title: Fixed drug eruptions: presentation, diagnosis, and management.
abstract: Fixed drug eruption (FDE) is a well-defined, circular, hyperpigmenting plaque that recurs as one or a few lesions always in fixed locations upon ingestion of a drug. FDE commonly occurs on the genitals, lips, trunk, and hands. Although the lesions are distinctive, the diagnosis of FDE often is missed because it shares none of the characteristics of more common morbilliform drug rashes. The diagnosis can be confirmed by histopathologic examination of a small punch biopsy specimen. Drug avoidance is the mainstay of treatment, and antihistamines can reduce associated pruritus. Raising awareness of this condition will increase the likelihood of prompt diagnosis leading to resolution within days to weeks after the offending drug is discontinued.
authors.affiliation: From the School of Medicine, the Department of Dermatology, and the Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson.
authors.forename: Hal
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Flowers
authors.affiliation: From the School of Medicine, the Department of Dermatology, and the Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Brodell
authors.affiliation: From the School of Medicine, the Department of Dermatology, and the Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson.
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brents
authors.affiliation: From the School of Medicine, the Department of Dermatology, and the Department of Pathology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson.
authors.forename: Julie Porter
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Wyatt
mesh_terms: D020405:Dermis / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans