Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

Skin Biopsy for Diagnosing Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: June 10, 2025
A review of cutaneous drug eruptions
Ammar M Ahmed1, Sarah Pritchard, Jason Reichenberg
1Department of Dermatology, University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center-Austin Campus, University Medical Center Brackenridge, Seton Healthcare Family, 601 East 15th Street, CEC C2.443, Austin, TX 78701, USA. amahmed@seton.org
Abstract:
Cutaneous drug eruptions can range from an asymptomatic rash to a life-threatening emergency. Because of the high frequency, morbidity, and potential mortality associated with drug eruptions, patients with possible drug reactions should promptly be recognized, worked up, and treated. Drug reactions are common in the elderly population due to age-related alterations in metabolism, excretion of medications, and polypharmacy. This review discusses the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of drug eruptions that providers commonly encounter in the care of the geriatric population. An algorithm for an approach to patients with a suspected drug eruption is presented.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Allergic Drug Reactions
Staphylococcal Skin Infections
Drug Excretion: Miscellaneous Routes