Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection

Abstract

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is characterized by the sudden onset of diffuse sterile pustules on an erythematous background. It is mainly caused by drugs and, clinically, it usually improves quickly after discontinuation of the causative agent. Viral and bacterial agents have also been reported as triggers. We present a case regarding a woman reporting flu-like symptoms, taking dipyrone, paracetamol, and azithromycin. A reverse transcriptase polymerase reaction (RT-PCR) test confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. After 2 days, she noted the onset of erythematous plaques covered by diffuse pustules. The negative patch test reinforced the viral infection as the possible causative agent.