Fixed drug eruption (FDE) is defined as sharply demarcated erythematous patches or plaques that occur secondary to systemic exposure to a causative medication. Eruptions are deemed “fixed” because upon repeated exposure they recur at previously affected sites. Generalized bullous fixed drug eruption (GBFDE) is a rare FDE variant occurring in patients with a previous history of FDE. Given the extensive cutaneous involvement and the frequent mucosal ulcerations associated with GBFDE, it is challenging to discern these lesions from Steven-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). The presence of significantly elevated lesional and serum granulysin in SJS/TEN is an important discriminating factor because granulysin levels remain significantly lower in GBFDE. The implementation of an immunochromatographic test for rapid detection of elevated granulysin levels could therefore facilitate the early diagnosis of SJS/TEN. We report a case of GBFDE to elucidate the characteristic differences in clinical presentation, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry that can facilitate diagnosis.

Background: A variety of skin simulators are available on which to practice procedures; however, choice of a suboptimal substitute compromises realism and productive practice.

Objective: Skin simulators for basic dermatological procedures are reviewed.

Methods: The authors’ anecdotal experience with various skin simulators for different procedures is shared.

Results: The following simulators are suggested:  an unripe banana for elliptical excision, pork belly for undermining, pork belly for simple interrupted and buried suture, capped needle on a human shoulder for intramuscular injection, ripe tomato or hotdog with skin for intradermal injection, eggplant for shave biopsy, pork belly for punch biopsy, plastic tape over a dark surface for cryosurgery, and beef liver for electrosurgery.  Flaps are best practiced with foam sandwiched between foam tape or artificial anatomical models created specifically for this purpose.

Limitations: The utility of one simulator over another was not compared in a controlled study.