Dermatology – MCQ 24 – Indication for systemic corticosteroids in pustular psoriasis

The only definite indication for giving systemic corticosteroids in pustular psoriasis is:
A. Psoriatic enythroderma with pregnancy
B. Psoriasis in a patient with alcoholic cirrhosis
C. Moderate arthritis
D. Extensive lesions

Correct answer : D. Extensive lesions

Systemic corticosteroids are not recommended in treatment of pustular psoriasis. This is because the disease can recur with increased severity once the treatment is stopped. But the best answer is treatment of extensive lesions. Steroids are very useful as a short term life saving measure in severe disease when other drugs have failed.