Baboon syndrome explained

Specialty:	dermatology

Symmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema (SDRIFE), popularly known as baboon syndrome because of its resemblance to the distinctive red buttocks displayed by female baboons, is a systemic dermatitis characterized by well-demarcated patches of erythema distributed symmetrically on the buttocks.^[1] The cause of the syndrome may be drug-related: i.e., induced by systemic administration of hydroxyzine,^[2] penicillin,^[3] iodinated radio contrast media,^[4] and others.

Symptoms and signs

The typical rash commonly appears on buttocks. This then resembles the colour of a baboon's buttocks. Other areas like upper inner thigh and armpits, may be affected by the rash. The rashes are red and well-defined. The presentation is typically symmetrical and not associated with systemic symptoms.^[5]

Treatment

Treatment of symmetrical drug related intertriginous and flexural exanthema involves identifying and stopping the causative agent. Topical steroids can help to reduce the redness.^[6]

Epidemiology

Baboon syndrome affects both sexes equally, and can occur at any age, but seems to be more common in childhood than in adulthood.^[7]

See also

• Airbag dermatitis
• List of cutaneous conditions

Notes and References

1. Book: Rapini RP, Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL . Dermatology: 2-Volume Set . Mosby . St. Louis . 2007 . 978-1-4160-2999-1 .
2. Akkari H, Belhadjali H, Youssef M, Mokni S, Zili J . Baboon syndrome induced by hydroxyzine . Indian Journal of Dermatology . 58 . 3 . 244 . May 2013 . 23723506 . 3667318 . 10.4103/0019-5154.110871 . free .
3. Handisurya A, Stingl G, Wöhrl S . SDRIFE (baboon syndrome) induced by penicillin . Clinical and Experimental Dermatology . 34 . 3 . 355–357 . April 2009 . 18699835 . 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2008.02911.x . 205277115 .
4. Arnold AW, Hausermann P, Bach S, Bircher AJ . Recurrent flexural exanthema (SDRIFE or baboon syndrome) after administration of two different iodinated radio contrast media . Dermatology . 214 . 1 . 89–93 . 2007 . 17191055 . 10.1159/000096920 . 32523752 .
5. Utaş S, Ferahbaş A . Baboon syndrome and segmental vitiligo coexistence . The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics . 51 . 4 . 392–394 . 2009 . 19950853 .
6. Web site: Duffill M, Oakley A, Vos A, Nixon R, Mitchell G . Symmetrical drug related intertriginous and flexural exanthema . DermNet NZ . 2019-04-19.
7. Moreno-Ramírez D, García-Bravo B, Pichardo AR, Rubio FP, Martínez FC . Baboon syndrome in childhood: easy to avoid, easy to diagnose, but the problem continues . Pediatric Dermatology . 21 . 3 . 250–253 . 2004 . 15165206 . 10.1111/j.0736-8046.2004.21313.x . 30607230 .