Generalized pustular psoriasis of pregnancy treated with narrowband UVB and topical steroids

Yin Yin Vun1, Brad Jones, Muammer Al-Mudhaffer

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Ireland. yinvun@ausdoctors.net

A 19-year-old primigravida with a long history of plaque psoriasis presented during the second trimester with exacerbation of the disease. Examination revealed widespread psoriatic plaques with peripheral pustules. She was diagnosed with generalized pustular psoriasis of pregnancy. Histology of lesional skin was consistent with pustular psoriasis. Topical corticosteroids under occlusion resulted in only partial improvement. Hence, narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy was added at 27 weeks gestation, which resulted in clinical and symptomatic improvement. This is the first case report of generalized pustular psoriasis of pregnancy treated successfully with narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy.