Cutaneous reactions to the biologics

Abstract

Biological therapies have been associated with a wide variety of cutaneous adverse events. The increasing use of biologics in clinical practice has meant that physicians are encountering these adverse events more frequently. In this chapter we review skin conditions that are known to be caused or exacerbated by the use of biological therapies. Safety data are limited and much of the presented evidence is taken from case reports and case series. Infections with bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites have been described in patients treated with biologics, including reactivation of latent infection. Cutaneous malignancies have been reported during treatment with biological therapies, however, strong evidence of an association is lacking. The relationship between biologics and inflammatory skin disease is complex and poorly understood, and clinical features may be atypical. It is important that clinicians understand how to recognise and manage these complications.