Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis: an enigmatic drug-induced reaction

Cutis. 2009 Jun;83(6):291-8.

Abstract

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a diffuse pustular disorder that is primarily drug induced and characterized by acute, extensive, small, nonfollicular, sterile pustules that usually begin in intertriginous folds with widespread edema and erythema. This article reports a case in which thalidomide, dexamethasone, or meloxicam may have been the etiologic agent to induce AGEP and the skin condition may have worsened with administration of additional medications during hospital admission. A good thorough medical history, including a drug history, along with clinicopathologic correlation is extremely important in a patient presenting with acute diffuse pustular lesions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Aged
  • Dexamethasone / adverse effects
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology*
  • Exanthema / chemically induced*
  • Exanthema / diagnosis
  • Exanthema / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meloxicam
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / chemically induced*
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / diagnosis
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous / pathology
  • Thalidomide / adverse effects
  • Thiazines / adverse effects
  • Thiazoles / adverse effects

Substances

  • Thiazines
  • Thiazoles
  • Thalidomide
  • Dexamethasone
  • Meloxicam