# A Dermatological Dilemma: The Importance of Recognizing Dermatologic Manifestations of Drug Reaction With Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) in Skin of Color Patients

## TL;DR

This paper discusses the challenges of diagnosing DRESS in skin of color patients and highlights disparities in dermatologic care.

## Contribution

The paper emphasizes the need for increased awareness and better recognition of DRESS in darker skin tones.

## Key findings

- DRESS symptoms can be atypical in skin of color patients, leading to delayed diagnosis.
- Improved outcomes were observed after discontinuing the causative agent and initiating steroid therapy.
- There is a disparity in medical literature and care for skin of color patients.

## Abstract

Many dermatologic conditions that are seen in medical literature are typically on lighter skin tones making it easier to identify. This can pose a difficult problem in the care of skin of color patients. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of dermatologic manifestations in skin of color patients and the disparities that exist in the medical field. Here, we present the case of a 51-year-old African American male who was hospitalized on a prolonged course of antibiotics found to have drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). Although the initial diagnosis was not made at symptom onset due to the atypical presentation in darker skin tones, the patient improved when the diagnosis was eventually made with cessation of the offending agent and steroid therapy. There is a vital need for continued awareness of the disparities that exist within medical literature and the medical field in regard to skin of color patients.