Bleomycin-induced flagellate erythema: A case report and review of the literature

Bleomycin has been used most commonly in the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, certain germ cell tumors (GCT) and for the sclerosis of recurrent pleural effusions. Bleomycin toxicity predominantly affects the skin and lungs. Skin toxicity includes Raynaud’s phenomenon, hyperkeratosis, nail-bed changes and palmoplantar desquamation. Flagellate erythema is an unusual rash occurring specifically during bleomycin use. In the present study, we report a case of bleomycin-induced flagellate erythema in a patient with GCT. A 42-year-old male was diagnosed with stage IIIB testicular cancer and treated with bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin chemotherapy. After 10 days from the initiation of treatment, the patient subsequently developed a generalized pruritus and erythematous linear rash that was most prominent on the trunk, and upper and lower extremities. The patient was commenced on a short course of low-dose oral prednisolone, 20 mg daily, and antihistamine. Consequently, bleomycin was withheld from the patient’s treatment regimen. The present study describes the case, along with a review of the associated literature.