Drug eruption in children

Abstract

The epidemiology, clinical manifestations and appropriate diagnostic methods of drug eruption in children are still poorly understood.On the one hand, children′s adverse reactions to drugs are different from adults because of their weight and age characteristics.On the other hand, they can mimic many other skin diseases, especially viral exanthems, frequently appearing as a maculopapular or morbilliform rash sometimes indistinguishable from a cutaneous adverse drug reaction.Meanwhile, the tools used for drug eruption management in adults are applied also for children.Whereas this appears generally acceptable, some aspects of drug eruption and management differ with age.The pathogenesis of drug eruption in children is related to virus infection, immune state, drug and metabolic enzyme effect.Most reactions in children are still attributed to betalactams.The practicability and validity of skin test and other diagnostic procedures need further assessment in children.The key to treatment is early diagnosis, discontinuation of suspect drugs, assessment of prognosis, and specialist support. Key words: Drug eruption; Drug allergy; Children