Eruptive seborrheic keratoses associated with adalimumab use.

BACKGROUND: Seborrheic keratoses are common, benign cutaneous growths, however in rare situations they can acutely erupt in large numbers. Eruptive seborrheic keratoses can be associated with internal malignancy (sign of Leser-Trelat), but may also appear in conjunction with inflammatory dermatoses and adverse drug reactions. MAIN OBSERVATION: A 71-year-old Caucasian man presented with acute onset of a pruritic, burning papular erythematous rash on his chest, upper extremities and lower extremities after a routine adalimumab injection for rheumatoid arthritis. Two skin biopsies obtained showed findings diagnostic of seborrheic keratoses. Spontaneous resolution of the diffuse eruptive seborrheic keratoses was achieved within 3 months of discontinuing adalimumab therapy.
CONCLUSIONS: We believe the development of eruptive seborrheic keratoses due to adalimumab therapy is rare, and because our patient responded promptly to discontinuation of the drug we suggest this should be the preferred course of action in future cases.