Journal of the Bahrain Medical Society
Year 2025, Volume 37, Issue 1, Pages 23-26
https://doi.org/10.26715/jbms.37_1_4 Mohamed Ahmed Alnafaiei1, Amani Ali Amer2*
1Consultant in General and Forensic Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatry Department, Psychiatry Hospital, Governmental Hospitals, Budaiya, Bahrain
2Senior Resident Psychiatry, Drug and Alcohol Department Psychiatry Hospital, Governmental Hospitals, Budaiya, Bahrain
*Corresponding author:
Dr. Amani Ali Amer, Senior Resident Psychiatry, Drug and Alcohol Department, Psychiatry Hospital, Governmental Hospitals, Budaiya, Bahrain. E-mail: ameramani909@gmail.com
Received date: December 16, 2024; Accepted date: March 17, 2025; Published date: March 31, 2025
For appendix, tables and figures (if any), please refer to PDF.
Abstract
Drug-induced skin rashes are a frequent yet often overlooked adverse reaction. Aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic, has been associated with various dermatological reactions, though reports of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE) remain scarce. We present a case of a 38-year-old male with an acute psychotic episode who developed a butterfly rash 10 days after initiating aripiprazole treatment. Extensive investigations, including serological markers for lupus, were negative. The rash resolved within 20 days of discontinuing aripiprazole, supporting the diagnosis of drug-induced CLE. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of differentiating drug-induced lupus from primary dermatological conditions, particularly in psychiatric patients with multiple medication changes. Given the limited literature on aripiprazole-induced CLE, this report underscores the need for increased clinical awareness and thorough evaluation of unexplained dermatological reactions in patients receiving antipsychotics. Early recognition and prompt discontinuation of the offending drug are crucial in preventing unnecessary interventions and ensuring optimal patient care.
Keywords: Antipsychotic Agents, Aripiprazole, Cutaneous, Drug-induced, Lupus Erythematosus