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Updated: May 27, 2025

Minimal Erythema Dose MED Testing
Published on: May 28, 2013
[Exanthematic drug eruption]
Mirjana Ziemer1, Elisabeth Livingstone2
1Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsmedizin Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 23, 04103, Leipzig, Deutschland. mirjana.ziemer@medizin.uni-leipzig.de.
Background:
Besides reactions of the IgE-mediated immediate type, medicamentous therapies can cause a variety of different mucocutaneous adverse events. Exanthematous manifestations require a fast and certain diagnosis due to their extent, sometimes rapid progression, and mucous membrane or organ involvement.
Objectives:
The spectrum of non-IgE-mediated exanthematic drug reactions is covered.
Material And Methods:
The most relevant reactions are portrayed clinically and histopathologically.
Results:
Displayed are classical maculo-papular drug eruption, lichenoid drug reaction, acute generalized exanthematic pustulosis (AGEP), severe potentially life-threatening drug reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) as well as generalized bullous fixed drug eruption (GBFDE), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and some others.
Conclusions:
Cutaneous drug-related side effects cover a broad spectrum. Important for the correct treatment is a reliable diagnosis. In the case of severe, life-threatening drug reactions, however, permanent discontinuation of the drug is essential.
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