Drug Eruptions in Dermatology

The document from 2011 reviews the prevalence, diagnosis, and management of cutaneous adverse drug reactions (ADRs), which are common and can be life-threatening, affecting nearly 2 million patients annually in the USA and leading to nearly 100,000 deaths. It details various types of drug eruptions, their clinical features, and the drugs commonly responsible, emphasizing the importance of prompt identification and accurate diagnosis. The review also discusses the role of pharmacogenetics in predisposing individuals to ADRs and the necessity of drug withdrawal and supportive treatments. It covers specific drug-induced conditions, including alopecia, hirsutism, hypertrichosis, and severe reactions like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). The document concludes that while cutaneous ADRs are diverse, proper management typically involves the withdrawal of the offending drug, and future clinical practice may increasingly incorporate pharmacogenetics to prevent ADRs.