Amoxicillin Rash
Amoxicillin is one of the commonly prescribed antibiotics. It belongs to the penicillin family. Unfortunately, some people develop an allergic reaction to penicillin. Amoxicillin, in particular, causes frequent allergic reaction than other antibiotics that belong to the penicillin family.
One of the common signs of allergic reaction is the formation of rashes. However, you need to know how to differentiate a typical rash and an allergic rash. (1, 2, 3)
Amoxicillin Rash Pictures
Image 1: A typical characteristic of amoxicillin rash on the patient’s back.
Picture Source: www.healthline.com
Picture 2: Rashes on the patient’s arm secondary to amoxicillin use.
Photo Source: www.hxbenefit.com
Photo 3: Amoxicillin rash on the patient’s face.
Image Source: usercontent2.hubstatic.com
The characteristics of amoxicillin rash
An allergic reaction to amoxicillin can be in the form of hives. What exactly are hives? They are raised and itchy bumps that can be white to red in color. If you notice hives after a dose of amoxicillin, then they’re definitely an allergy to amoxicillin.
Another type of rash is maculopapular rash, which could appear later on. The typical characteristics are red and flat patches on the skin. It usually occur several days after taking amoxicillin. The rash typically appears in a symmetrical fashion and usually affects the trunk. The rashes can spread to other parts of the body such as the arms, legs, and face. (3, 4, 5)
Image 4: Amoxicillin rash all over the infant’s body more prominently on the trunk and inner thighs.
Picture Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com
Picture 5: A severe allergic reaction to amoxicillin with blister formation.
Photo Source: infectionnet.org
How long does the amoxicillin rash last?
The rash usually develops on the third day after taking amoxicillin. However, rash of the rash, especially maculopapular rash can appear later, usually 10 to 15 days after taking amoxicillin. The rashes could last for three to seven days depending on the patient’s respond to amoxicillin. (3, 5)
Is amoxicillin rash harmful?
The rash alone is not harmful but the allergic reaction, if not managed right away, could be potentially life-threatening. So, apart from the rashes, you need to be aware of other symptoms, especially symptoms that suggest a life-threatening situation such as swelling of the face, difficulty breathing, and the presence of wheezing sound.
Some patients complain of fever and chills, body ache, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, and nausea and vomiting. (4, 5, 6)
Who are prone to having amoxicillin rash?
Photo 6: An infant with a severe allergic reaction to amoxicillin.
Image Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com
Children are prone to having an allergic reaction to amoxicillin. However, the presence of rashes after taking amoxicillin does not always mean an allergic reaction. It could be that the body is slightly reacting to the drug and the rashes are not really a true allergy. According to the statistics, women are more likely to develop amoxicillin allergy than men.
The very first case of an allergic reaction to amoxicillin was in 1960 and it was children who are being treated for mono infection. As the years passed by, various modifications in the treatment were implemented. Amoxicillin is no longer used in the treatment of mono given that mono is a viral disease and not bacterial in nature. (4, 5, 6, 7)
Amoxicillin rash Treatment
How to get rid of amoxicillin rash?
For an allergic reaction to amoxicillin, the patient should immediately stop taking the drug and switch over to over the counter Benadryl to counteract the allergic reaction. It is also important to seek the advice of your doctor as soon as possible.
In most cases, treatment is no longer needed as the rash subsides as soon as you stop taking amoxicillin. If the rash is not causing any sort of discomfort, then there is really no need to take any measures to treat the rash. However, if the rashes get worst even if you stop taking amoxicillin, then it is an indicator that you need to see your doctor.
Any sort of discomfort warrants immediate medical attention such as the rash covers a large area of the body, becomes extremely itch, and develop into hives. The same thing goes for rashes that have been around for nearly a week without showing signs of improvement. (5, 7, 8, 9)
Treating amoxicillin rash at home
There are some home remedies that you can do to significantly get rid of amoxicillin rash and the discomfort it brings. They include the following:
- Drink plenty of water – You can somehow help the body get rid of rashes and toxins by simply drinking plenty of water. By hydrating the body, you are helping it clear the toxins from the bloodstream. At the same time, it also helps remove bacteria from the body, especially the one causing infection.
- Oatmeal bath – Oatmeal has long been used in the treatment of rashes and itching. If after taking amoxicillin, you started to have itchy rashes, then you need to immediately stop taking the drug and take an oatmeal bath. There are readily available pre-mixed oatmeal that you can dilute in warm water. Fill the tub with warm water and dilute a cup of oatmeal and soak in there for about 30 minutes. The warm water and the soothing effect of the oatmeal can help alleviate the discomfort and itching brought about by the rashes.
- Take antihistamines – If the rashes have been around for several days despite stopping the drug, then you definitely need to take antihistamines such as Benadryl. It will alleviate the discomfort and hastens the removal of rashes. (1, 6, 9, 10)
Although amoxicillin is helpful in the treatment of bacterial infection, there are some people who are highly sensitive to the drug. If you have any allergy to antibiotic before, then you need to inform your doctor right away. Tell to your doctor the kind of allergy you have to a certain medication so that the doctor can modify his/her treatment.
If you have stopped taking the drug and/or you are switched to another drug but the symptoms are still there, then you need to consult your doctor the soonest time possible. It could be an indication of a severe allergic reaction or a more serious underlying medical condition.
References:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/amoxicillin-rash
- http://www.md-health.com/Amoxicillin-Rash.html
- https://www.hxbenefit.com/amoxicillin-rash.html
- https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/penicillinrash
- http://www.portlandpediatric.com/panw-blog/health-news/rashes-on-amoxicillin-when-is-it-a-true-allergy
- https://www.doctorshealthpress.com/general-health-articles/the-amoxicillin-rash-allergies-normal-side-effect/
- https://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/library/pediatric_health/hhg_rash_ampicil/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4362637/
- https://www.healthdiseases.org/amoxicillin-rash/
- https://diseasespictures.com/amoxicillin-rash-symptoms-causes-pictures-treatment/