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Guttate psoriasis following Ecstasy ingestion
1Skin and Cancer Foundation Victoria, Carlton South, Victoria, Australia. tboont@vodafone.net.au
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology
|July 15, 2004
Summary
A first-time Ecstasy user developed a widespread, itchy rash diagnosed as a psoriasiform drug eruption. Narrowband UVB therapy and avoiding the drug led to prompt resolution.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Drug eruptions are common adverse reactions to medications.
- Ecstasy (MDMA) is a recreational drug with known potential side effects.
- Psoriasiform eruptions can be triggered by various factors, including medications.
Observation:
- A 23-year-old male presented with a pruritic eruption 4 days after first-time Ecstasy ingestion.
- The rash featured small, 10 mm papules in a guttate pattern with Köbner phenomenon.
- Initial treatment with topical steroids and oral prednisolone was ineffective.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed a psoriasiform drug eruption.
- The eruption resolved promptly with narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy.
- Avoidance of Ecstasy (rechallenge) was crucial for recovery.
Implications:
- This case highlights Ecstasy as a potential cause of psoriasiform drug eruptions.
- Narrowband UVB phototherapy can be an effective treatment for severe drug-induced psoriasiform rashes.
- Physicians should consider drug-induced eruptions in patients presenting with similar dermatological symptoms.