Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis triggered by COVID-19.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacovigilance

Background:

• Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a severe cutaneous adverse reaction.
• AGEP is typically drug-induced but can rarely be associated with infections.
• COVID-19 has been implicated in several AGEP cases, predominantly drug-related.

Observation:

• A previously healthy 64-year-old woman presented with AGEP.
• The patient had recently contracted COVID-19.
• No causative drugs were identified for the skin reaction.

Findings:

• This report details a unique case of COVID-19-associated AGEP.
• The patient's AGEP occurred without any identifiable drug triggers.
• This suggests a direct link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and AGEP development.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of non-drug-induced AGEP.
• It highlights COVID-19 as a potential direct cause of AGEP.
• Clinicians should consider viral infections, including COVID-19, in the differential diagnosis of AGEP, especially in the absence of drug exposure.