Exfoliative Dermatitis Secondary to Acute Generalized Pustular Psoriasis in a Child: A Case Report

Psoriasis is a common T-lymphocyte mediated inflammatory dermatosis in children. Infantile psoriasis is rare and accounts for only 3.5%-16% of childhood psoriasis [1]. General pustular psoriasis (GPP), an extremely rare form of psoriasis first described in 1910 by Leo Ritter von Zumbusch, is characterized by an abrupt onset of widespread erythematous lesions followed by superficial yellowish, usually confluent sterile pustules, accompanied by constitutional symptoms such as fatigue and fever [2]. Four clinical patterns of pustular psoriasis have been described: von Zumbusch, also known as generalized (GPP), annular (APP), exanthematic, and localized. A mixed variant (MPP), demonstrating features of both the von Zumbusch and annular patterns, has also been described [3]. Pustular psoriasis (PP) is a severe form of psoriasis and is extremely rare during the first decade of life. Only 1.0% to 5.4% of children have pustular psoriasis [4]. Early diagnosis with appropriate treatment is necessary to prevent the affected infants from severe complications, such as bacterial superinfection, dehydration, and sepsis [5].