The only indication of giving corticosteroids in pustular psoriasis is –
**Core Concept**
Pustular psoriasis is a rare and severe form of psoriasis characterized by widespread pustules on the skin. Corticosteroids are not a first-line treatment for this condition due to their potential to exacerbate the disease.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In pustular psoriasis, corticosteroids can push the disease into a generalized form, increasing the risk of mortality. However, in certain situations, corticosteroids may be used to manage life-threatening complications associated with pustular psoriasis, such as acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) or pustular psoriasis of the palms and soles. The primary indication for corticosteroid use in pustular psoriasis is to manage these potentially life-threatening complications, not as a primary treatment for the pustules themselves.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because corticosteroids are not typically used to treat the pustules in pustular psoriasis. Instead, they can worsen the condition.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because systemic corticosteroids are not generally used to treat localized pustular psoriasis. Topical corticosteroids may be used, but with caution due to the risk of exacerbating the disease.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because while corticosteroids may be used in certain situations to manage complications of pustular psoriasis, they are not the primary treatment for the condition itself.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In pustular psoriasis, it's essential to differentiate between the generalized and localized forms of the disease. Generalized pustular psoriasis is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment, while localized pustular psoriasis can often be managed with topical treatments.
**Correct Answer: D.**