COVID-19 infection leading to acute pustular dermatoses

Arch Dermatol Res. 2023 May;315(4):685-697. doi: 10.1007/s00403-022-02450-z. Epub 2022 Nov 1.

Abstract

Viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 infection, have been implicated in the development of pustular dermatoses, including generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). We performed a literature review of existing cases of GPP and AGEP associated with COVID-19 infection and/or treatment reported over a period of 12 months. We summarize the clinical characteristics of these cases and report an additional six new cases of GPP and AGEP. Seven patients with COVID-19 infection were diagnosed with new-onset or exacerbated GPP, and 33 patients were diagnosed with AGEP. In 55% of the cases, no concomitant potential culprit drug trigger was identified. We present this review of cases of COVID-associated acute pustular dermatoses to further contribute to the spectrum of cutaneous eruption associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Keywords: AGEP; COVID-19; Generalized pustular psoriasis; Pustular dermatoses.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis*
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • COVID-19* / diagnosis
  • Chronic Disease
  • Psoriasis* / diagnosis
  • SARS-CoV-2