Objectives:To detect cutaneous drug reactions through spontaneous reporting system in IGGMCand H, Nagpur and analyze them using standard assessment scales.Materials and Methods:An observational, prospective study was performed in patients attending dermatology OPD of IGGMC and H, Nagpur from 1st June 05 to 31st May 09. Patients were examined for cutaneous drug reactions (CDRs) by spontaneous Adverse Drug Reaction reporting system.Results:Among 2693 total ADRs reported, 872 (33.04%) were CDRs. Antimicrobials (55.5%) were the main drugs involved followed by NSAIDs (18.56%) and steroids (12.61%). Maculopapular rash (37.73%) followed by fixed drug eruption (17.2%) and urticaria (14.56%) were the most frequently observed CDRs. The common drugs causing CDRs were cotrimoxazole (20.41%), topical steroids (betamethasone), ibuprofen (7.91%), ampicillin (6.54%), diclofenac (4.7%) and iron dextran (3.44%).Conclusion:It was observed that commonly used drugs like antibiotics and NSAIDs lead to maximum number of CDRs. Hence strict vigilance is required while using them. This study provides a database of ADRs due to common drugs, which will help clinicians in safe use of these drugs.

Case 1: A 40-years-old female presented with asymptomatic growth on lower back which had gradually increased to the present size over a period of 25 years. There were no systemic complaints. Family history of similar lesions was absent. Cutaneous examination revealed multiple soft, skin colored to hyperpigmented, non tender, smooth surfaced, coalescing papules and cerebriform plaques situated on the right lower back [Table/ Fig-1]. There was no ulceration, discharge, associated excessive hair growth, comedo like plugs or cafe-au-lait spots. Biopsy from the papule revealed islands of mature adipose tissue in the dermis [Table /Fig-2]. Based on the clinical and histopathological findings diagnosis of nevus lipomatosus cutaneous superficialis was confirmed. Patient was referred to plastic surgery department for further management.

Background Urticaria is a distressing condition associated with diverse clinical presentations. Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CsU) is characterized by wheals and angioedema. Its treatment requires an algorithmic approach to identify the optimum medication. Objectives Cetirizine is commonly used in the treatment of urticaria. Rupatadine is a selective non‐sedating H1‐antihistamine approved for the treatment of CsU. This trial was conducted to ascertain whether the properties of rupatadine offer advantages over cetirizine. Methods Seventy patients with CsU were enrolled. Parameters assessed included: (i) mean number of wheals (MNW); (ii) pruritus; (iii) mean total symptom score (MTSS); (iv) size of wheal; (v) interference of wheals with sleep; and (vi) sedation. Patients with CsU were divided randomly into two groups. Routine investigations were performed at baseline and at the end of the study. Results Evaluations of MTSS, MNW, and pruritus revealed statistically significant differences at week 3 compared with baseline in the cetirizine group. However, greater reductions in these parameters were obtained with rupatadine. In patients receiving rupatadine, reductions in the MNW, size of wheals, and intensity of erythema were also significant at six weeks (P < 0.001) and were significantly greater than those in the cetirizine group (P < 0.05). Conclusions Improvements in MTSS, MNW, size of wheals, intensity of erythema, and differential eosinophil count imply that rupatadine is a particularly attractive therapeutic modality compared with cetirizine for the treatment of CsU.

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