Ecstasy pimples - a new facial dermatosis

Dermatology. 1998;197(2):171-3. doi: 10.1159/000017992.

Abstract

Ecstasy (XTC) has become a popular drug in the rave, dance and techno scene. Several severe disorders due to drug addiction have been described but no dermatological symptoms. We report on 2 patients (20-year-old female, 21-year-old male) with medical problems after taking XTC. Both developed a facial rash with reddish pimples after oral intake of XTC. The distribution resembled either periorificial dermatosis or acneiform rash without white- or blackheads. The lesions cleared without specific treatment. We suggest that XTC pimples represent an acneiform dermatosis in young people taking designer drugs. Though the dermatosis itself seems to be mild, it may be a cutaneous marker for drug abuse.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Facial Dermatoses / chemically induced*
  • Female
  • Hallucinogens / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / adverse effects*
  • Skin Diseases / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Hallucinogens
  • N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine