In 1980, Beylot et al1 first described acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) as an acute pustular eruption on an erythematous bed, accompanied by fever and neutrophilia. A wide range of systemic drugs have been suspected of causing these reactions in more than 90% of cases2. Rarely, intake of lacquer chicken can be a cause of AGEP, and Park et al3 reported four such cases. We present a case of AGEP induced by ingestion of lacquer chicken, which contains a known allergen, urushiol.

A 40-year-old man was admitted to our department with a pruritic rash of four days duration. Six days before, he had ingested lacquer chicken as a health food. Physical examination demonstrated marked generalized, symmetrical erythema with multiple overlying small pustules on the trunk, medial arms, and proximal legs (Fig. 1). The patient also had a fever and complained of severe itching and burning. He had ingested lacquer chicken a couple of times in the past, but this was the first time he had developed a skin eruption. He reported no history of psoriasis, drug ingestion, recent infection, or contact with mercury.

Laboratory studies showed leucocytosis (17·3×10⁹/L)with neutrophilia and hypocalcaemia (7.9 mg/dl). The ESR and CRP were elevated (23 mm/h and 5.22 mg/dl). A skin biopsy specimen taken from a pustular lesion on the thigh revealed intracorneal pustules with neutrophils. The papillary dermis was edematous, and a superficial perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate with scattered interstitial neutrophils and eosinophils was noted(Fig. 2). On the basis of clinical, histopathological, and laboratory findings, a diagnosis of AGEP was made.

The patient was treated with systemic corticosteroids and antihistamines, along with topical corticosteroids. The pustules rapidly resolved over three days with desquamation, and the generalized erythema completely resolved within ten days.

AGEP is an acute pustular eruption characterized by numerous, non-follicular pustules arising on a widespread erythematous base, which usually appears first in the intertriginous areas and then spreads to other body sites. Neutrophilia and high fever are also usually present. The pustules resolve spontaneously within a few days and are followed by pinpoint desquamation. Histologically, AGEP is characterized by spongiform intraepidermal or subcorneal pustules, dermal edema, vasculitis, perivascular neutrophils or eosinophils, and necrotic keratinocytes2.

AGEP is induced by systemic drugs in over 90% of cases, mainly β-lactam and macrolide antimicrobials. Calcium channel blockers, antimalarials, and terbinafine have also been reported to cause AGEP24. In addition, viral infections, mercury exposure, Ginkgo biloba, and spider bites may serve as occasional causes5678.

Lacquer chicken contains a known contact allergen, urushiol, the active component of which is pentadecylcatechol (PDC). When a previously sensitized person ingests the food, urushiol can reach the skin through the circulation and can cause systemic contact dermatitis. Common skin manifestations include maculopapular eruption, erythema multiforme, and erythroderma. Purpura, wheals, and blisters have occasionally been reported9. AGEP very rarely occurs secondary to ingestion of lacquer chicken. To date, four cases have been reported by Park et al3. All the patients in their report developed AGEP within one to four days after ingestion of lacquer chicken, and with or without treatment, all the eruptions resolved within ten days.

The mechanism responsible for the induction of AGEP after lacquer chicken ingestion is unknown. Girardi et al10 demonstrated drug-specific positive patch test responses and in vitro lymphocyte proliferative responses in patients with a history of AGEP, a finding that strongly suggests that AGEP occurs via an antigen-specific T-cell-mediated process. Similar mechanisms may have triggered the appearance of AGEP in our patient. Although we did not challenge him with a patch test, it is possible that ingestion of lacquer chicken induced AGEP in our patient because there is a causal relationship between intake of the food and the skin eruption. There were no other possible causes in our patient.

AGEP should be differentiated from other pustular dermatoses, such as generalized pustular psoriasis and subcorneal pustular dermatosis. Pustular psoriasis also demonstrates similar pustules, but it is usually associated with papillomatosis and acanthosis. Clinically, most patients with pustular psoriasis have a past history of psoriasis and show more generalized, longer lasting eruptions than those with AGEP2. Subcorneal pustular dermatosis tends to affect mainly intertriginous areas, and each lesion spreads peripherally and leaves a central polycyclic area. Histologically, spongiosis and leukocytoclastic vasculitis are less commonly seen in subcorneal pustular dermatosis11.

The most important aspect of AGEP treatment is the immediate withdrawal of the causative agent. Because of the self-limited nature of AGEP, other specific treatments are not usually needed, but topical or systemic corticosteroids can be helpful2.

To our knowledge, lacquer chicken-induced AGEP is a rare entity. Our case adds lacquer chicken to the list of etiologies for AGEP and reinforces the idea that lacquer chicken should be avoided because of its severe cutaneous and systemic effects.