Cutaneous adverse drug reactions

Background: Cutaneous adverse drug reactions are common and produce easily identifiable clinical symptoms. These may range from mild maculopapular rashes to severe reactions associated with systemic disease. Current Concepts: The most common presentation of a drug eruption is in the form of a maculopapular rash or exanthematous skin eruption, followed by fixed drug eruptions and urticaria. Severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions include Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, and drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, which are rare but potentially life-threatening. Recently, it has emerged that cutaneous adverse drug reactions associated with newly developed drugs, such as epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, may induce a variety of cutaneous manifestations. Discussion and Conclusion: Although certain drugs, such as antimicrobials and anticonvulsants, can frequently cause drug eruptions, their effects may change, depending on the situation and timing. Therefore, in order to resolve symptoms and prevent complications, early diagnosis, drug identification, and appropriate treatment should be performed, in consideration of the various factors involved.