Bioscientia Medicina : Journal of Biomedicine and Translational Research
Vol. 10 No. 2 (2025): Bioscientia Medicina: Journal of Biomedicine & Translational Research

The Oral-Skin Axis in Autoinflammation: A Case Report of Severe Refractory Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP) Resolved by Comprehensive Periodontal Intervention

Ni Putu Wina Widyastuti (Unknown)
Prima Sanjiwani Saraswati Sudarsa (Unknown)
Herman Saputra (Unknown)
Handelia Phinari (Unknown)
Luh Putu Venny Cempaka Sari (Unknown)
Kevin Jonathan Djuanda (Unknown)
Mario Korwa (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
14 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a severe, IL-36-driven autoinflammatory dermatosis, distinct from psoriasis vulgaris. Chronic periodontitis (CP) is a dysbiotic inflammatory disease sharing pathogenic pathways (IL-1, IL-17). An "oral-skin axis" has been hypothesized, but definitive clinical evidence of CP driving a GPP flare is scarce. Case presentation: We present a 37-year-old male with a history of plaque psoriasis who developed a severe, refractory GPP flare (GPPASI 35.8) with high-grade fever (38.9°C), profound neutrophilic leukocytosis (22.5 x 10³/µL), and markedly elevated CRP (150 mg/L). The flare was resistant to maintenance methotrexate. Workup revealed severe CP with multiple periapical abscesses, culture from which grew Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum. The patient underwent a comprehensive dental intervention, including emergency extractions and full-mouth debridement, with concurrent peri-operative Amoxicillin-Clavulanate therapy. This combined intervention led to a rapid resolution of fever, neutrophilia, and cutaneous pustulation within 72 hours, without any escalation of systemic immunomodulators. He achieved complete remission (GPPASI 1.0) at 3-month follow-up. Conclusion: This case provides a strong temporal association supporting the oral-skin axis, highlighting severe periodontitis as a potent trigger and amplifier for GPP. The rapid resolution following a combined surgical and antibiotic intervention suggests that targeting the oral inflammatory and microbial reservoir is a critical, actionable strategy. We strongly recommend consideration of a comprehensive dental/oral screening in patients with refractory GPP.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

bsm

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Neuroscience

Description

BioScientia Medicina is an open access international scholarly journal in the field of biomedicine and translational research aimed to publish a high-quality scientific paper including original research papers, reviews, short communication, and technical notes. This journal welcomes the submission ...