Concurrence of palmoplantar psoriasiform eruptions and hair loss during carbamazepine treatment.

Sir, The anti-convulsant drug carbamazepine may induce generalized exanthema or, less frequently, severe cutaneous eruptions, such as hypersensitivity syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. The development of psoriasiform eruptions and the exacerbation of pre-existing psoriasis have been recognized as common adverse reactions to beta-blockers, lithium and antimalarials (1). Additional causative drugs include angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, indomethacin, progesterone, and lipid-lowering drugs, such as gemfibrozil (2). Drug-induced alopecia presents as a diffuse, non-scarring loss of hair that is often reversible upon discontinuation of the drug. The drugs associated with telogen effluvium include beta-blockers (3), angiotensin converting enzyme, oral contraceptives, antithyroid medications, anticoagulants and anticonvulsant (4). We report here a case of a 52-year-old woman who experienced diffuse hair loss and a palmoplantar psoriasiform eruption apparently due to carbamazepine.