Not uncommon but often under-recognized: case report of fixed drug eruption in a child

Abstract

When re-exposed to the offending drug, fixed drug eruptions (FDEs), a distinctive type of mucocutaneous drug reaction, typically recur in the same places. Often, these eruptions are benign in nature, however the recurrence and appearance of these lesions may be a cause of worry to patients, and in the pediatric population, to their caretakers as well. Lack of awareness among clinicians coupled with suboptimal history taking pertaining to drug usage are the key factors leading to delayed and under-diagnosis of FDEs. We discuss the case of a child whose fixed drug eruption was misdiagnosed as an insect bite for more than a year. This led to parental anxiety, as well as trial of multiple avenues of treatment to no avail. This article aims to raise awareness of the importance of prompt recognition of FDEs, as identification and discontinuation of the offending drug will alleviate the eruptions and prevent recurrence of the condition.