Pustular psoriasis flares can occur after discontinuation of which type of medication?

Pustular psoriasis is a severe form of psoriasis characterized by the presence of pustules and can be exacerbated or flared up due to several factors, including the withdrawal of certain medications. Systemic steroids are known to suppress the immune response and control inflammation. When these medications are abruptly discontinued, especially after long-term use, it can lead to a rebound effect, causing a significant flare of underlying psoriasis, including pustular psoriasis.

This phenomenon occurs because the body, having relied on the steroid to manage inflammation, can experience a sudden increase in disease activity when the medication is stopped. This is particularly true with systemic steroids, which have widespread effects on the immune system and inflammatory pathways.

Topical corticosteroids, while also used to treat psoriasis, are less likely to induce such a severe rebound effect upon discontinuation compared to systemic steroids. Antibiotics and antifungals do not typically trigger pustular psoriasis flares upon cessation as their primary roles are not related to the management of psoriasis, and their effects on inflammation and immune modulation differ from those of systemic steroids.