Allergic Maculo-Papular Exanthema Due To Terbinafine

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Allergology
• Clinical Toxicology

Background:

• Terbinafine is a widely used antifungal medication.
• Adverse cutaneous reactions to terbinafine are uncommon.
• Non-pustular generalized exanthema is a rare presentation of terbinafine hypersensitivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of maculopapular generalized exanthema caused by terbinafine.
• To highlight the diagnostic utility of patch testing in confirming terbinafine-induced delayed-type hypersensitivity.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 76-year-old male patient.
• Clinical presentation of maculopapular generalized exanthema.
• Diagnostic workup including prick testing and patch testing.

Main Results:

• Prick testing for terbinafine was negative.
• Patch testing revealed a positive reaction after 48 hours, indicating a delayed-type allergic reaction.
• The patient's exanthema was attributed to terbinafine.

Conclusions:

• Terbinafine can induce rare non-pustular generalized exanthema.
• Patch testing is a valuable tool for diagnosing delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions to terbinafine.
• Clinicians should consider terbinafine as a potential cause of exanthema, even in rare presentations.