Ichthysiform Skin Eruptions Possibly Due to Lovastatin(Mevacor) / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

Lovastatin(Mevacor) belongs to a new generation of potent drugs for the treatment of hypercho- lesterolemia. It acts by competitive inhibition of 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A(HMG-CoA) reductase, diminishing in that way the cholesterol synthesis in the liver. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors also affect cutaneous lipid content. This can induce cutaneous side effects such as eczernatous rashes or xerotic, ichthyosiform lesions due to abnormality in the barrier function in some patients. We report a 54-year-old male patient who developed ichthyosiform skin lesions under treatment with lovastatin(Mevacor) for hypercholesterolemia.