The role of psychological factors in palmoplantar pustulosis

Objective The aim of the present study was to find out whether emotional stress is related to palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP). Subjects and methods Our 21 patients with palmoplantar pustulosis and 21 age- and sex-matched controls were studied with the help of a psychological interview and two psychological tests: Eysenk's Personality Questionnaire for Adults (EPQ-A) and Inventory of Situations and Response of Anxiety (ISRA). Results Anxiety, ranging from moderate to severe was higher in PPP patients than in controls (P < 0.001). Conclusion Our findings seem to indicate that stress may be related to exacerbation of the palmoplantar pustulosis.