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Polymorphous drug eruption due to nifedipine.
V Leibovici1, A Zlotogorski, A Heyman
1Department of Dermatology, Hadassah Ein Karem Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
Cutis
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Nifedipine, a medication used after heart surgery, can cause a specific itchy, red skin rash. Recognizing this lichen-planus-like drug eruption is key to avoiding incorrect treatments.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Coronary bypass surgery is a common cardiovascular procedure.
- Nifedipine is frequently prescribed post-surgery for cardiovascular conditions.
Observation:
- A patient developed an erysipelas-like, erythematous, itching plaque on both shins after nifedipine treatment.
- The patient had previously undergone coronary bypass surgery.
Findings:
- Histopathologic examination of a skin biopsy revealed findings consistent with a lichen-planus-like drug eruption.
- Nifedipine was identified as the likely causative agent for the skin reaction.
Implications:
- Increased awareness of nifedipine-induced skin reactions is crucial for clinicians.
- Early identification can prevent patient suffering and unnecessary medical interventions.
- This case highlights the importance of considering drug reactions in dermatological presentations.