Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis induced by hydroxychloroquine: a case with atypical clinical presentation

An Bras Dermatol. 2017 May-Jun;92(3):404-406. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20175561.

Abstract

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis is a rare drug-induced eruption that is characterized by acute, nonfollicular sterile pustules on an erythematous and edematous base. The most frequently implicated drugs are beta-lactam antibiotics. Hydroxychloroquine has been widely used to treat dermatologic and rheumatologic diseases and has been reported as a rare cause of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. A 42-year-old female presented with pustular lesions on the skin surface with erythema, facial edema, and occasional atypical target-like lesions after 21 days of treatment with 200mg/day hydroxychloroquine for rheumatoid arthritis, diagnosed one month previously. We report a case with acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis induced by hydroxychloroquine and treated with dapsone and systemic corticosteroid.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis / diagnosis
  • Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis / etiology*
  • Adult
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxychloroquine / adverse effects*
  • Hydroxychloroquine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Hydroxychloroquine