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Skin-adverse drug reactions in the elderly: An underestimated and avoidable issue
M Lagassy1, A Lefebvre2, P Carvalho3
1Department of Allergology, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France.
Annales De Dermatologie Et De Venereologie
|November 9, 2025
Summary
Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are common in the elderly, especially skin-related ones. Increased awareness of drug hypersensitivity can reduce hospitalizations for these reactions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Geriatrics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ageing populations face increased risks of frailty and polymedication.
- This increases the likelihood of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), including dermatological manifestations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize skin-ADRs in elderly patients admitted to a dermatology ward.
- To identify the drugs causing these reactions and assess their avoidability.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of patients over 70 years old admitted for skin-ADRs.
- Included reactions: maculopapular exanthema (MPE), AGEP, DRESS, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, etc.
- Data collected: demographics, drug hypersensitivity history, ADR details, causative drugs, avoidability, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- 80 patients (mean age 82) were included; 64% were polymedicated.
- 65% of skin-ADRs were non-severe (60% MPE), 35% were severe (23% DRESS, 9% AGEP).
- Antibiotics were the most common cause (85%); 21% of ADRs were avoidable. 15% experienced new ADRs upon rechallenge.
Conclusions:
- Skin-ADRs are a significant issue in elderly patients, often linked to polymedication.
- Improving clinical awareness of drug hypersensitivity history is crucial.
- This can enhance elderly care and decrease dermatology ward admissions.
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