Abstract

ACUTE EXANTHEMATOUS GENERALIZED PUSTULOSIS – A RARE DERMATOPATHOLOGICAL CASE REPORT

Dr. Vaishnavi Selvaraju, Dr. Monisha Rita J.*, Dr. Jaya Ganesh and Dr. Akshaya

Abstract

Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) also known as toxic pustuloderma, is a dreadful skin condition caused by drugs and few viruses. Drugs like B - lactams and macrolides are the causative factor in more than 90% of cases but acute infection by many viruses such as cytomegalovirus, parvovirus B19 and Epstein-Barr virus can also be the trigger. AGEP is an uncommon exanthematous condition featured by sudden onset of many small, non-follicular, sterile pustules arising on an erythematous base that initially starts in the face and/or intertriginous area then spreads widely to become generalised. AGEP frequently presents with abrupt onset of numerous sterile pustules often associated with fever, neutrophilic leucocytosis and sometimes eosinophilia. Disappearance of the lesions with desquamation is seen within two weeks following the cessation of the offending agent. in this article we elaborate a case of AGEP that presented with skin and mucus membrane involvement, discuss its histopathological differential diagnoses and how to differentiate them.

Keywords: AGEP, Acute Generalised Exanthematous Pustulosis, Pustules, Drug eruption.