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Ultraviolet recall phenomenon following the use of ampicillin
Juan Blanco1, Laura Manzanedo, M Cruz Gutierrez
1Sección de Alergología, Hospital General Yagüe, Burgos, Spain. fuentescuesta@yahoo.es
Abstract:
Ultraviolet recall or sunburn reactivation is an uncommon phenomenon that has been most frequently reported in patients who suffered sunburns and then subsequently underwent therapy with methotrexate. There are very few cases in which antibiotics are involved. We report a case of ultraviolet recall occurring after ampicillin therapy. Our patient suffered severe vesiculobullous skin reaction in areas that had been sunburned only minimally 2 months previously. The patch test was positive only to ampicillin tested in the skin previously affected.
Insights
Ultraviolet recall, a rare skin reaction, can occur after sunburn and medication. This case highlights ultraviolet recall triggered by ampicillin, causing a severe skin reaction in previously sunburned areas.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Ultraviolet recall, or sunburn reactivation, is an uncommon phenomenon.
- It is most frequently reported in patients treated with methotrexate after sunburn.
- Antibiotic involvement in ultraviolet recall is rare.
Observation:
- A case of ultraviolet recall following ampicillin therapy is presented.
- The patient experienced a severe vesiculobullous skin reaction.
- The reaction occurred in areas with minimal prior sunburn, 2 months after the initial event.
Findings:
- Patch testing revealed a positive reaction solely to ampicillin.
- This suggests ampicillin as the causative agent for the ultraviolet recall.
- The reaction localized to previously sun-exposed skin.
Implications:
- This case expands the known triggers for ultraviolet recall beyond methotrexate.
- It underscores the potential for antibiotics, specifically ampicillin, to induce this phenomenon.
- Further investigation into drug-induced photosensitivity and recall reactions is warranted.