Drug Eruptions
November 2014
TLDR Any medication can cause skin reactions, some due to allergies and others due to dosage or genetic factors.
The document from 2014 reviews drug eruptions, which are adverse skin reactions to medications, and can be allergic or non-allergic in nature. It highlights that any drug can potentially cause a skin reaction, with allergic reactions being unpredictable and non-allergic reactions often resulting from overdosage or pharmacological effects. Genetic factors, such as in pharmacogenetics, can influence these reactions. Common drugs causing allergic reactions include antibiotics like penicillins and sulfonamides. The document describes various types of drug eruptions, including fixed drug eruptions with paracetamol and trimethoprim-sulfa being common causes, and other reactions like acneiform eruptions, lichenoid eruptions, and severe conditions like toxic epidermal necrolysis. Hair loss is mentioned as a side effect of drugs like acitretin and cytotoxic agents. Treatment typically involves stopping the offending drug and providing supportive care. The complexity of diagnosing and managing drug eruptions is acknowledged, emphasizing the need for awareness of drug reactions in patients presenting with rashes.
