Ana Paula Cunha

Etoricoxib-induced fixed drug eruption with positive lesional patch tests

Fixed drug eruption (FDE) is most commonly associated with antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and nonnarcotic analgens, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, the newer cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors have been rarely reported to cause FDE. We report the case of a 52-year-old Caucasian woman with erythematous pruritic plaques on the neck, left forearm, and second finger of the right hand, healing with hyperpigmentation and recurring in the same locations. The patient was sporadically taking oral etoricoxib 90 mg for her back pain and noticed the relation between administration of the drug and skin lesions, the time interval decreasing progressively from 1 week to 30 minutes. No other signs, symptoms, or drug intake was mentioned. The patch tests with etoricoxib 1% and 5% in petrolatum were positive at the location of the lesions and negative on the back (nonlesional skin). Standard European and NSAID series were negative. Patch tests of 10 healthy controls with etoricoxib 1% and 5% in petrolatum were negative. After the avoidance of the drug, no relapse was mentioned. The patch test was reliable for the diagnosis of FDE, avoiding the need for subsequent oral provocation testing and therefore preventing the possible adverse effects. Despite being regarded as a safe drug, the occurrence of cutaneous adverse reactions to etoricoxib should be considered, especially in the setting of its increasing use in pain control.

Allergic contact dermatitis caused by (meth)acrylates in nail cosmetic products in users and nail technicians – a 5-year study

The increasing use of long‐lasting nail aesthetic products has led to a growing number of cases of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by (meth)acrylates in recent years.

Severe onychodystrophy caused by allergic contact dermatitis to acrylates in artificial nails

Acrylic resin monomers, especially acrylates and methacrylates, are well-known sensitizers responsible for allergic contact dermatitis mainly in the occupational setting. The most frequently affected professionals are dentists, orthopedic surgeons, manicurists, painting industry and fiberglass workers. The authors report the case of a 39-year-old healthy woman, a secretary, who developed severe onychodystrophy of all fingers, 1 week after the application of sculptured acrylic nails.

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-positive cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis induced by propylthiouracil confirmed by positive patch test: a case report and review of the literature.

A 43-year-old female with antiphospholipid syndrome and Graves’ disease developed a cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) against myeloperoxidase (MPO-ANCA) and proteinase-3 (PR3-ANCA), whilst treated with propylthiouracil (PTU). The skin lesions were progressively resolved after withdrawal of PTU and treatment with oral steroids. Patch testing with PTU at 1%, 5%, and 10% in petrolatum was positive at 48 h. Despite positive ANCA titers after 1 year of follow-up, the patient maintains complete clinical remission. PTU is a common antithyroid drug, which has been known to induce ANCA-positive vasculitis. Although most patients with this rare side effect have a good outcome, some fatal cases have been reported. Therefore, patients treated with PTU should be carefully followed and monitored, not only for their thyroid state but also for early detection of potential serious complications of this drug. Early diagnosis and prompt cessation of PTU therapy are essential to improve the outcome. Also key aspects of PTU-induced ANCA-positive vasculitis are reviewed.

Nonpigmented fixed drug eruption induced by esomeprazole.

A 56-year-old white woman developed a distinctive skin eruption over her mammary, lumbosacral, and pubic areas 2 weeks after the start of esomeprazole therapy for dyspeptic symptoms. Skin biopsy disclosed a spongiotic dermatitis with predominantly lymphocytic dermal infiltrate. Treatment with a tapering dose of corticosteroid and withdrawal of the suspected drug led to a rapid resolution of the eruption without residual dyschromia. Patch testing with esomeprazole 2% in petrolatum was negative at 48 and 72 hours but became positive on day 6. Oral-controlled provocation test induced the reappearance of the lesions over the mammary areas, confirming the putative involvement of this drug. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed as having a nonpigmented fixed drug eruption associated with esomeprazole. This compound is a proton-pump inhibitor developed as the S-isomer of omeprazole to improve its pharmacokinetic properties. Reports of cutaneous reactions to proton-pump inhibitors are quite common, but reports of such reactions to esomeprazole are rare, which demonstrates the need for higher clinical awareness and knowledge of reactions to these drugs.

Erythema multiforme-like lesions revealing allergic contact dermatitis to exotic woods

We report a 45-year old man who developed maculopapular exanthema on the inferior cervical folder, axillae and umbilicus, as well as erythema multiforme-like lesions on the wrists after the introduction in his work of pao ferro (Machaerium scleroxylon). Patch tests were positive to pao ferro and ebony. This case highlights the importance of patch tests for the confirmation of the culprit agent in occupational dermatoses and also to identify other occupational allergens that the patient should avoid. Tropical woods contain quinones that could explain the possible cross-reactions between woods belonging to different families.

Systemic allergic contact dermatitis to fiberglass in a factory worker of wind turbine blades.

Fiberglass is extensively used due to its properties of thermal, acoustic and electrical insulation, and also to reinforce other materials such as plastics. Irritant contact dermatitis to fiberglass is a well established occupational dermatose and is due to penetration of small fragments in the cornified layer of the skin. On the other hand, allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is rare and is more often triggered by sensitivity to the additives and resins used in the manufacture of fiberglass products. We report a case of ACD to fiberglass in a factory worker of fiberglass reinforced products.

Symmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema (SDRIFE) induced by telmisartan–hydrochlorothiazide

Symmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema (SDRIFE) is a drug-related eruption that characteristically involves the intertriginous or flexural folds and gluteal areas. We report the case of a 48-year-old woman with the presence of a sharply demarcated erythema of the inferior cervical folds, axillae, and gluteal area that started 4 days after the introduction of telmisartan–hydrochlorothiazide administration to treat hypertension. Skin biopsy revealed a dense perivascular and periadnexal lymphohistiocytic infiltrate in the superficial dermis, with some eosinophils and mast cells. A cutaneous drug adverse reaction was suspected, administration of telmisartan–hydrochlorothiazide was suspended, and medium-potency topical corticosteroids were prescribed, with subsequent significant improvement of the lesions. Eight months later, epicutaneous patch tests were performed in previously lesional and nonlesional skin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of SDRIFE related to telmisartan–hydrochlorothiazide and illustrates an uncommon presentation of a skin-related drug reaction to an antihypertensive medication and the role of the dermatologist in diagnosis and management, in particular in follow-up of the patient.

Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis to amoxicillin associated with parvovirus B19 reactivation

We report the case of a 22-year-old male patient with 2 episodes, 4 months apart, of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) associated with oral intake of amoxicillin and simultaneous reactivation of parvovirus B19 infection proven by positive polymerase chain reaction test in the skin fragment and blood sample and elevation of the IgG antibodies titer. To our knowledge, this is the first report of AGEP resulting from the interaction between drug hypersensitivity and the reactivation of parvovirus B19. A combination of an immunological reaction to the drug and virus infection could be responsible for the clinical picture.

Phytophotodermatitis due to homemade ointment for Pediculosis capitis

An 8-year-old girl presented with a berloque pattern consisting of pendantlike streaks ofmacular hyperpigmentation on her neck and upper chest (Fig. 1a and b) 2 days after the application of a homemade ointment containing rue (Ruta graveolens, Fig. 1c) for the treatment ofPediculosis capitis. She was exposed to the sun after the application of this product and denied erythema or blistering before the hyperpigmentation developed. This history was consistent with a phototoxic reaction. Patch tests were performed according to International Contact Dermatitis ResearchGroup guidelines, using Finn Chambers (Epitest Ltd Oy, Tuusula, Finland) on Scanpor tape (Norgesplaster A/S, Vennesla, Norway). The patient was patch tested with the Portuguese Contact Dermatitis Group baseline series and with rue diluted to 1%, 2%, 5%, and 10% in pet. Results were read at D2; only a non-relevant reaction to thiomersal (þþ) was observed. The child was treated with a liquorice extract-based skin lightening cream and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with instructions to avoid exposure to sunlight. Four weeks after the initial clinical presentation, only a very slight hyperpigmentation over the affected areas remained.