Recognizing EGFR Inhibitor-Associated Papulopustular Eruptions: Distinguishing Treatment-Related Findings From Acne and Papulopustular Rosacea Within the K-OBI Esthetic Screening Framework

This practice review examines how estheticians can recognize that papules and pustules developing during epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted cancer therapy may represent a treatment-associated papulopustular eruption rather than acne vulgaris or papulopustular rosacea. It compares observable patterns including treatment timing, lesion morphology, distribution, sensory symptoms, comedones, erythema, flushing, telangiectasia, xerosis, and warning signs. The article explains how the Kosichenko Oncology Barrier Index (K-OBI) converts diagnostic uncertainty into a conservative, non-medical esthetic decision pathway focused on documentation, service modification, Safety Hold, barrier protection, and timely referral. K-OBI is a provisional esthetic decision-support framework and is not a diagnostic or predictive medical instrument.