How do you treat AGEP?

New medicines should be discontinued following the onset of AGEP, particularly antibiotics. Treatment is then based around relieving symptoms with moisturisers, topical corticosteroids, oral antihistamines, and analgesics until the rash resolves. Systemic therapy is rarely indicated.

Is AGEP life-threatening?

Antibiotics are known to cause severe cutaneous adverse reactions, such as the rare acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). Unlike Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, AGEP is rarely life-threatening.

How common is AGEP?

Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a severe cutaneous adverse reaction and is attributed to drugs in more than 90% of cases. It is a rare disease, with an estimated incidence of 1–5 patients per million per year.

What causes AGEP?

In approximately 90 percent of cases, AGEP is caused by drugs, most often antibiotics (eg, aminopenicillins and macrolides), antifungals, the calcium channel blocker diltiazem, and antimalarials [3].

What is Pustulosis?

Pustulosis is highly inflammatory skin condition resulting in large fluid-filled blister-like areas – pustules. Pustulosis typically occurs on the palms of the hands and/or the soles of the feet. The skin of these areas peels and flakes (exfoliates).

What is generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis?

Abstract. Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a severe, usually drug-related reaction, characterized by an acute onset of mainly small non-follicular pustules on an erythematous base and spontaneous resolution usually within two weeks. Systemic involvement occurs in about 20% of cases.

What causes pustulosis?

Researchers have determined that possible causes include smoking, bacterial infections (acute or chronic tonsillitis, dental infection, chronic sinusitis), contact allergies (mainly metals) and certain medications. Genetics may play a role for patients who have a family history of the disorder.

Does pustular psoriasis ever go away?

Any pustular psoriasis will need medical attention. A combination of topical and other therapies can usually clear the symptoms. A person with GPP may need to spend time in the hospital, as it can be life-threatening.