[Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis in a child and epicutaneous tests with mercurials]

Diffuse exanthema with fever followed by superficial nonfollicular aseptic pustules was observed in an 11-year old boy after conducting a thiomersal epicutaneous test and manipulation of a broken medical thermometer. The patient healed within two days without any treatment. The initial responsibility of mercury and its derivatives, and the primary sensitization and relevance of the epicutaneous tests are discussed. Mercury and its derivatives should be limited as much as possible in medicine and cosmetology.