Diseases of the Skin: Drug Ill Effects on the Skin

    January 1974 in “ The BMJ ”
    P.W.M. Copeman
    Image of study
    TLDR All medications can cause skin rashes, often without a clear cause, and better tests are needed to identify these drug-related skin issues.
    The document from 1974 discusses the adverse effects of drugs on the skin, highlighting that all systemically administered medications can cause rashes, which are the most common drug-related complication. The mechanisms behind these rashes are mostly unclear, and allergies are rarely proven. The document calls for a simple and rapid diagnostic test to differentiate drug-induced rashes from other causes. It lists high-risk drugs such as antibiotics, sulphonamides, and barbiturates, and describes various drug-induced skin reactions, including pigmentary disorders and alopecia. The document also details specific conditions like toxic erythema, erythema multiforme, and drug-induced lupus erythematosus, noting that some conditions, like the toxic erythema of ampicillin, are drug-specific. It acknowledges the role of genetic susceptibility and drug interactions in the development of these rashes and emphasizes the need for more knowledge to confidently diagnose drug-induced rashes, as they are often too readily attributed to drugs without sufficient evidence.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Horrible news, Stemson Therapeutics has shut down

      in Technology  193 upvotes 3 months ago
      Stemson Therapeutics has shut down, disappointing those seeking a hair loss cure. Current treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride are discussed, with some users experiencing side effects and exploring alternatives like PP405.

      community Lost density 60% all over scalp in 120 days (4months)

      in Update  10 upvotes 10 months ago
      A user lost 60% hair density in 4 months, started finasteride and microneedling, and has greasy, flaky, yellowish scalp. They are awaiting biopsy results, and another user suggested trying ketoconazole shampoo.
      Shedding or receding even more?

      community Shedding or receding even more?

      in Journals / Progress Pictures  159 upvotes 1 month ago
      The user experienced hair shedding after using finasteride and topical minoxidil since August 2024, and briefly adding oral minoxidil in early 2025. They suspect the shedding might be due to the oral minoxidil, a bad batch of finasteride, or a normal shedding cycle, and are also experiencing an itchy scalp and acne.

      community Are there ever going to be any oral DHT blocking treatments in the future?

      in Product  6 upvotes 1 year ago
      The discussion revolves around the need for future oral DHT blockers for hair loss treatment that don't have the side effects of current options like Finasteride and Dutasteride. One user suggests that the future of hair loss treatment will likely be topical anti-androgens, as they can target hair follicles without affecting the entire system.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results
      Drug-Induced Skin, Nail, and Hair Disorders

      research Drug-Induced Skin, Nail, and Hair Disorders

      114 citations, January 2007 in “Drug Safety”
      Some drugs can cause skin, nail, and hair problems, which are important for healthcare professionals to recognize and report.
      Cutaneous Drug Reactions

      research Cutaneous Drug Reactions

      1 citations, January 2010 in “Elsevier eBooks”
      Any drug can cause skin reactions, but antibiotics, NSAIDs, and psychotropic drugs are more common, with some reactions being life-threatening.
      Drug Eruptions in Dermatology

      research Drug Eruptions in Dermatology

      11 citations, June 2011 in “Expert Review of Dermatology”
      Skin reactions to drugs are common and can be deadly, usually requiring stopping the drug and may be better prevented with genetic testing in the future.