Dermatitis Medicamentosa - Symptom, Treatment and cause of Dermatitis Medicamentosa

DESCRIPTION: Inflammation of skin.

CAUSE: Abnormal reaction to a medication.

SYMPTOMS: Sudden onset of bright red, itchy rash. Some patients have afever, tiredness, joint pains, headache and nausea.

INVESTIGATIONS: Diagnosis often difficult, and usually no specific test.

TREATMENT: Stop use of responsible medication, antihistamines for itch,and steroid creams or tablets.

COMPLICATIONS: Blood cell damage, severe allergy reactions(anaphylaxis), kidney and liver damage may occur.

PROGNOSIS: Usually settles with cessation of the responsible medication,but if complications occur, may be serious.