Bullous hemorrhagic dermatosis following unfractionated heparin therapy

Abstract

Heparin, a commonly used anticoagulant, has been associated with several cutaneous adverse effects, including skin necrosis, bruising/ecchymosis, urticaria, angioedema, red plaques, nodular lesions, and allergic contact dermatitis. Bullous hemorrhagic dermatosis (BHD) caused by heparin is a rare skin-related side effect. A 34-year-old woman diagnosed with anti-phospholipid syndrome was recently observed to develop hemorrhagic bullous dermatosis distant from the site of intravenous unfractionated heparin. Heparin therapy was continued for 5 days, followed by daily oral warfarin 2 mg, along with aspirin 75 mg, with monitoring of lesions. Two weeks later, skin lesions resolved spontaneously. BHD is nonthreatening and typically resolves on its own without the need for extensive treatment. Clinicians should be aware of the presentations of this self-limiting illness to avoid unnecessary workups. © 2025 Indian Journal of Pharmacology.