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Palmoplantar exfoliation due to chloroquine
Pragya Ashok Nair1, Trusha Patel1
1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Gujarat, India.
Indian Journal of Pharmacology
|July 15, 2017
Summary
Chloroquine, used for malaria and other conditions, can cause skin exfoliation on palms and soles. This rare side effect, though not life-threatening, impacts patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chloroquine is a widely used antimalarial drug also prescribed for amebiasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and dermatological conditions.
- Common side effects include muscle issues, appetite loss, and diarrhea, with cutaneous toxicity manifesting as pruritus, hair loss, photosensitivity, and pigmentary changes.
Observation:
- A case report details a 40-year-old female experiencing palmoplantar exfoliation and depigmentation.
- This adverse reaction occurred subsequent to chloroquine administration.
Findings:
- Palmoplantar exfoliation and depigmentation are identified as potential, albeit uncommon, cutaneous side effects of chloroquine therapy.
- This contrasts with known causes of similar skin conditions, which are often linked to chemotherapeutic agents like axitinib, fluorouracil, and paclitaxel.
Implications:
- While not life-threatening, chloroquine-induced palmoplantar exfoliation can lead to significant patient anxiety and functional impairment.
- Healthcare providers should be aware of this potential side effect to manage patient expectations and quality of life.
- Further investigation into the mechanisms and prevalence of this adverse dermatological reaction is warranted.
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