Case 1

A 23-year-old male presented with complaints of fluid-filled lesions present for five days. The lesions appeared on the back, then progressed to involve the upper limbs, lower limbs, and abdomen, associated with itching and a burning sensation. He had been a known case of a seizure disorder since the age of eleven years and was on tablet phenobarbitone. He stopped tablet phenobarbitone and took sodium valproate fifteen days prior to the onset of these lesions. There was a history of five similar episodes, each lasting for 5–6 days. The fluid-filled lesions were present on the same site as in the past. A cutaneous examination revealed multiple well-defined flaccid bullae, erosions, and crusting involving the trunk, extremities, face, palms, and soles. Circumscribed areas of PIH were seen (Fig. 1). The Nikolsky sign and the bulla spread sign were negative. A diagnosis of generalized bullous fixed drug eruption (secondary to tablet sodium valproate) was established.

Figure 1: Multiple well-defined flaccid bullae, erosions, and crusting involving the trunk.

Case 2

A 42-year-old female presented with complaints of itchy, red, raised lesions over the entire body present for the last two days. There was a history of fever and joint pain one week previously, for which she took tablets and injections (unknown). Two days later, red, raised lesions appeared on the trunk initially, then progressed to involve the face, both upper limbs, and lower limbs. On examination, diffuse erythema and scaling were seen involving the entire body (Fig. 2). A diagnosis of erythroderma secondary to an adverse drug reaction was established.

Figure 2: Diffuse erythema and scaling involving the entire body.

Case 3

A 28-year-old female presented with complaints of red, raised lesions over the entire body associated with a severe burning sensation and itching present for the last two days. There was a history of fever five days previously, treated with tablet aceclofenac + chlorzoxazone at a local clinic. The following morning, redness and a burning sensation were initially on the forearms, then progressed to involve the entire body, including the face. On examination, multiple well-defined hyperpigmented maculopapular lesions with dusky erythema were seen over the entire body (Fig. 3). The Nikolsky sign was positive, and skin tenderness was present. Eighty percent of the body surface area was involved, with 20% epidermal detachment. On histopathology, the epidermis revealed full-thickness keratinocyte necrosis, Civatte bodies, and spongiosis. Eosinophils and lymphocytes were noted in the dermis. A diagnosis of SJS–TEN overlap syndrome secondary to aceclofenac and chlorzoxazone was established.

Figure 3: Multiple well-defined hyperpigmented maculopapular lesions with dusky erythema.

Case 4

A 64-year-old female presented with a rash over the entire body present for the last four days. There was a history of high-grade fever five days back, for which the patient was prescribed tablet Augmentin 1 gm. She developed a rash within two days, which was initially on the neck and arms and gradually spread to involve the entire body. A history of an allergy to penicillin had been present since 1987, documented on records (type of reaction unknown). On examination, generalized, discrete to confluent, tiny pustules were present on an erythematous background involving the entire body sparing the palms and soles (Fig. 4). A diagnosis of acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis to the penicillin group was established.

Figure 4: Discrete to confluent tiny pustules on an erythematous background.

Case 5

A 19-year-old male patient presented with complaints of watering eyes, erosions on the lips and oral cavity, and fluid-filled lesions on the trunk present for the last four days. There was a history of fever with coughing one week earlier, for which he took over-the-counter medications (Syp. dextromethorphan, oral aceclofenac, and chlorzoxazone). The following morning, the patient developed a burning sensation, watering and difficulty in opening the eyes, difficulty in swallowing, and erosions on the entire lips and oral cavity. He went to a nearby local hospital, where he was admitted and treated with injections of ceftriaxone, tablet paracetamol, and aceclofenac. The following morning, dark red lesions on the trunk, face, both upper limbs, and buttocks appeared. There was a history of similar episodes in the past. The eyes and oral cavity were involved. On examination, target lesions were seen on the trunk (Fig. 5). White patches on the tongue, conjunctival congestion, and epiphora were also seen. A provisional diagnosis of Steven–Johnson syndrome (secondary to aceclofenac and chlorzoxazone) or erythema multiforme was established. On histopathology, the epidermis revealed spongiosis, epidermal necrosis, and subepidermal bullae. The dermis showed a mixed inflammatory infiltrate composed of lymphocytes, neutrophils, histiocytes, and some eosinophils. A final diagnosis of Steven–Johnson syndrome was reached.

Figure 5: Target lesions on the trunk.

Consent

The examination of the patient was conducted according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.

The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms, in which the patients gave their consent for images and other clinical information to be included in the journal. The patients understand that their names and initials will not be published and due effort will be made to conceal their identity, but that anonymity cannot be guaranteed.