Cutaneous adverse effects of lithium

Oral administration of lithium is used as treatment in psychiatry. The drug frequently induces cutaneous side effects corresponding to acneiform or maculo-papular eruptions, psoriasis and folliculitis. Men are more frequently affected than women. These manifestations are characterized by the accumulation of neutrophils in the skin. Alopecia and classical drug reactions are also possible. Topical applications of lithium used to treat some dermatoses do not induce similar side effects, probably because dosages are much lower.