Letter: Lichenoid eruption induced by etanercept

Lichenoid drug eruption is an uncommon, but previously reported, side effect of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy. The majority of these adverse events relate to infliximab. We report a patient who developed a lichenoid eruption on the back of her hands during etanercept therapy. She improved with topical treatment and discontinuation of the drug was not necessary. The physiopathological link between anti-TNF treatment and lichenoid eruptions remains unclear. It is important to realize that a lichenoid reaction pattern may occur during anti-TNF agent treatment.