Sparfloxacin-induced photo-onycholysis and photosensitivity characteristically sparing lepromatous skin lesions: an interesting observation

Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2018 Sep;27(3):149-151.

Abstract

Sparfloxacin is an antibiotic in the quinolone group of antibacterial agents, which often induce photosensitive skin reactions, more often phototoxic reactions than photoallergic ones, and sometimes associated photo-onycholysis. We present a case of phototoxic dermatitis with photo-onycholysis in a 38-year-old man probably induced by sparfloxacin, which was prescribed to him along with rifampicin and clofazimine because he was suffering from borderline lepromatous leprosy. He developed exaggerated sunburn-like eruptions mainly on sun-exposed sites along with painful onycholysis of the fingernails. Interestingly, the hypopigmented patches of leprosy were spared, which is a very rare phenomenon. Withdrawal of sparfloxacin along with administration of systemic steroids and other supportive measures helped heal the skin eruptions with hyperpigmentation, but the photo-onycholysis was slow to resolve.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Infective Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Infective Agents / adverse effects*
  • Dermatitis, Phototoxic / complications
  • Dermatitis, Phototoxic / drug therapy
  • Dermatitis, Phototoxic / etiology*
  • Fluoroquinolones / administration & dosage
  • Fluoroquinolones / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Leprosy, Borderline / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Onycholysis / chemically induced*
  • Onycholysis / complications
  • Onycholysis / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Fluoroquinolones
  • sparfloxacin