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American Journal of Clinical Dermatology
Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 4/2010

01-08-2010 | Review Article

Allopurinol in Dermatology

Authors: Dr Tsen-Fang Tsai, Ting-Yu Yeh

Published in: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology | Issue 4/2010

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Abstract

Off-label use is common in dermatology, and is inevitable for rare cutaneous diseases such as perforating dermatosis. Allopurinol is traditionally considered to be a drug for hyperuricemia only, but the recent demonstration of its efficacy in congestive heart failure has spurred renewed interest in its application in other clinical specialties. In dermatology, allopurinol is best known for its severe cutaneous adverse reactions. Recent genomic studies conducted in Taiwan have discovered useful HLA markers for determining the susceptibility of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis associated with allopurinol.
Allopurinol has also been used in a number of dermatologic disorders including acquired reactive perforating collagenosis, sarcoidosis, psoriasis and granulomas caused by methacrylate microspheres, silicon and tattoos. Allopurinol may express its therapeutic effects via its antioxidation or anti-inflammatory properties, or its ability to improve vascular function.
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Metadata
Title
Allopurinol in Dermatology
Authors
Dr Tsen-Fang Tsai
Ting-Yu Yeh
Publication date
01-08-2010
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology / Issue 4/2010
Print ISSN: 1175-0561
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1888
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2165/11533190-000000000-00000

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