Drug-Induced Acne: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

The document from 2017 outlines drug-induced acne (DIA), a condition where medications cause acne-like eruptions. It identifies drugs with a confirmed causal relationship to acne, including corticosteroids, anabolic steroids, testosterone, halogens, isoniazid, lithium, and certain anticancer agents. Diagnosis relies on medical history and the timing of drug intake relative to the onset of acne, with treatment primarily involving the discontinuation of the offending drug. The document also notes an increase in DIA cases and potential resistance to conventional acne therapies. Additionally, it covers a range of other drugs that can cause acneiform eruptions, such as psychiatric drugs, antitubercular drugs, and vitamins B6 and B12, among others. It emphasizes the importance of a detailed history for diagnosis and mentions various treatment options, including topical and oral medications. The document serves to raise awareness of the potential for medications to induce acne-like skin reactions and the importance of managing these side effects.