[1] Unlike the most general and common forms of psoriasis, GPP usually covers the entire body and with pus-filled blisters rather than plaques.

It differs from the localized form of pustular psoriasis in that patients are often febrile and systemically ill.[2] However, the most prominent symptom, as described in the Archives of Dermatology, is "sheeted, pinhead-sized, sterile, sub-corneal pustules".

[3] The IPC roundtable adds that these pustules often occur either at the edges "of expanding, intensely inflammatory plaques" or "within erythrodermic skin".

It usually onsets early in the third trimester of pregnancy, and generally persists until the child is born, but occasionally long after.

In 2009, Dr. Debeeka Hazarika, president of the North East States branch of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL), published an article titled "Generalized pustular psoriasis of pregnancy successfully treated with cyclosporine" in Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol.

Most cases of GPP in pregnancy occur late in the third trimester, generally when production of progesterone increases.

[11] Khan et al. reported that in GPP patients ten or younger, less than 12% of cases are preceded by ordinary psoriasis.

[3] According to the article by the University of São Paulo, mentioned above, "The onset of childhood GPP is generally abrupt and accompanied by toxic features."

It is important that the disease is managed immediately in order to prevent life-threatening complications, such as infection or [sepsis].

Other complications include "metabolical, hemo-dynamic, and thermoregulatory disturbances" which occur as a result of "alterations of the epidermal barrier.

[14] An article published in Pediatric Dermatology said, "The GPP pattern is as an acute, episodic, and potentially life-threatening form of psoriasis.

Von Zumbusch observed a male patient, who had had classic psoriasis for several years, and who then went through recurrent episodes of bright [erythema] and [edema], which became studded with multiple pustules.

[13] In 1991, a case was reported of a man having plaque psoriasis and treating it with UV radiation at a tanning salon.

After receiving a partial thickness burn from overexposure, he presented with annular pustular psoriasis, which cleared after 21 days, only to reoccur every 3 to 6 weeks for a year.

[16] A case report published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment documents the successful use of adalimumab to control symptoms and induce relapse for 72 weeks.