Etretinate therapy in generalized pustular psoriasis (Zumbusch type). Immediate and long-term results

Etretinate therapy in 18 cases of generalized pustular psoriasis of the Zumbusch type proved to be effective and the therapy of choice. Only in 4 patients was maintenance therapy needed; in most cases relapses occurred after various intervals and patients responded invariably to reintroduction of the drug. Side-effects were slight. In 3 patients triglyceride levels became elevated, but only in 1 case the drug had to be withdrawn. In most of the patients generalized pustular eruption was accompanied, in some relapses or in some areas, by plaques of common psoriasis.