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Summary
Piroxicam, a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug, can cause photosensitivity reactions. A patient with rheumatoid arthritis developed a severe skin rash after sun exposure while taking piroxicam.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis management often involves non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Piroxicam (Felden) is an NSAID registered in Sweden in 1981, used for inflammatory conditions.
- Adverse skin reactions to piroxicam have been previously reported, including severe conditions like Lyell's syndrome.
Observation:
- A woman with rheumatoid arthritis presented with an erythematous-bullous eruption.
- The eruption was localized to areas of the skin exposed to sunlight.
- The patient had recently started treatment with piroxicam.
Findings:
- The clinical presentation, temporal relationship to piroxicam initiation, and a positive photopatch test strongly suggested drug-induced photosensitivity.
- This case adds to the known spectrum of skin reactions associated with piroxicam.
Implications:
- Piroxicam can induce photosensitivity, leading to significant cutaneous adverse events.
- Healthcare providers should be aware of this potential side effect when prescribing piroxicam, especially for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Photoprotection measures may be crucial for patients taking piroxicam to prevent such reactions.