Fixed drug eruption

Fixed drug eruption is a distinct type of drug reaction that typically recurs in the same location or locations each time a particular drug is taken.

Causes

Fixed drug eruptions can be caused by a wide variety of medications. The most common are analgesics (pain relievers), antibiotics, sedatives, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Symptoms

The primary symptom of a fixed drug eruption is a round or oval, red patch of skin that may be covered by a blister or a layer of dead skin. This patch typically appears within 30 minutes to 8 hours after the drug is taken.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a fixed drug eruption is usually based on the characteristic appearance of the skin lesion and its recurrence in the same location or locations each time the drug is taken. A skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

The treatment of a fixed drug eruption involves discontinuing the offending drug. The skin lesions usually heal without scarring within two weeks after the drug is stopped.

Prevention

The best way to prevent a fixed drug eruption is to avoid the drug that causes it. If the offending drug is essential for the patient's health, a desensitization procedure may be performed.

See also

• Drug reaction
• Skin biopsy

Fixed drug eruption Resources
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