you can reduce the risk of recurrence with the following measures:

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Medically Reviewed on 6/2/2022
References
Image Source: iStock image

https://www.dovepress.com/pustular-psoriasis-pathophysiology-and-current-treatment-perspectives-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-PTT

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5514569/