Bleomycin-induced flagellate dermatitis

BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Jun 27:2013:bcr2013009764. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-009764.

Abstract

Flagellate dermatitis shows very characteristic lesions: linear erythema or hyperpigmentation in various areas of the skin. It is a side effect of bleomycin, an immunosupressive drug used for several types of cancers. All physicians must be aware of this disease so they can make a rapid diagnosis and interrupt the causative agent. Our patient presented during chemotherapy for a Hodgkin's lymphoma pruritic, erythematous lesions on the lower limbs and the back diagnosed as flagellate dermatitis due to bleomycin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / adverse effects*
  • Bleomycin / adverse effects*
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology
  • Drug Eruptions / pathology*
  • Female
  • Hodgkin Disease / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Hyperpigmentation / etiology
  • Hyperpigmentation / pathology*

Substances

  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic
  • Bleomycin