Pustular eruption after drug exposure: is it pustular psoriasis or a pustular drug eruption?

Br J Dermatol. 1994 Apr;130(4):514-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1994.tb03389.x.

Abstract

Generalized pustular eruptions with fever present a diagnostic challenge. A history of preceding drug exposure, and rapid disappearance of the eruption after the drug is stopped, suggest a drug-induced aetiology rather than pustular psoriasis. We describe and evaluate the clinical and histological features of four patients who developed a generalized pustular eruption following drug administration. The history of preceding drug exposure and the presence of a variable number of eosinophils in the inflammatory infiltrate in the lesions of these cases suggested that the generalized pustular eruptions were drug-induced.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects
  • Cefoxitin / adverse effects
  • Cephalexin / adverse effects
  • Cilastatin / adverse effects
  • Cilastatin, Imipenem Drug Combination
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Combinations
  • Drug Eruptions / diagnosis*
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology
  • Drug Eruptions / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imipenem / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Psoriasis / diagnosis*
  • Skin / pathology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Drug Combinations
  • Cilastatin
  • Cefoxitin
  • Imipenem
  • Cilastatin, Imipenem Drug Combination
  • Cephalexin