MULTIFOCAL FIXED DRUG ERUPTION MIMICKING ACQUIRED DERMAL MELANOCYTOSIS

Fixed drug eruptions (FDEs) are adverse drug reactions manifesting in the skin after exposure to a certain drug. The lesions can manifest as single or multiple eruptions followed by a post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The condition is very common among the young adult population and can be located on different parts of the body: the trunk, extremities, face, lips, etc. We report a case of a multifocal FDE following oral intake of Loratadine, Cetirizine dihydrochloride, Ibuprofen and/or Acetylsalicylic acid. Patch testing was recommended but later on declined by the patient. However, a small punch biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of multifocal fixed drug eruption. The lesions are often misdiagnosed or mistaken for other skin conditions. Differential diagnosis with an acquired dermal melanocytosis or other cutaneous eruptions could be done. Therefore, a brief review of the above-mentioned medications in the pathogenesis of the condition will be discussed.