Indonesian Journal of Biomedicine and Clinical Sciences
Vol 58 No 2 (2026)

A rare case of symmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema (SDRIFE)

Ardisa Pramudita (Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing Universitas Gadjah Mada/ Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Inges Prawita Sari (Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing Universitas Gadjah Mada/ Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Saraswati Anindhita Kusumaningrum (Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing Universitas Gadjah Mada/ Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Sri Awalia Febriana (Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing Universitas Gadjah Mada/ Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Fajar Waskito (Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing Universitas Gadjah Mada/ Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Dyah Ayu Mira Oktarina (Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing Universitas Gadjah Mada/ Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Niken Indrastuti (Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing Universitas Gadjah Mada/ Sardjito General Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
18 Jun 2026

Abstract

Symmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema (SDRIFE) is a rare maculopapular drug eruption mediated by type IV hypersensitivity reaction and characterized by symmetrical erythematous involvement of flexural and intertriginous areas without systemic symptoms. This case report describes a rare presentation of SDRIFE and emphasizes the importance of early recognition and prompt withdrawal of the offending drugs. A 27-year-old woman presented with well-demarcated erythematous patches involving the axillae, inframammary region, antecubital fossae, inguinal, popliteal, and gluteal areas following exposure to multiple systemic medications, including cefadroxil, mefenamic acid, amoxicillin, oral dexamethasone, paracetamol, and loratadine. No mucosal involvement or systemic manifestations were observed. Histopathological examination revealed non-specific findings of cutaneous drug eruption. The clinical presentation met the established diagnostic criteria for SDRIFE, and drug causality assessment using the Naranjo Scale identified several medications as probable triggers. Management consisted of discontinuation of the suspected drugs, patient education to avoid re-exposure, and treatment with systemic and topical corticosteroids, resulting in marked clinical improvement within approximately two weeks. Differential diagnoses, including drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), and fixed drug eruption (FDE), were considered and excluded based on clinical features and laboratory findings. Histopathological findings in SDRIFE are known to be variable and non-specific. Although drug patch testing is recommended to identify the causative agent, it has not yet been performed in this case. In conclusion, this report highlights the diagnostic value of clinical criteria and the Naranjo Scale in SDRIFE. It also highlights the importance of early diagnosis and prompt drug withdrawal, particularly in patients exposed to multiple medications.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

InaJBCS

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Neuroscience

Description

Indonesian Journal of Biomedicine and Clinical Sciences (InaJBCS) aims to promote the translational of basic research into clinical studies and of clinical evidence into practice. InaJBCS publishes studies that substantially enhance our standing of disease etiology and physiology; the development of ...