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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
10:22
Basophil Activation Test for Investigation of IgE-Mediated Mechanisms in Drug Hypersensitivity
Published on: September 16, 2011
Naproxen-induced generalized bullous fixed drug eruption.
Justin P Bandino1, Wendi E Wohltmann, David W Bray
1Transitional intern, San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC), San Antonio, Texas, USA. tantomed@gmail.com
Dermatology Online Journal
|December 3, 2009
Summary
A fixed drug eruption (FDE) is a skin reaction that reappears in the same spot after taking a specific medication. This case highlights a rare generalized bullous FDE caused by naproxen.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Fixed drug eruptions (FDE) are cutaneous reactions to ingested drugs, recurring at the same site.
- Diagnosis can be challenging due to underreported over-the-counter medications and infrequent drug intake.
- Common culprits include antimicrobials, NSAIDs, and antiepileptics.
Observation:
- Fixed drug eruptions typically present as single, well-demarcated, erythematous patches or plaques.
- Localized bullae can occur in classic presentations.
- Generalized bullous FDEs are rare and can mimic Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.
Findings:
- This report details a rare case of generalized bullous FDE.
- The eruption was induced by naproxen, a common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
- The patient was a 50-year-old woman.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering all medications, including NSAIDs like naproxen, in FDE diagnosis.
- Emphasizes the need for differential diagnosis between generalized bullous FDE and severe cutaneous adverse reactions.
- Underscores the diagnostic challenge posed by infrequent drug use and atypical presentations of FDE.
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