If you can't stand the rash, get out of the kitchen: an unusual adverse reaction to ciprofloxacin.
Ciprofloxacin, a quinolone antibiotic, is used to treat a wide variety of infections including Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Photosensitivity is a well-known complication of treatment with this group of antibiotics, and it is more common in patients with CF. We report on a case of photosensitivity induced by indoor fluorescent strip-lighting (spectral range, 295-760 nm) in a 12-year-old girl with CF treated with ciprofloxacin. This type of lighting emits UVA rays (320-400 nm) which cause skin damage in the presence of sensitizing agents. Patients taking ciprofloxacin are usually advised to protect their skin from direct sunlight. We suggest that more attention should be paid to indoor sources of UV light.
Jaffé
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Department of Respiratory Paediatrics, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK. Adjaffe@aol.com
Bush
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D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D002939:Ciprofloxacin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications; D017454:Dermatitis, Photoallergic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D002939:Ciprofloxacin