Generalized flare of pustular psoriasis induced by PEGylated interferon-α2b therapy for chronic hepatitis C

ABSTRACT New onset or exacerbation of psoriasis vulgaris has been reported in a small number of patients after interferon (IFN)‐α therapy. Herein, we report a case of generalized flare of pustular psoriasis induced by PEGylated IFN‐α2b (PEG‐IFN‐α2b) in a 59‐year‐old woman with a 15‐year history of pustular psoriasis and chronic hepatitis C. Interferon‐α therapy was discontinued and the rash resolved after treatment with cyclosporin and systemic methylprednisolone. The potential side effect of PEG‐IFN‐α2b in inducing or exacerbating psoriasis should be kept in mind when treating patients with a history of psoriasis or pustular psoriasis.