Introduction to Hypersensitivity and Reactive Skin Disorders

Creator: Julia Benedetti
Published: 2022-04-01

Julia Benedetti

, MD, Harvard Medical School

Reviewed/Revised Apr 2022 | Modified Sep 2022

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The immune system plays a significant role in most skin disorders. The following skin disorders can be primarily characterized by a hypersensitivity or other type of reaction, be it to a drug, infection, or cancer:

Acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis Acute Febrile Neutrophilic Dermatosis Acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis is characterized by tender, indurated, dark-red papules and plaques with prominent edema in the upper dermis and dense infiltrate of neutrophils. The cause... read more
Drug eruptions and reactions Drug Eruptions and Reactions Drugs can cause multiple skin eruptions and reactions. The most serious of these are discussed elsewhere in THE MANUAL and include Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, hypersensitivity... read more
Erythema multiforme Erythema Multiforme Erythema multiforme is an inflammatory reaction, characterized by target or iris skin lesions. Oral mucosa may be involved. Diagnosis is clinical. Lesions spontaneously resolve but frequently... read more
Erythema nodosum Erythema Nodosum Erythema nodosum is a specific form of panniculitis characterized by tender, red or violet, palpable, subcutaneous nodules on the shins and occasionally other locations. It often occurs with... read more
Granuloma annulare Granuloma Annulare Granuloma annulare is a benign, chronic, idiopathic condition characterized by papules or nodules that expand peripherally to form a ring around normal or slightly depressed skin. Diagnosis... read more
Panniculitis Panniculitis Panniculitis describes inflammation of the subcutaneous fat that can result from multiple causes. Diagnosis is by clinical evaluation and biopsy. Treatment depends on the cause. (See also Erythema... read more
Pyoderma gangrenosum Pyoderma Gangrenosum Pyoderma gangrenosum is a chronic, neutrophilic, progressive skin necrosis of unknown etiology often associated with systemic illness and sometimes skin injury. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment... read more
Stevens-Johnson syndrome Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are severe cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions. Drugs, especially sulfa drugs, antiseizure drugs, and antibiotics, are the most common... read more
Toxic epidermal necrolysis Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are severe cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions. Drugs, especially sulfa drugs, antiseizure drugs, and antibiotics, are the most common... read more

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Introduction to Hypersensitivity and Reactive Skin Disorders

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