Flagellated dermatitis caused by bleomycin

Authors

  • María Paula Isaac Austral University Hospital, Austral University, Pilar, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Berenice Fouces Austral University Hospital, Austral University, Pilar, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Marina Gagliardi Austral University Hospital, Austral University, Pilar, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Carla Trila Austral University Hospital, Austral University, Pilar, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Corina Busso Austral University Hospital, Austral University, Pilar, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47196/8k0cct25

Keywords:

flagellate dermatitis, bleomycin, chemotherapy, skin toxicity

Abstract

Bleomycin is an antineoplastic agent derived from Streptomyces verticillus, used in the treatment of various malignant neoplasms, such as Hodgkin's lymphoma. Among its side effects is flagellate dermatitis.  Flagellate dermatitis is a cutaneous adverse drug reaction that may appear between 1 day and 9 weeks after the administration of the drug. Clinically, it presents as erythematous or violaceous-erythematous, edematous macules or plaques, distributed in a linear pattern, resembling whip or flagellation marks, and primarily affecting the trunk, extremities, and face. We present the case of a patient with flagellate dermatitis secondary to bleomycin use.

Author Biographies

  • María Paula Isaac, Austral University Hospital, Austral University, Pilar, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Resident Physician, Department of Dermatology

  • Berenice Fouces, Austral University Hospital, Austral University, Pilar, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Dermatologist, Chief Resident in Dermatology

  • Marina Gagliardi, Austral University Hospital, Austral University, Pilar, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Staff Physician, Dermatology Department

  • Carla Trila, Austral University Hospital, Austral University, Pilar, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Staff Physician, Department of Pathology

  • Corina Busso, Austral University Hospital, Austral University, Pilar, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Dermatologist, Head of the Dermatology Department

References

I. National Cancer Institute (US). Bleomycin sulfate [Internet]. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. Disponible en: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/bleomycin-sulfate [consultado el 15 de junio de 2025].

II. Fyfe AJ, McKay P. Toxicities associated with bleomycin. J R Coll Physicians Edinb. 2010;40:213-215.

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IV. Spiner R, Zambrano R, Colque A, Alperovich R, et al. Dermatitis flagelada por bleomicina. Med Cutan Ibero Lat Am. 2013;41:133-135.

V. Stevens GJ, Dossi CM, Muñoz MG. Bleomycin-induced flagellated dermatitis: a case report. Rev Chil Pediatr. 2018;89:257-260.

VI. Flores IC, Guerra MA, Cabello DG, Clave P. Dermatitis flagelada. Dermatol. Argent. 2012;18:307-309.

VII. Wu Chang M. Trastornos de hiperpigmentación. En: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L. Dermatología. 4º ed. Elsevier; Barcelona, 2018:1127-1129.

VIII. Fernández J, Antelo Pérez G, Fornillo F, Moreira FJ, et al. Manifestaciones cutáneas secundarias al esquema ABVD. Hematología 2022;26:121-124.

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Published

2026-07-16

Issue

Vol. 32 No. 2 (2026): May–August

Section

Clinical Cases

License

Copyright (c) 2026 on behalf of the authors. Reproduction rights: Argentine Society of Dermatology

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