Psychotropic Drugs and Skin: An Association

Background: Psychodermatology is an established branch of psychosomatics. The vast knowledge in the field of psychosomatics has also opened the door for the discussion of the dermatological side effects of psychotropic drugs. Various psychotropic drugs are found associated with skin side effects. In this review article, we highlighted some common psychotropic drugs that lead to skin damage. Method: Literature search in various databases and journals were conducted. Result: Drugs like Haloperidol, Clozapine, Asenapine, Quetiapine, Lithium, Risperidone, Cyamemazine are practically responsible for skin eruptions and lesions like, rash, alopecia areata, angioneurotic edema, pityriasis-rosea like drug reaction, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, acne, giant urticaria, rash and desquamation, symmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema, photoallergic reactions. Conclusion: Almost all of these side-effects were reversible when the drug was discontinued or replaced. By studying the association of the side-effects of different psychotropic medications with the human skin, we concluded that more significance should be given to the patch- tests before prescribing any anti-psychotic drug so, that allergic reaction can be avoided. We suggest more study and searches on this subject to spread awareness among healthcare professionals and patients to produce even better-working antipsychotics medications in the coming future.