FDE/ Drug Reaction
FDE/ Drug Reaction
Fixed drug eruption (FDE) is a type of drug-induced skin reaction, which usually recurs at the same site each time the individual is exposed to the triggering drug. It is characterized by the development of sharp, round, purple- brown coloured patches on skin that appear within a day after exposure to a particular medication or substance. They commonly occur on the lips, genital area, hands, or feet, but can appear anywhere on the body.
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Signs & Symptoms
The signs of FDE appear only after taking the triggering medicine, and involved the following-
- Single or multiple raised, red, or purple patches on the skin
- Itching
- Burning
- Pain
- Recurrent patches on the same site
- Fever, lethargy or joint pain can occur in some cases
Very rarely, FDE becomes generalised and involved large body area, with blistering, patches, and systemic symptoms
Causes/ Triggers
Various medications can cause FDE, like
- Antibiotics (such as sulfonamides, tetracyclines)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Anticonvulsants
- Certain herbal preparations
- Rarely, by chemicals or food additives
Home Care
The only and most important step in managing FDE is to avoid the triggering drug or substance. Once the causative agent is identified, it should be avoided in the future.
FDE or any type of drug reaction should not be managed on its own at home, and should be consulted with a dermatologist.
Treatment
At Skinfinity Derma, we offer a wide range of treatment options to help you manage Fixed drug eruption effectively. Our team of dermatologists will work with you to create a treatment plan. Most important step in management of FDE is to identify the triggering drug. This is done via a detailed history of onset of symptoms, similar complaints in past.
Some of the most common treatments we offer for include:
- Topical medications- These are creams and lotions which work reducing the patches, redness, itching, pain and discomfort.
- Oral medications- There are tablets to reduce the severity of condition, itching, or any other infection which may develop. A course of oral steroids may be given by the dermatologist based on the severity of condition.
