Fixed drug eruption-induced balanoposthitis: a case report

Fixed Drug Eruptions (FDE) represent a distinctive type of adverse drug reaction, typically characterized by recurring, sharply demarcated skin lesions occurring at identical sites with each administration of the causative drug. A less frequent, albeit significant manifestation of FDE, is balanoposthitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the glans penis and prepuce. This rare case report explores the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and therapeutic management of FDE-induced balanoposthitis in a 34-year-old male patient who developed this condition following azithromycin administration to treat a pulmonary infection. The patient's distinctive symptoms, coupled with a medical history of similar antibiotic-induced reactions, pointed strongly towards an FDE diagnosis. Management entailed immediate discontinuation of the offending drug and initiation of symptomatic treatment, culminating in a positive therapeutic outcome. This case illuminates the potential of commonly prescribed medications, such as antibiotics, to incite balanoposthitis via FDE. It underscores the critical need for healthcare professionals to include FDE in their differential diagnosis for balanoposthitis, especially when patient exposure to high-risk medications is evident. Furthermore, the report emphasizes the pressing requirement for additional research to elucidate the pathogenesis of FDE-induced balanoposthitis and to devise effective therapeutic and preventive measures.