Amoxicillin-Induced Atypical Exanthema in a Patient with EBV-Related Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Case Report

The concomitant use of antibiotics, especially beta lactams, during acute EBV infection is widely associated with an increased risk of skin manifestations; the actual pathophysiology and prevalence of this phenomenon are still debated.

We present the first reported case of atypical exanthema associated with amoxicillin intake in a patient with EBV-related nasopharyngeal carcinoma. We recorded a pattern in the plasma EBV-DNA load consisting of a significant increase at the onset of the rash with a sudden remission after its resolution. The patient recovered without sequelae.

The temporal relationship and the reported data on rash morphology, clinical findings and triggering factors support a possible correlation between the intake of beta-lactam antibiotics, particularly amoxicillin, and the onset of cutaneous manifestations in a patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Such reactions can be a challenging differential diagnosis and may warrant increased provider consideration when choosing to prescribe beta lactams in patients affected by nasopharyngeal cancer.