Drug rashes are the body’s reaction to certain medications. The type of rash that occurs depends on the medication that is causing it. It can range from mild to severe.
Rash caused by drugs can be grouped into the following categories.
- Rashes caused by an allergic reaction to the medication.
- Rahes produced as an unwanted effect to certain medication.
- Rashes due to hypersensitivity to sunlight caused by the medication.
Drug rashes may be severe and require hospitalization. Call your doctor right away.
What are the different types of rashes caused by drugs?
| Type of rash | Symptoms | Possible Causes |
|---|---|---|
| Acne | Pimples and red areas that appear most often on the face, shoulders, and chest | Anabolic steroids, corticosteroids, bromides, iodides, hydantoins, lithium, isoniazid, phenytoin, phenobarbital, vitamins B2, B6, and B12 |
| Exfoliative dermatitis | Red, scaly skin that may thicken and involve the entire body | Antibiotics that contain sulfa, penicillins, and hydantoins |
| Fixed drug eruption | A dark red or purple rash that recurs at the same site on the skin | Antibiotics that contain sulfa, tetracycline, and phenolphthalein (found in certain laxatives) |
| Hives | Raised red bumps | Aspirin, penicillins, antibiotics that contain sulfa, and many other drugs |
| Morbilliform or maculopapular rash | A flat, red rash which may include pimples similar to the measles | Antibiotics that contain sulfa, ampicillin, analgesics, and barbiturates are the more common causative drugs; however, any drug 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 | Antibiotics that contain sulfa, NSAIDs, barbiturates, penicillins, and other antibiotics |
How is drug rash diagnosed ?
Diagnosing this condition can be complicated. Even a small amount of drugs can cause major reaction on the skin. The reaction can also occur a longtime after the chid has taken the medication. Your child’s doctor will have the child stop the medication if it is not critical to sustain life, to see if the reaction will stop. Other medications may be substituted if necessary.
Treatment for drug rashes
Specific treatment will be determined by the doctor depending on the following :
- Your child’s age, health and medical history.
- Extent of condition
- Your child’s tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies.
- Expectations of the course of the conditions
- Your opinion or preference
The condition usually clears up when the child stops taking the medication that is causing the reaction. Other treatment may include :
- Corticosteroids
- Antihistamines
- Epinephrine for anaphylaxis
Allergic reactions can be fatal. If your child has symptoms such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, tightness of chest or in the throat, fainting , nausea , vomiting or other serious symptoms, call the emergency number immediately.
Content Sources
What are drug rashes. Children’s National Heath Systems. https://childrensnational.org/choose-childrens/conditions-and-treatments/skin-disorders/drug-rashes. Accessed June 23rd, 2018
Drug Rashes in Children. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/drug-rashes-children. Accessed June 23rd, 2018