Is cutaneous lupus erythematosus caused by drugs?
The subacute cutaneous form of lupus erythematosus can be caused by certain medications. In addition, patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus can have their skin disease worsened by certain medications. These are rare, unpredictable side effects of these medications and in almost all such cases the association with the skin disease is only suspected and not proven. The list of suspected drugs includes certain diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide), anti-inflammatory drugs (piroxicam, naproxen, oxyprenolol), calcium antagonists used in the control of blood pressure (diltiazem), and anti-fungal agents (terbinafine). If the suspected drug is a culprit, discontinuation of the drug should result in improvement of the skin disease.
