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When you’re 
GPP-Confident, 
you’re more flare-ready

The content presented on this website contains suggestions to help you manage your GPP.

Please discuss with your doctor what is best for you.

What should I do if I have a generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) flare?

A generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) flare can be unexpected. However, there are things you could do to be more prepared.

This Preparing For GPP Flares section can help you act more promptly when a flare first occurs.

  1. GPP is a rare condition and it may not be well known to some doctors. Download and bring your GPP medical ID card with you when you visit a hospital so healthcare staff can contact your dermatologist to find out how they can provide you with the best care.
  2. GPP flares can come on suddenly and you may need urgent medical care. Consider how you could plan for your hospital stay.
  3. Diet and nutrition are important all the time, however when you are having a GPP flare, you may not feel well enough to go to the supermarket or cook healthy meals. You may wish to prepare some healthy meals that can be stored in the freezer for when you need them.
  4. GPP can affect you emotionally and socially. Other people may not be aware of, or understand, GPP which could make you feel alone or isolated. Having a group of supportive friends and family who can help you cope with GPP symptoms is important. They also provide practical support when a flare interrupts your daily routine or schedule.

When you feel a GPP flare coming on, you may require medical care

If you think you are experiencing symptoms of a generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) flare, you may need medical care. The following keywords might help you explain your symptoms to the doctor or other healthcare staff:

preparing for gpp flares: sterile pustules
Sterile pustules (inflamed spots with pus) on my skin
preparing for gpp flares: red itchy or painful skin
Red, itchy or painful skin
What is generalized pustular psoriasis: fever
Fever
preparing for gpp flares: fatigue
Fatigue

A medical ID card is important in case of an emergency to immediately give healthcare professionals the information they need about your condition and care. It will explain what GPP is and have your dermatologist’s phone number. That way, any healthcare provider can communicate with your dermatologist and confirm any information before treating you for a GPP flare.

Action plan

Prepare meals for easy access to healthy food during flares

Planning ahead means that you can look after your diet and nutrition even when you may not feel well enough to go to the supermarket or cook healthy meals.

Get organized by preparing, labelling and storing food in the freezer, in case of generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) flares. This could offer you some peace of mind. In addition to this, you won’t have to worry about groceries or cooking, but you will still be in control of your nutrition.

You could also take advantage of food delivery options, for example, grocery delivery services or other food delivery companies. Consider making a list of your favourite restaurants that offer these services and a list of the healthy meals you could order from them in times of need.

GPP flares can be unpredictable and you may need to go to hospital

An emergency hospital stay can feel overwhelming. It might help to prepare a packed bag for your (generalized pustular psoriasis) GPP hospital visits.

Aside from your essentials, include the following items in your hospital bag:

preparing for gpp flares: your GPP medical id card
Your GPP medical ID card
preparing for gpp flares: list of medication
An up to date list of medication you are taking for your GPP (as well as any other medication)

Tell your caregiver, or members of your household where your emergency hospital stay bag is kept so they can access it if needed. Consider creating a checklist to place inside the bag so they can ensure that everything you need is there.

You could also prepare for a GPP flare by keeping emergency contact information in your phone. This could include the contact numbers of your caregiver, people in your household, neighbors, or anyone else who you would need to contact in case of an emergency, as well as the phone numbers of local hospitals and the doctor(s) looking after you.

Your support network

You can build your support network with trusted people in your life. Consider speaking to your doctor, family or friends before a generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) flare so they can offer emotional and practical support when needed.

If you would like to expand your network, think about joining a support group to find other people living with GPP who understand what you are going through.

Consider explaining to people in your support network that GPP flares can appear suddenly and symptoms can last for days, weeks or sometimes more than 3 months. This can help them understand that the support you need may be ongoing.

GPP could impact your ability to socialize with friends and family. It might be helpful to explain the unpredictable nature of the condition to the people around you, so they understand if you need to cancel social engagements unexpectedly.

If you work or have children of school age, draft a letter, email or text message that explains the emergency so that it is ready to send on the onset of a flare. You could prepare pre-written notes for loved ones or caregivers detailing anything that needs to be done during a GPP flare or when you are recovering from a flare. For example, if flares impact your ability to carry out household tasks, you might need their support. Alternatively, you could consider a cleaning service to help support you with household chores.

GPP can also impact your life when you are not experiencing a flare. This is because people living with GPP can experience ongoing symptoms. The emotional and physical burden of GPP can mean people living with the condition are unable to perform their usual activities of daily living. If you find that GPP impacts your life when you are not actively experiencing a flare, speak to your doctor so they can find ways to best support you.

What to do during a GPP flare

A generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) flare can cause complications in other parts of the body as well as the skin. If your GPP is left untreated, these complications could become potentially life-threatening.

It is important that you seek prompt medical help as soon as a GPP flare starts.

Follow these steps when a GPP flare occurs:

  • Recognize your symptoms

    A GPP flare may start with itchy, painful or red sterile pustules (inflamed spots with pus) that appear on your skin. You may also feel feverish, very tired and generally unwell.

  • Seek prompt medical attention

    If you have a dermatologist overseeing your care, contact them or their receptionist to explain the situation. Download the GPP glossary to help in your discussions.


    Always seek emergency medical help if you feel you need to. Use keywords to explain your symptoms when at the hospital.

  • Bring your GPP medical ID card to the hospital

    Show your GPP medical ID card to healthcare staff who are looking after you. If you have a pre-packed emergency bag, take it with you.

Contact your support network and anyone else that you need to

Prepare a pre-written text message you can copy and paste to send to people in case of a flare.

“I’m currently experiencing a flare-up of GPP and I’m going to get medical attention. You might not be able to get hold of me while I rest and recover. I’ll get back to you when I can.”

This way, you can easily send messages explaining the situation and what support you might need. You can also keep everyone up to date during emergencies.