Dermatology

Skin Inflammation (Rashes)

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 a side effect of a particular medication
rashes due to hypersensitivity to sunlight caused by the medication

What are the different types of rashes caused by drugs?

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 appear on the entire skin area	antibiotics that contain sulfa, barbiturates, isoniazid, penicillins, and phenytoin
fixed drug eruption	a dark red or purple rash that confines itself to the same area on the skin (usually the mouth or genitals)	antibiotics and phenolphthalein (found in certain laxatives)
hives	raised red and white bumps	aspirin, certain drug dyes, and penicillins
morbiliform/ 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, usually 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 certain drugs used for high blood pressure and diabetes

How are drug rashes diagnosed?

Diagnosing a rash caused by a reaction to medication is complicated. Even a small amount of a certain drug can cause a major reaction in the skin. In addition, the reaction can occur long after the patient took the particular medication and symptoms may last for months. Your physician will usually advise you to stop taking any medication that is not necessary to sustain your life, to see if the reaction abates. Other medications may be substituted, if possible.

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

corticosteroids
antihistamines

This page was last updated on: January 31, 2008.

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