Generalized pustular skin eruptions as a form of drug eruption is a rare entity. Recently this unique pustular dermatosis has been termed as acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. We report on a 19-year-old man with acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis probably induced by ampicillin. The patient presented with erythematous and pinhead-sized subcorneal pustules after taking ampicillin for abdomimal pain. The patient complained of high fever and malaise. On further review of his history, generalized skin eruptions had been noted on at least three other occasions. Each episode occured following oral administration of antibiotics. A histological examination of a skin biposy specimen showed a subcorneal pustules with a few neutrophils, dermal edema and necrotic keratinocytes. After discontinuation of ampicillin, the eruption cleared within 4 days.
Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis* ; Administration, Oral ; Ampicillin* ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Drug Eruptions ; Edema ; Fever ; Humans ; Keratinocytes ; Neutrophils ; Skin ; Skin Diseases ; Young Adult