Drug Eruptions in Patients with Darker Skin

Drug eruptions manifest differently across diverse skin tones, yet medical education has historically focused predominantly on their presentation in lighter skin types. This course addresses this critical gap by specifically examining how medication-induced cutaneous reactions present, progress, and should be managed in patients with darker skin tones. Understanding these unique manifestations is essential for accurate diagnosis and timely intervention, as classical descriptions of erythema, border distinction, and visual cues often differ significantly in melanin-rich skin. This knowledge forms a crucial bridge between pharmacology, dermatology, and culturally competent clinical practice, enabling healthcare providers to deliver equitable, precise care across all patient populations.

This course builds upon fundamental knowledge of pharmacology and basic dermatology, requiring familiarity with drug hypersensitivity mechanisms before exploring their phenotypic expressions in darker skin. Students will learn to recognize the distinct presentations of fixed drug eruptions, morbilliform reactions, urticaria, angioedema, and severe conditions such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in patients with higher Fitzpatrick skin types. The clinical relevance extends beyond dermatology into primary care, emergency medicine, and all specialties that prescribe medications, as missed or delayed diagnosis of drug eruptions can lead to continued exposure, progression to severe reactions, and potentially life-threatening outcomes. Mastering these concepts is essential for reducing healthcare disparities and improving patient safety across increasingly diverse clinical settings.