DRESS Syndrome
Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms
Formerly called Hypersensitivity Syndrome (HSS)
Typically presents with rash and fever (87%), classically erythematous follicular papules and pustules, but may also include bullae or purpura.
Other severe systemic manifestations such as hepatitis (51%), arthralgias, lymphadenopathy (75%), interstitial nephritis (11%), or hematologic abnormalities (30%).
Common Culprits
- Carbamazepine
- Phenytoin
- phenobarbital
- sulfonamides
- Dapsone
- metronidazole
- minocycline
Clinical Course and Management
- Usually occurs 2-6 weeks after initiation of the medication, which is later than most drug eruptions.
- Treatment is supportive.
- Medication should be stopped as soon as the diagnosis is suspected.
- Severity is dependent upon the amount of time the drug is continued after hypersensitivity occurs.
- Corticosteroids have been required in some cases
Visual Examples
DermNetNZ.org
