Korean J Dermatol.  2015 Jul;53(6):473-477.

Two Cases of Ingestion of Rhus Chicken Causing Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis

• Kim MS
• Kim DJ
• Na CH
• Shin BS

Abstract

Rhus chicken is a common health food in Korea and is used as an herbal medicine to cure gastrointestinal diseases such as indigestion, loose stool, and peptic ulcers. Unfortunately, systemic contact dermatitis due to the ingestion of Rhus chicken occasionally occurs and its incidence is increasing. The clinical findings of systemic contact dermatitis induced by ingesting Rhus chicken are maculopapules, erythroderma, erythema multiforme-like lesions, vesicles, wheals, purpura, and pustules. Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is an acute generalized pustular eruption characterized by rash with sterile pustules, high fever, and neutrophilia. Most cases are caused by drugs, predominantly beta-lactams and macrolide antimicrobials, viral infections, and contact hypersensitivity. Rarely, intake of Rhus chicken can cause AGEP. Herein, we describe two cases of AGEP induced by ingestion of Rhus chicken.

Keyword

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis; Rhus chicken

MeSH Terms

Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis*
beta-Lactams
Chickens*
Dermatitis, Contact
Dermatitis, Exfoliative
Dyspepsia
Eating*
Erythema
Exanthema
Fever
Gastrointestinal Diseases
Food, Organic
Herbal Medicine
Incidence
Korea
Peptic Ulcer
Purpura
Rhus*
beta-Lactams