Skin reactions to drugs are a ubiquitous problem - the most commonly observed drug sensitivity observed in a wide range of specialties. Skin Reactions to Drugs emphasizes the mechanisms and clinical and laboratory proof of a cause-and-effect relationship between drugs and adverse reactions. It discusses the technique of drug challenge, which has been extensively developed in Finland, but not commonly practiced in the rest of the world. In this textbook, 12 of the most common drug eruptions are described both clinically and histologically. It features a chapter on systemic contact dermatitis and also addresses cutaneous adverse drug reactions that appear in HIV-infected patients. 40 full-color photographs provide vivid examples of the reactions being discussed. A highly practical resource for practicing physicians and other health care workers, Skin Reactions to Drugs represents the platinum standard of research conducted on the causation of certain adverse reactions of skin. TOC:Introduction, K. Kauppinen.- Epidemiology of Severe Cutaneuous Drug Reactions, M. Mockenhaupt and E. Schöpf.- Mechanisms of Drug Reactions, K. Alanko and M. Hannuksela.- Clinical Manifestations and Histological Characteristics, K. Kauppinen and A.-L. Kariniemi.- Systemic Contact Dermatitis, M. Hannuksela.- Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions in HIV-Infected Persons, H. Bocquet and J.-C. Roujeau.- Diagnosis of Drug Eruptions: Clinical Evaluation and Drug Challenge, K. Alanko and K. Kauppinen.- Skin Testing in Drug Hypersensitivity, M. Hannuksela.- Patch Testing in Systemic Drug Eruptions, D.P. Bruynzeel and H.I. Maibach.- In Vitro Testing for Adverse Drug Reactions, S. Silvennoinen-Kassinen.- In Vitro Tests for Adverse Drug Reactions Based on Cytokine Release, S. Halevy.- General Aspects of Treatment, K. Kauppinen.- Treatment of Anaphylaxis, P. Piirila.- Treatment of SJS and TEN, J.-C. Roujeau.- Drugs Causing Cutaneous Reactions, M. Hannuksela, K. Alanko, and K. Kauppinen.- Index.

Introduction, K. KauppinenEpidemiology of Severe Cutaneuous Drug Reactions, M. Mockenhaupt and E. Schopf