COVID-19 infection leading to acute pustular dermatoses

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.