Exanthems and drug reactions

Abstract

Background: Drug reactions are a common cause of rashes and can vary from brief, mildly annoying, self limiting rashes to severe conditions involving multiple organ systems.

Objective: This article outlines an approach to exanthems that may be related to drug reactions and details appropriate management.

Discussion: Rashes related to drug reactions are both nonallergic and allergic. Nonallergic rashes are usually predictable and may be avoidable. Allergic rashes include morbilliform erythema, urticaria and angioedema, erythema multiforme and vasculitic rashes. The vast majority of cases are rapidly resolving and self limiting once the offending agent is removed. Early recognition and supportive measures are the keys to care in the majority of cases. However, an awareness of serious drug reactions (Stevens- Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis), which are potentially life threatening conditions and require immediate specialist assessment and treatment in hospital, is important.