Amoxicillin Rash Pictures

Amoxicillin is an antibiotic used to treat various types of diseases. However, some people develop sensitivity to amoxicillin causing them to experience amoxicillin rash. Amoxicillin rash is commonly mistaken for other types of rash.

How to identify an amoxicillin rash? ^{(1, 2)}

Amoxicillin Rash Pictures

There are two types of amoxicillin rash: Hives and Maculopapular rash. 

What is a hive?

It is a raised itchy bump on the skin, typically red or white that appears after one or two doses of amoxicillin. If your child is taking amoxicillin and developed hives after taking it, then you should immediately call your health care provider. The allergic reaction could get worse leading to swelling and difficulty breathing.

Another type of amoxicillin rash is the maculopapular rash. The skin will have a flat, red patches on the skin. It usually appears between three and 10 days after taking amoxicillin. The rashes usually affect the body, particularly the trunk. However, it could also appear elsewhere such as the face. ^{(2, 3, 4)}

How long does amoxicillin allergic reaction rash last?

Amoxicillin rash usually lasts three days, but it could extend up to six days, depending on the severity of the rash and the patient's coping mechanism. ⁽⁴⁾

How to treat an allergic reaction to amoxicillin?

There is no necessary treatment for amoxicillin rash. However, if the child develops severe allergic reaction such as hives, you can somehow ease the patient's discomfort by giving him Benadryl. Stop taking amoxicillin until further instructions from your health care provider.

Let your doctor see your child for proper assessment and thorough medical instructions. Do not give any antibiotic without the go signal of your doctor. ^{(4, 5, and 6)}

Is amoxicillin rash dangerous?

Rashes caused by amoxicillin are not dangerous. However, severe allergic reaction to amoxicillin can be life-threatening. There could be a possibility of anaphylactic shock. Hence, if you notice a severe allergic reaction to amoxicillin, you should immediately stop giving the medication and contact your doctor for help and further instruction.

Generally, once the patient has developed sensitivity reaction to amoxicillin, he can take the drug again next time when deemed necessary. Studies showed that only 5% of people who have amoxicillin rash get it again the next time around. ^{(5, 6, and 8)}

When should you call out for help?

• If the rashes of the patient get severe such as in the case of hives.
• If the patient complains of severe itching and discomfort.
• If the amoxicillin rash lasts for more than a week.^{(6, 7)}

References