Successful treatment of pustulotic arthro-osteitis with amoxicillin: A case report and review of the literature

J Dermatol. 2023 Nov;50(11):1478-1483. doi: 10.1111/1346-8138.16855. Epub 2023 Jun 2.

Abstract

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a chronic skin inflammatory disease characterized by sterile pustules on the palms and soles. Pustulotic arthro-osteitis (PAO) is a major comorbidity of PPP, frequently affecting the anterior chest wall. PPP and PAO are thought to be closely associated with focal infection. We report a female in her 40s who developed pustules on her palms and soles with tenderness of both sternoclavicular and left sacroiliac joints, which were not improved with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Of note, she showed a great response to amoxicillin, resulting in the almost complete resolution of her skin lesions and arthralgia. We also reviewed previous reports to learn more about the potential therapeutic options of antibiotics for PAO.

Keywords: Amoxicillin; Palmoplantar pustulosis; Pustulotic arthro-osteitis; SAPHO syndrome; antibiotics.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amoxicillin / therapeutic use
  • Comorbidity
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Osteitis* / diagnosis
  • Osteitis* / drug therapy
  • Osteitis* / etiology
  • Psoriasis* / pathology
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous* / complications

Substances

  • Amoxicillin