Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
12:23
Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
Published on: October 12, 2012
Minocycline-induced cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa
Rodney Tehrani1, Alyssa Nash-Goelitz, Elaine Adams
1Division of Allergy, Rheumatology, and Immunology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois, USA. rtehran@lumc.edu
Summary
Minocycline, used for acne, can cause rare but serious autoimmune conditions like polyarteritis nodosa. Discontinuation of the drug led to resolution of symptoms in a patient with this condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Minocycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, is widely prescribed for infections, acne vulgaris, and rosacea.
- Adverse events associated with minocycline range from mild gastrointestinal issues to severe toxicities, including renal failure, hepatotoxicity, and autoimmune disorders like systemic lupus erythematosus.
Observation:
- A case report details an 18-year-old female patient who developed cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (a form of vasculitis) after acne treatment with minocycline.
- The patient's condition resolved upon cessation of minocycline, without requiring corticosteroid therapy.
Findings:
- This represents the eighth biopsy-confirmed case of minocycline-induced polyarteritis nodosa.
- The findings highlight a potential link between minocycline use and the development of vasculitis.
Implications:
- Clinicians should maintain awareness of minocycline's potential to induce autoimmune disorders, such as polyarteritis nodosa and systemic lupus erythematosus.
- Early recognition and discontinuation of minocycline may prevent severe complications associated with drug-induced vasculitis.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
01:30Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial exposure to a...
01:28Diphtheria
Diphtheria is an acute, toxin-mediated infectious disease that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract. It is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a Gram-positive, pleomorphic rod that lacks spore-forming capability and exhibits a characteristic club-shaped morphology under microscopic examination. While C. diphtheriae can asymptomatically colonize mucosal surfaces, clinical disease manifests only when the bacterial strain is lysogenized by a specific β-corynephage. This phage...