Medication Reactions

Medications can cause a host of dermatologic problems ranging from contact dermatitis to life threatening hypersensitivity reactions. Medications may also be implicated in exacerbating underlying skin condition such as acne or psoriasis. A careful history of all medications and supplements taken in the past 6 weeks and physical exam can be helpful in determining the cause and severity of the reaction. When possible, discontinuation of the culprit medication is the first step in management. Sometimes this is not possible and the severity of the reaction must be balanced with the patient’s need for the medication.