Principles of Treatment of Cutaneous Drug Eruptions

Abstract

Cutaneous drug eruptions are a major health concern and may affect up to 1 % of patients taking systemic medications, and are seen in 2–3 % of hospitalized patients. Most reactions are mild and self-limited upon discontinuation of the medication, but severe and life-threatening reactions are also possible. Appropriate management of patients requires a thorough knowledge of the spectrum of drug reactions, the culpability of suspected medications based on reaction type and timing, patient-specific risk factors for drug reactions, and treatment options to limit mortality and sequelae of drug reactions. Drug reactions can be either acute (e.g., urticaria, exanthematous eruptions, and Stevens Johnson syndrome) or chronic (e.g., acneiform, pigmentary, and psoriasiform eruptions). This chapter will focus on the treatment principles of the acute cutaneous drug eruptions.