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Drug Rashes

What are drug rashes?

Drug rashes are the body's reaction to a certain medicine. The type of rash that happens depends on the medicine causing it and your response. Medicines have been linked to every type of rash, ranging from mild to life-threatening. The timing of the rash can also vary. It may appear right away or a few weeks after you first take the medicine.

Rashes caused by medicines can be put into one of 3 groups:

  • Rashes caused by an allergic reaction to the medicine

  • Rashes as an unwanted side effect of a certain medicine

  • Rashes from extreme sensitivity to sunlight caused by the medicine

What are the different types of rashes caused by medicines?

Type of rash

Symptoms

Cause

Acne

Pimples and red areas that appear most often on the face, shoulders, and chest

Anabolic steroids, corticosteroids, bromides, iodides, and phenytoin

Exfoliative dermatitis

Red, scaly skin that may thicken and peel and involve the entire body

Antibiotics that contain sulfa, barbiturates, isoniazid, penicillins, and phenytoin

Fixed drug eruption

A dark red or purple rash that reacts at the same site each time a drug is taken

Antibiotics and phenolphthalein (found in certain laxatives)

Hives

Raised, itchy red bumps

Aspirin, certain medicine dyes, penicillins, and many other medicines

Morbilliform or maculopapular rash

A flat, red rash that may include pimples similar to the measles

Antibiotics, antihypertensives, and contrast dye are among more common medicines, but any medicine can cause this rash

Purpuric eruptions

Purple areas on the skin, often on the legs

Some anticoagulants and diuretics

Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Blisters or a hive-like rash on the lining of the mouth, vagina, or penis that can spread all over the body

Antibiotics that contain sulfa, barbiturates, penicillins, and certain medicines used for seizures and diabetes

How are drug rashes diagnosed?

Diagnosing a rash caused by a reaction to medicine is complicated. First, a complete review of all prescription and over-the-counter medicines should be done. Even a small amount of a medicine can cause a major reaction in the skin. In addition, the reaction can occur even after you have taken a medicine for a long time. Your healthcare provider will usually advise you to stop taking any medicine that is not needed to sustain your life, to see if the reaction eases. Your provider may give you a substitute medicine, if possible. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be done to help with the diagnosis. 

Treatment for drug rashes

The condition usually clears up if you stop taking the medicine that is causing the reaction. Other treatment may include:

  • Corticosteroids

  • Antihistamines

Allergic reactions can be serious and even fatal. If a rash develops, it is important to contact your healthcare provider right away. 

Online Medical Reviewer: Lu Cunningham
Online Medical Reviewer: Michael Lehrer MD
Date Last Reviewed: 11/1/2018
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