Dimorphic exanthema manifested as reticular maculopapular exanthema and erythema multiforme major associated with pyrazolon derivatives

Abstract

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, especially various pyrazole or pyrazolon derivatives, were one of the classes of drugs commonly implicated in erythema multiforme or Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis. Reticular exanthem was a rare morphological pattern of maculopapular drug eruptions. Here we report a case of dimorphic exanthema presenting with partly reticular maculopapular exanthema and erythema multiforme-like lesions, associated with pyrazolon derivatives. Patch testing showed negative reaction to the suspected drugs. The possible mechanism underlying the association of dimorphic exanthema with NSAIDs is discussed.