Bleomycin-Induced Flagellate Dermatitis: Revisited

Cureus. 2022 Sep 16;14(9):e29221. doi: 10.7759/cureus.29221. eCollection 2022 Sep.

Abstract

Flagellate dermatitis caused by bleomycin is a rare side effect with a distinctive pattern of whip-like, linear streaks. The clinical presentation has become uncommon nowadays as bleomycin use in conventional chemotherapy regimens has decreased. We present a case of a 30-year-old female diagnosed with ovarian germ cell tumour, managed with bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) and later developed a widespread rash indicative of classic flagellate dermatitis. This brief report emphasizes the significance of detection and management of this transient dermatological complication in patients receiving bleomycin.

Keywords: bleomycin; bleomycin rash; bleomycin side effect; flagellate dermatitis; hyperpigmented linear rash; ovarian germ cell tumour; whip-like pattern.

Publication types

  • Case Reports