Unilateral segmental fixed drug eruption induced by sertraline: case report

Abstract

Fixed drug eruption (FDE) is a common dermatological disease, and its etiological mechanism is currently uncertain. FDE may occurs in both sexes and in all age groups. It develops after intake of a responsible drug and always occurs at the same sites. FDE usually appears as a solitary or a small number of pruritic, well circumscribed, erythematous macules that evolve into edematous plaques. Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and commonly used drug for depression. Some dermatologic side effects such as rash, pruritus, dermatitis, purpura, urticaria, and Steven-Johnson syndrome were reported in the literature. We present a case of segmental FDE following use of sertraline for depression in a 25-year-old man. Given the wide use of this substance in psychiatry , clinicians should be aware of this potential complication.