Toxic Erythema of Chemotherapy

Ahmed, Ahmed K.

doi:10.33091/amj.2020.171053

	Toxic Erythema of Chemotherapy
Al- Anbar Medical Journal
Article 10, Volume 16, Issue 2, 2020, Pages 57-57 PDF (259.2 K)
Document Type: Images in clinical practice
DOI: 10.33091/amj.2020.171053
Author
Ahmed K. Ahmed^*
Department of Oncology, Anbar Cancer Center, Anbar Health Directorate, Ramadi, Anbar, Iraq.
Abstract
A 63-year-old woman with a history of stage II breast cancer (invasive ductal carcinoma) on adjuvant chemotherapy including a taxane group. A week after the 1^st and 2^nd cycles of docetaxel, she got a skin rash that affected both hands only. On examination, the hands were erythematous and associated with mild pain; they were dry with mild peeling of the skin; and also there was brownish discoloration of the fingernails (Panel A and B). It mildly affected the daily living activities of the patient. Within a few days, the rash was resolved by using skin emollients only and was totally disappeared after finishing chemotherapy. The condition was diagnosed as toxic erythema of chemotherapy mainly related to the docetaxel drug. The clinical presentation, the time at which the rash appears and the absence of other organ involvement can differentiate it from other conditions. Histopathological examination was not done because it is usually nonspecific. Docetaxel-related skin reaction of different grades occurs in about 50% of patients receiving this drug and it is usually reversible and resolves before the next treatment. It is usually prevented or reduced by receiving premedication with 3-days dexamethasone.
Keywords
Toxic; Chemotherapy

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