Drug Rashes

What are drug rashes?

Drug rashes are the body's reaction to a certain medication. The type of rash that occurs depends on the type of drug that is causing it. Rashes can range from mild to severe.
 
Rashes caused by drugs can be categorized in the following groups:

• rashes caused by an allergic reaction to the medication
• rashes produced as an unwanted effect of a particular medication
• rashes due to hypersensitivity to sunlight caused by the medication

Drug rashes may be severe and require hospitalization. Contact your child's physician immediately.

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, and phenytoin
exfoliative dermatitis	red, scaly skin that may thicken 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 on the skin	antibiotics and phenolphthalein (found in certain laxatives)
hives	raised red bumps	aspirin, certain drug dyes, penicillins, and many drugs
morbilliform/maculopapular rash	a flat, red rash which may include pimples similar to the measles	antibiotics 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, barbiturates, penicillins, and other antibiotics

How are drug rashes diagnosed?

Diagnosing a rash caused by a reaction to medication is complicated. Even a small amount of a drug can cause a major reaction in the skin. In addition, the reaction can occur after the patient has taken a medication for a long period of time.
 
Your child's physician will usually advise you to have your child stop taking any medication that is not necessary to sustain life, to see if the reaction stops. Other medications may be substituted, if possible.

Treatment for drug rashes:

Specific treatment for drug rashes will be determined by your child's physician based on:

• your child's age, overall health, and medical history
• extent of the condition
• your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the condition
• your opinion or preference

The condition usually clears up if the patient stops taking the medication that is causing the reaction. Other treatment may include:

• corticosteroids
• antihistamines

Allergic reactions can be serious and even fatal. If your child has acute symptoms in addition to the rash, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, tightness in the throat or chest, fainting, nausea, vomiting, or other serious symptoms, you should call your child's physician immediately or call 911.

The information on this Web page is provided for educational purposes. You understand and agree that this information is not intended to be, and should not be used as, a substitute for medical treatment by a health care professional. You agree that Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital is not making a diagnosis of your condition or a recommendation about the course of treatment for your particular circumstances through the use of this Web page. You agree to be solely responsible for your use of this Web page and the information contained on this page. Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and information providers shall not be liable for any damages you may suffer or cause through your use of this page even if advised of the possibility of such damages.