Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis
Gretchen Frieling, MD
David J. DiCaudo, MD
Martin C. Mihm, Jr., MD
Key Facts
Terminology
Sudden onset of numerous, small, nonfollicular pustules superimposed on a pruritic, edematous erythroderma with spontaneous resolution followed by desquamation
Etiology/Pathogenesis
Associated with drugs, viral infections, and mercury
Clinical Issues
Pustular eruption begins on face or intertriginous regions and becomes generalized with spontaneous resolution and subsequent desquamation
Microscopic Pathology
Subcorneal &/or intraepidermal pustules with perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate
 AGEP typically begins clinically as a pustular eruption on the face  or intertriginous areas. This initial eruption then subsides and is followed by widespread desquamation. |
 Once the original eruption subsides, widespread desquamation occurs  . |
TERMINOLOGY
Abbreviations
Acute and generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP)
Synonyms
Generalized toxic pustuloderma, pustular drug eruption, generalized pustular dermatosis
Definitions
Acute onset of numerous, small, sterile, nonfollicular pustules superimposed on pruritic, edematous erythroderma that spontaneously resolves and is followed by diffuse desquamation
ETIOLOGY/PATHOGENESIS
Environmental Exposure
May develop as consequence of mercury toxicity
