Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions: A Narrative Literature Review

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR) are the rare conditions associated with medication use. This includes Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis and generalized bullous fixed drug eruption. These diseases present with various vivid cutaneous manifestations associated with systemic symptoms and may cause potential mortality. It is classified as a delayed-type hypersensitivity with different cell mediators depending on its clinical phenotype. Genetic factors seem to have a role in the interaction of the culprit drug and the host’s immune system. This narrative review aims to describe the clinical manifestations of different SCAR, to review its pathomechanism, diagnosis and management, and to stipulate its future directions in the Philippines.