Which of the following is a feature of DRESS?

• A. Lymphadenopathy
• B. Hair loss
• C. Nausea
• D. Rash only

Answer: (A)

DRESS stands for Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms, a severe hypersensitivity reaction to a drug that typically appears weeks after exposure and involves more than just the skin. Lymphadenopathy is a hallmark because immune activation causes swollen lymph nodes as eosinophils and other inflammatory cells accumulate. While rash is common, the systemic features—fever, organ involvement (such as liver), and enlarged nodes—are what set DRESS apart from a simple rash. Hair loss and nausea can occur in various conditions or broader illness contexts but are not defining or reliable features of DRESS, and a rash only would miss the important systemic aspect. Thus, lymphadenopathy best fits the characteristic pattern of DRESS.