When is a Drug Rash More Than Just a Rash?

You have been prescribed medication for an ailment and on your way to recovery when you begin to develop a rash. A drug rash (also known as a drug eruption) is developing in response to the medication that you have been prescribed. What is the difference between a drug rash and an ordinary rash? What should I do about my drug rash? When should I seek help because of my rash? Read on to discover the answer to these questions and more about drug rashes.

What is a drug rash?

A drug reaction is a skin condition that develops when your body reacts adversely to the medication that you have been prescribed. A drug rash is when this reaction develops as a rash and can occur to anyone at any age. The only way to prevent a drug rash is to not take medication that you’re sensitive too.

What do drug rashes look like?

The most common type of drug rash is hives; medically known as urticaria. Hives are raised, swollen, red, pink, or flesh-colored bumps and/or welts that appear in groups and may cover large areas of your skin. They occur in various shapes and can become very itchy.

Types of drug rashes?

There are two types of drug rashes that occur after taking a medication that you are sensitive too. One type occurs immediately and the other occurs four to fourteen days after starting your medication. The type of drug rash that results immediately after starting medication involves hives on the skin and moves around to different areas of the skin as a result of the release of histamine. The treatment for this type of drug rash is to apply an antihistamine.

The second type of drug rash that occurs happens four to fourteen days after beginning the medication. Between day four and fourteen you will begin to see pink and red bumps appear on your chest and/or back and spread to your arms and/or legs over the course of several days. After a few days of the pink and red bumps spreading they may start to get better and your skin may peel like the result of a sunburn. To treat this type of drug rash you will need to apply a topical cortisone cream.

Why do drug rashes happen?

Drug rashes happen when a medication triggers the immune system to release a histamine that causes blood vessels to widen and the skin to swell. A welt will then typically appear quickly and fade within hours.

When should I go to the ER when I have a drug rash?

The typical drug rash is not life threatening, but in some instances there is need for immediate and emergency treatment. If your drug rash is a whole-body reaction that makes it difficult to breathe and/or your blood pressure drops to a dangerous level, you need to seek medical help immediately. When you arrive in the emergency department they will ask you about what medications you take, how long you have been taking each medication, and when the last time you took each medication. The doctor will then determine your course of treatment that will most likely include steroids, epinephrine, and high-dose antihistamines that can not be found over-the-counter.

What are the warning signs of severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs)?

The drug rashes that are delayed are more difficult to diagnose because there are more variables between beginning taking the medication and the drug rash. The resulting rash may be itchy and bothersome but if this is the peak of your drug rash you will be alright. If your skin starts to hurt or turns a deep purple there is something more serious occurring. Red flags, and the need of emergency assistance, are if your skin begins to blister, pustules form, sores arise in your mouth, eyes, and/or genitalia. Hospitalization will also occur if you begin to have flu-like symptoms, swelling in the face, begin to have a fever, a drop in blood pressure, or effects on the liver, kidneys, and heart.

What happens if you develop a SCAR from a medication?

If you develop a SCAR from a medication you need to be evaluated by a specialist that has an expertise in managing these types of reactions. The clinician may biopsy your skin and/or start systemic medications to suppress your immune system. These results of these procedures may require you to stay in the hospital.

Divine Dermatology is committed to your long-term skin care health by combining a wealth of medical knowledge and compassion. We want to hear your concerns and will take all the time needed to address those concerns for an accurate diagnosis. We have the tools and the experience to create a treatment plan to deal with any issue that you may have. If you have questions, or would like to get in contact with us, call us at 970.399.7744 in the Fort Collins, Loveland, and Longmont areas. You can also contact us online.