Pellagra and Pellagroid reaction caused by drugs: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

This is a report of a 40- year- old woman presented to our outpatient dermatology clinic. She had a 40- day history of sudden development of skin lesions on the exposed. Dermatologic examination revealed relatively limited brown – reddish plaques on the hands, feet, face, one elbow and groin regions. She has been taking carbamazepine (200 mg/ day) for 13 years. Otherwise, no serious problems were found. A clinical diagnosis of drug- induced pellagra was made based on the morphology. After discontinuing carbamazepine, treatment with nicotinamide (500 mg/day) was initiated and the eruption faded away and resolved within 3 weeks. Pellagra is a disease caused by a deficiency of the niacin and may occur with certain drugs.