Update in Diagnosis and Management of Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions: Emerging Therapies and Evolving Presentations

Authors

  • Jennifer Lipson, MD University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58931/cdt.2025.62142

Abstract

Severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCARs) represent some of the most critical and potentially life-threatening conditions encountered in dermatology. These reactions include Stevens‑Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)—also referred to as Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome (DIHS), Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP), and Generalized Bullous Fixed Drug Eruption (GBFDE). All of these are classified as T-cell mediated hypersensitivity reactions.

The development of SCARs is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, variations in drug metabolism, and, in some cases, concurrent infections. In this update, I will review the latest advances in the diagnosis and management of SCARs, highlighting emerging patterns of presentation, differential diagnoses, and therapeutic strategies that are impacting clinical practice.

Author Biography

Jennifer Lipson, MD, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON

Dr. Lipson is a medical dermatologist in Ottawa practising at West Ottawa Specialty Care. She is a lecturer at the University of Ottawa and an associate physician at The Ottawa Hospital and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). She serves as a committee member for the Ottawa Dermatology Clinical and Scientific Biannual Meeting and The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Subspecialty Committee for Dermatology. Her clinical interests include immune mediated inflammatory diseases, hormonal acne and skin cancer.

References

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Published

2025-06-25

How to Cite

1.
Lipson J. Update in Diagnosis and Management of Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions: Emerging Therapies and Evolving Presentations. Can Dermatol Today [Internet]. 2025 Jun. 25 [cited 2025 Jun. 28];6(2):23–28. Available from: https://canadiandermatologytoday.com/article/view/6-1-Lipson

Issue

Volume 6, Issue 2, Summer 2025

Section

Articles