Pityriasis rubra pilaris exacerbation with topical use of imiquimod.
The role of immune response modifiers is increasing in the treatment of dermatologic diseases. Imiquimod, a toll-like receptor agonist, results in up-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines for improved immune surveillance. Although topical use is generally well-tolerated, imiquimod can potentially result in systemic effects and exacerbate generalized inflammatory papulosquamous diseases of the skin. We report the case of a 67-year-old man who was treated with imiquimod for actinic keratosis and developed fever and a progressive erythematous papulosquamous eruption that was histologically consistent with pityriasis rubra pilaris.
Yang
F Clarissa
FC
Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. fcyang@partners.org
Jessup
Chad
C
Dahiya
Madhu
M
Reynolds
Rachel
R
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D055623:Keratosis, Actinic / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D010916:Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris / Q000139:chemically induced*
D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000077271:Imiquimod