A status report on drug-associated acne and acneiform eruptions

J Drugs Dermatol. 2010 Jun;9(6):627-36.

Abstract

Several drugs have been associated with the development of eruptions that may simulate acne vulgaris. These drugs include corticosteroids, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, cyclosporine, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, antidepressants, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors, anabolic steroids, danazol, antituberculosis drugs, quinidine, azathioprine and testosterone. In some cases, the eruption is clinically and histologically similar to acne vulgaris while, in other cases, the eruption is clinically suggestive of acne vulgaris without any histologic information. Additionally, in other cases of drug-associated acneiform eruptions, despite clinical similarity, histologic features are not consistent with acne vulgaris.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / chemically induced*
  • Acneiform Eruptions / chemically induced*
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects
  • Cyclosporine / adverse effects
  • Dactinomycin / adverse effects
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Humans
  • Lithium Carbonate / adverse effects
  • Sirolimus / adverse effects
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Dactinomycin
  • Lithium Carbonate
  • Cyclosporine
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Sirolimus