Drug eruptions

Drug eruptions occur in up to 2% of hospitalized patients; most are minor irritations, but rarely they are life-threatening. This article outlines a logical approach to identifying drug eruptions, their triggers and management. Classification of the morphological type and the timing of their onset relative to initiation of the culprit drug are the most important factors in their recognition. The features that mark potentially life-threatening eruptions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) are highlighted. Emerging problems such as the pustular eruptions associated with epidermal growth factor receptor antagonists used in malignancy, drug-induced ulcers, and skin tumours associated with BRAF inhibitors are covered.