Dermatomyositis-like eruption and leg ulceration caused by hydroxyurea in a patient with psoriasis.
We report the case of an elderly woman who had been on hydroxyurea for long-standing widespread psoriasis. After approximately 5 years's treatment with hydroxyurea, she developed a symmetrical dermatomyositis-like eruption on her hands, together with bilateral leg ulceration. Although similar skin eruptions have been reported after long-term hydroxyurea treatment, all of the previous patients were being treated for myeloproliferative disorders. A dermatomyositis-like eruption has not previously been reported to occur as a consequence of hydroxyurea treatment for psoriasis. Its recognition is important to prevent unnecessary investigation or treatment withdrawal.
Varma
S
S
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK. varma@cf.ac.uk
Lanigan
S W
SW
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003882:Dermatomyositis / Q000139:chemically induced; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006918:Hydroxyurea / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000139:chemically induced; D019384:Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D019384:Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors; D006918:Hydroxyurea