How to Tell If You Have an Amoxicillin Rash (and How to Treat It)

Amoxicillin is an antimicrobial that belongs to the amoxicillin rash pictures penicillin class. It is used to treat a variety of common bacterial infections, such as bronchitis. 1 Amoxicillin is known for causing reactions to rashes, which can be allergic or not. The rashes may range from either severe or mild, typically appearing like tiny pink spots or the appearance of hives. 2

This article will explain the appearance of an amoxicillin rash like, its signs, and the best way to take care of it. The article will also discuss how to reach an expert in healthcare.

What Does an Amoxicillin Rash Look Like?

An amoxicillin rash can be from a true amoxicillin allergy or a amoxicillin rash pictures nonallergic cause. Approximately 10% of people have reported a reaction to amoxicillin. However, it’s believed only about 1% of those are true allergic reactions.2

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Clinical features of penicillin allergy. Below is a description of what these rashes can look like and when they can occur.

Hives

Hives Also known by the name of Urticaria they amoxicillin rash pictures appear as red, itchy skin welts which can move. They may occur in real amoxicillin allergy. The hives typically occur in a matter of minutes or less than an half an hour. 3

It is crucial to remember that certain patients may experience an allergic reaction to infections. If a patient is suffering from Hives but no other signs, it’s likely that the appearance of hives in a patient who is taking antibiotics is a coincidence.

Other signs like wheezing, swelling and shortness of breath and anaphylaxis may accompany an allergic reaction to hives. These are the result of an allergy to amoxicillin.

Maculopapular Ras

A maculopapular eruption is more atypical amoxicillin rash pictures of an allergic amoxicillin reaction. It may occur at any time while taking amoxicillin. However, it is most prevalent from days five to seven.

The rash appears as tiny, red, or raised pink spots. They can be seen on the back, chest and abdomen, on the arms, or face legs. They usually disappear after approximately three days, but it can take up to six weeks.

What Causes an Amoxicillin Rash?

An amoxicillin rash that is not caused by an amoxicillin rash pictures allergic reaction is often the result of a viral infection. While amoxicillin only treats bacterial infections, if a person has a viral infection and takes amoxicillin, they may develop a rash from the viral infection or from a combination of how the body is reacting to the amoxicillin while fighting a viral infection. This is a viral rash and it looks like a reaction to amoxicillin.45

This has been illustrated in those who have taken amoxicillin for a presumed bacterial infection, when in fact they had mononucleosis.6

An allergic reaction may cause an amoxicillin rash. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 80% of those who have an amoxicillin allergy may lose their sensitivity in 10 years.

How to Treat an Amoxicillin Rash: Home and OTC Remedies

An amoxicillin rash can be itchy and uncomfortable. A couple of treatment options are an oral antihistamine which can reduce itching. A topical steroid may also help minimize itching and redness.7

Nondrug options include:8

Cold compress
Colloidal oatmeal bath
Loose-fitting, cotton clothing
Fragrance-free soaps

Is an Amoxicillin Rash Dangerous?

For most people, amoxicillin-related rash isn’t alarming. But, it could be a sign of an additional severe reaction.

Amoxicillin-related rash may be a risk if it’s the result of allergic allergic reaction to skin. If hives develop together with breathing problems and wheezing, facial and mouth swelling or even vomiting,, seek medical attention immediately.

A rash of amoxicillin that blisters, triggers irritation to the skin, and swelling around the eyes and mouth may be an indication of an even more serious skin reaction known as Stevens Johnson syndrome

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

If someone experiences an allergic reaction when taking ampicillin it is best to consult their physician. They can help differentiate between an actual allergy and. an unallergic rash. If any of the following symptoms occur, contact your healthcare professional immediately: 7

Trouble breathing
Wheezing
Rash that becomes worse or doesn’t improve
Fever
Severe skin reaction

Summary

Amoxicillin-related rash could be an allergic reaction or a an unallergic response to antibiotic. It could appear as tiny pink or red spots on the skin or bigger red raised patches referred to as hives. 2
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Clinical signs that indicate penicillin-related allergy.

It is essential to consult with an expert in healthcare to determine the cause behind the itching. This will help guide treatment and avoid it happening again later on.