1. Painful scrotal dermatitis secondary to topical 5-fluorouracil
- Author
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Yi, Julie Z, Himes, Richard S, Smith, Robert J, McKee, Phillip H, and Roberts, Alice A
- Subjects
5-fluorouracil ,actinic keratosis ,adverse effect ,contact dermatitis ,histology ,interface change ,scrotum ,systemic toxicity - Abstract
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an antineoplastic agent that is used topically to treat actinic keratoses. Although topical 5-FU frequently causes irritant contact dermatitis at the site of application, distant skin reactions are rare and could relate to accidental transfer or systemic absorption of the drug. We present a patient who developed a painful scrotal dermatitis after applying the topical cream to actinic keratoses on his chest. Upon discontinuation of topical 5-FU, the reaction resolved over a four-week period with oral prednisone and topical betamethasone ointment. The patient was re-challenged with topical 5-FU one year later and again developed scrotal pain and erythema similar to the initial reaction. Scrotal dermatitis is a rare adverse effect of topical 5-FU therapy that can be associated with significant distress and disruption of daily activities.
- Published
- 2021