Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis: report of 12 cases and literature review

Abstract

Background: Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis is an acute pustular eruption occurring after infection and/or drug ingestion, with spontaneous cure after a single eruption.

Aim: To communicate a series of cases of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on cases of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, observed between 1993 and 2006 at the Dermatology Department, Hospital General de Occidente, Jalisco, Mexico.

Results: Twelve patients were included, with a predominance of male patients and a mean age of 28 years. The most common cause was drugs, detected in 83% of cases, and most of these were a result of anticonvulsants and antimicobials. The most frequent symptoms were itching, present in all cases, and fever, present in 92% of cases.

Conclusions: Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis is considered to be a distinct clinical and histopathologic entity. Because of its self-resolving character, early recognition can help to avoid unnecessary diagnostic studies and treatments.