What does acute generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis look like?

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) represents a severe, usually drug-related skin reaction characterized by acute formation of sterile pustules on an erythematous background, fever and neutrophilia.

How do you get rid of acute generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis?

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is most commonly caused by antibiotics (eg, aminopenicillins, macrolides, cephalosporins) followed by calcium channel blockers. The main treatment of AGEP is discontinuation of the culprit medication, which typically results in resolution within 2 weeks.

What does Exanthematous Pustulosis mean?

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) (also known as pustular drug eruption and toxic pustuloderma) is a rare skin reaction that in 90% of cases is related to medication administration. AGEP is characterized by sudden skin eruptions that appear on average five days after a medication is started.

What is acute generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis AGEP?

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare, acute eruption characterized by the development of numerous nonfollicular sterile pustules on a background of edematous erythema (picture 1A) [1,2]. Fever and peripheral blood leukocytosis are usually present.

Is AGEP life threatening?

Unlike Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, AGEP is rarely life-threatening. Systemic involvement is not typical, and if present usually coincides with a mild elevation of the hepatic enzymes and a decrease in renal function.

How can you tell the difference between pustular and Agep psoriasis?

In pustular psoriasis, the rash is usually monomorphic, lasts for a longer period of time and is recurrent. It is less flexural than AGEP. Many times it is associated with arthritis and regresses in a period of 10 to 14 days.

How common is generalized pustular psoriasis?

The report acknowledged that psoriasis is a relatively common skin condition in children, but “the pustular variant is rare.” Out of 1,262 cases of psoriasis in children, a “0.6% rate of pustular variants” was found. When GPP does occur in children, it usually appears during the first year of life.

What is acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis ( AGEP )?

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is an acute febrile pustular eruption that has been reported in infants, children, and adults.

How long does it take for pustules to appear?

Within hours to days, numerous tiny, nonfollicular subcorneal pustules appear within the plaques (Figure 1 and Figure 2). The pustules are sterile.

What is the difference between pustular psoriasis and AGEP?

Acute pustular psoriasis (von Zumbusch type) – AGEP and pustular psoriasis both present with diffuse pustules and fever. AGEP is often distinguished by antecedent medication exposure. On biopsy, pustular psoriasis displays psoriasiform acanthosis.

What causes AGEP-like pustules on the face?

A few cases of DRESS presenting with AGEP-like pustules have been reported. In DRESS, facial edema is more commonly seen. Additionally, the presence of lymphadenopathy, hepatitis, renal dysfunction, or atypical lymphocytes on peripheral smear make the diagnosis of DRESS more likely.