title: Cheilitis due to treatment with simvastatin.
abstract: Inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase are very common and effective treatments for hyperlipidemia. Epidermal cholesterol synthesis has been shown to be essential for maintaining the cutaneous barrier function. We present two patients who experienced cheilitis after beginning treatment of hyperlipidemia with simvastatin (Zocor). The rash resolved after discontinuation of medication and subsequent treatment with topical moisturizers and topical corticosteroids. We suspect that skin barrier dysfunction may occur in the mucosa from inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase in a manner analogous to the epidermis.
authors.affiliation: Pinkus Dermatopathology Laboratory, Monroe, Michigan 48161, USA.
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Mehregan
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Mehregan
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pakideh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002613:Cheilitis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000188:drug therapy; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019821:Simvastatin / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D019821:Simvastatin