What are the key points of an id reaction (immune-mediated dermatological reaction)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: May 14, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

Id reactions should be managed by treating the primary infection and using topical corticosteroids, such as triamcinolone 0.1% cream, applied twice daily for 1-2 weeks, to control the secondary dermatitis. The primary infection should be addressed with appropriate antibiotics, antifungals, or antivirals based on the causative organism [no direct evidence provided in the question]. For more severe or widespread reactions, a short course of oral prednisone may be necessary, starting at 40-60mg daily and tapering over 2 weeks 1. Antihistamines such as cetirizine 10mg daily can help control itching, and cool compresses and emollients provide symptomatic relief.

Key Considerations

  • The id reaction occurs due to a delayed hypersensitivity response to antigens from the primary infection site that circulate and trigger inflammation elsewhere.
  • Once the primary infection resolves, the id reaction typically improves, though it may take several days to weeks for complete resolution.
  • Treatment should focus on addressing both the primary infection and the secondary id reaction.

Treatment Options

  • Topical corticosteroids: triamcinolone 0.1% cream applied twice daily for 1-2 weeks
  • Oral prednisone: starting at 40-60mg daily and tapering over 2 weeks for more severe reactions
  • Antihistamines: cetirizine 10mg daily to control itching
  • Cool compresses and emollients for symptomatic relief

Note: The provided evidence 1 does not directly address id reactions, but the general principles of managing hypersensitivity reactions can be applied.

From the Research

Id Reaction High Points

  • Id reactions are a type of secondary inflammatory reaction that develops from a remote localized immunological insult 2
  • They can be caused by various fungal, bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, with superficial fungal infections being the most common cause 2
  • Clinical presentations of id reactions include:
    • Localized or widespread vesicular lesions
    • Maculopapular or scarlatiniform eruptions
    • Erythema nodosum
    • Erythema multiforme
    • Erythema annulare centrifugum
    • Sweet's syndrome
    • Guttate psoriasis
    • Autoimmune bullous disease 2
  • The mechanisms underlying id reactions vary depending on the type of clinical presentation 2
  • Therapy involves the identification and adequate treatment of the underlying infection or dermatitis 2
  • Antifungal hypersensitivity reactions can be classified according to their latency (immediate or delayed) and clinical phenotype 3
  • Id reactions can be related to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening systemic reaction that requires immediate treatment 4, 5
  • Management of id reactions and anaphylaxis involves removal of the trigger, administration of epinephrine, and supportive care 4, 5
  • Drug interactions can occur during therapy with antimicrobial agents, including macrolides, quinolones, and azoles 6

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Antifungal hypersensitivity reactions and cross-reactivity patterns.

Current opinion in infectious diseases, 2021

Research

Anaphylaxis: Recognition and Management.

American family physician, 2020

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.