Drug eruptions

Abstract

Cutaneous reactions are the most frequently occurring adverse reactions to drugs. These reactions can range from mild (two-thirds of cases) to life-threatening (one-third of cases) in the hospital setting [1, 2]. Distinguishing a mild versus a life-threatening reaction is challenging, yet critical, in the management of drug allergies. Cutaneous manifestations are frequently the earliest signs of a systemic drug allergy and can provide information on the severity and prognosis of an allergic reaction [3]. Numerous risk factors predispose patients to severe cutaneous drug reactions, including immunosuppression (especially infection with human immunodeficiency virus) [4] or mononucleosis [5], female gender [6], number of drugs being taken, and elderly age [7].