What Is Von Zumbusch Disease? Psoriasis

Von Zumbuschpsoriasiscan develop suddenly and initially appear as widespread red, painful, tender, skin blotches. These blotches are followed by tiny pustules that combine to form largeblisters. 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 beitchyand start to peel off. This can lead to rapid loss of moisture anddehydration.

Symptoms of Von Zumbusch disease include:

• Peeling skinall over the body
• Feverandchills
• Intenseitching
• Rapidheartrate
• Shallowbreathing
• Dehydration
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Muscleweakness
• Joint pain
• Weight loss

Generally,psoriasisdevelops 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. Withpustular 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:

• Emotionalstress
• Medications such as:
  • Salicylates
  • Lithium
  • Penicillin
  • Interferon
  • Terbinafine
• Abrupt discontinuation ofcorticosteroiddrugs
• Skin infections (Staphylococcus aureusandStreptococcusepidermidis)
• Excessive sun exposure
• Phototherapy
• Hypocalcemia (low blood calcium)
• Hormonal changes
• Pregnancy, especially during the第三阶段
• BacilleCalmette-Guerin vaccination fortuberculosis
• Irritating topical medications (coal tar or anthralin)

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
• Correctelectrolyteimbalances

Medications commonly used for treating Von Zumbusch disease include:

• Oral retinoids such asacitretin
• Immunosuppressant drugs such asmethotrexate
• Biologic drugs such as英夫利昔单抗
• Antibiotics for suspected infections

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

• Losing weight if you areobese
• Eating healthy by following the Mediterranean orgluten-free diet
• Taking a nutritional supplement such asfish oilorvitamin D
• Limitingalcoholintake
• Quittingsmoking
• Getting natural sunlight exposure for 15-20 minutes a day
• Avoidingover-the-counterpainmedication such asibuprofenandnaproxen, as they can exacerbate symptoms