Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis: a retrospective analysis showing a clear predilection for women

The clinical reaction pattern acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis is increasingly recognized today as drug intake details are more meticulously recorded and diagnostic guidelines are formulated. Nevertheless, the diagnosis and etiology remain unclear. This examination of the clinical and histologic features of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, undertaken in a retrospective study of 13 patients in an urban medical center, was aimed at determining the underlying mechanism of the etiology of the disease. Findings include a female predominance and the overwhelming prevalence of acetaminophen as the culprit agent, adding two more components to what is known about acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. The possible mechanisms of the disease are discussed, enlightened by its appearance in two women in the study who were pregnant when the reaction first erupted.