Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis during the puerperal period: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is an uncommon adverse cutaneous reaction, most commonly associated with drugs. CASE: A 38-year-old primigravida whose labor had been induced developed erythema over her chest and abdomen. She was transferred to our department after a failed vacuum extraction, and delivered a mature infant by forceps. On day three postpartum she developed a 40.4 degrees C fever. Although ceftriaxone was administered, her fever persisted (>38 degreesC). On day six of the puerperium, diffuse non-follicular pustules appeared over her neck and trunk, and AGEP was suspected. Two days after ceftriaxone was withdrawn, the eruptions started to resolve without any medical intervention. CONCLUSION: Once the diagnosis of AGEP has been made, the antibiotics being administered must be discontinued. If continued treatment is required, pharmacologically distinct antibiotics must be used instead to aid the rapid self-limitation of the disease.