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The “Heart Sign”: An Early Indicator of Dose‐Dependent Doxycycline‐Induced Phototoxicity
Author(s) -
Nguyen Tuyet A.,
Krakowski Andrew C.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
pediatric dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.542
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1525-1470
pISSN - 0736-8046
DOI - 10.1111/pde.12775
Subject(s) - phototoxicity , medicine , doxycycline , sign (mathematics) , pharmacology , antibiotics , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , chemistry , in vitro , biology , mathematical analysis , mathematics
Oral doxycycline is an antibiotic commonly used for the treatment of inflammatory acne in adolescents. Dose‐dependent phototoxicity, unrelated to dose duration, is a well‐known complication of its use. We present three adolescents who developed bilateral phototoxic rashes on the dorsal thenar spaces of their hands while taking doxycycline for their acne. Identification of the “heart sign” rash as a specific doxycycline‐related phototoxic reaction should alert clinicians to the need for prompt intervention, including sun protection counseling and a possible change in antibiotics, in the uniquely vulnerable adolescent population. Early recognition may allow patients to avoid future, more widespread phototoxic drug reactions.