Common cutaneous drug reactions

Most drug-induced skin lesions resolve after withdrawal of the causative drug. In severe reactions death can occur. Stevens-Johnson syndrome is fatal in about 5% of cases and toxic epidermal necrolysis in about 30%. Mortality in DRESS (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms; also called drug hypersensitivity syndrome) cases are reported to be 10%.[53]National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Drug allergy: diagnosis and management. September 2014 [internet publication]. http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg183 The case-fatality rate in acute anaphylaxis is <1.0%, but the risk is increased in people with asthma.