Drugs & Bugs

Skin reactions to infections in children can be difficult to distinguish from reactions to medications. Children experience these conditions differently than adults in two key ways. They are exposed to more infections, especially in group settings like daycare, and their immune systems are still developing. In contrast, adults generally take more medications and often different types of medications for their health conditions. These differences matter because if the triggers for reactions are different, the approach to diagnosis, treatment, and management should be tailored specifically to children.

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption (RIME), a condition previously known as Stevens Johnson syndrome from infection or Mycoplasma pneumoniae–induced rash and mucositis. RIME can be triggered by many different respiratory infections but is still not fully understood. Drug-induced skin reactions in children, including severe blistering conditions and other serious reactions, also require further study. The Drugs and Bugs Focused Study Group is dedicated to identifying and addressing research gaps in infection- and medication-related skin diseases in children. Members work to advance understanding of triggers, mechanisms, genetic risk factors, management strategies, outcomes, and complications to improve care for pediatric and adolescent patients.

The Drugs & Bugs Breakout Session at PeDRA 2024.