[Exanthematic drug eruption].

Background: Besides reactions of the IgE-mediated immediate type, medicamentous therapies can cause a variety of different mucocutaneous adverse events. Exanthematous manifestations require a fast and certain diagnosis due to their extent, sometimes rapid progression, and mucous membrane or organ involvement.

Objectives: The spectrum of non-IgE-mediated exanthematic drug reactions is covered.

Material and methods: The most relevant reactions are portrayed clinically and histopathologically.

Results: Displayed are classical maculo-papular drug eruption, lichenoid drug reaction, acute generalized exanthematic pustulosis (AGEP), severe potentially life-threatening drug reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) as well as generalized bullous fixed drug eruption (GBFDE), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and some others.

Conclusions: Cutaneous drug-related side effects cover a broad spectrum. Important for the correct treatment is a reliable diagnosis. In the case of severe, life-threatening drug reactions, however, permanent discontinuation of the drug is essential.