Antibiotics, especially those belonging to the penicillin and sulfa groups, are the most common cause of drug allergy. Usually most drug allergies are limited to hives, swelling, and skin rashes, but some people experience a rare and life-threatening reaction, called anaphylaxis. Drug allergies arise when your immune system mistakes antibiotics as foreign substances, causing inflammation of the skin, or in more serious cases, blocking the airways and causing loss of consciousness. If you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, you need to seek medical help immediately. Learning how to treat a skin rash and recognizing signs of a more serious reaction can help soothe your feelings and save your life.
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Method 1 of 3: Seeking Medical Help
Step 1. Call the doctor
If you believe you are having an allergic reaction to an antibiotic, seek medical attention immediately, no matter how serious your symptoms are. Many allergic reactions are limited to just a skin rash and don't lead to any complications, but whatever the reaction, you need to talk to your doctor about it. There was a rash caused by Steven Johnson Syndrome, a serious complication that required hospitalization. Other rashes are precursors of anaphylaxis which can be life threatening if left untreated. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- fever
- neck/mouth pain, with or without coughing
- swelling of the face
- swelling of the tongue
- skin pain
- rash and/or blisters
- hives
- difficulty breathing or a feeling of tightness in the throat
- abnormal hoarse voice
- hives or swelling
- nausea or vomiting
- stomach pain
- dizzy or weak
- fast heart rate
- panic attack
Step 2. Avoid the allergen
If you experience any allergic reaction to an antibiotic, you should stop taking the drug, and avoid all exposures to the drug. Exposures can occur unintentionally, so you need to take precautions.
- Tell your healthcare provider about your allergies whenever you receive any type of medical treatment.
- Wear a medical alert bracelet. This bracelet will be very useful, especially if you need emergency treatment while you are unconscious. This tool will alert health care workers about allergies when you can't tell them about your allergies.
- Carry an emergency epinephrine auto-injector (commonly called an “epi pen”). This device is usually only needed by people who are prone to anaphylaxis, but your doctor may recommend that you have an auto-injector if your allergies are severe.
Step 3. Talk to your doctor about desensitization
In most cases, if you have a known allergy, your doctor will prescribe an alternative medication. However, in some cases it is not an option. If you need to take certain medications and have a known allergy to them, your doctor may work with you on desensitization therapy.
- During drug desensitization therapy, the doctor will give you the drug that causes the allergy in very small doses and will monitor your symptoms. Then, every 15 to 30 minutes, he will give you increasing doses over several hours or even days.
- If you can tolerate the given dose without any adverse reactions, your doctor may prescribe a regular dose of the drug.
Method 2 of 3: Treatment of Allergy Symptoms with Medication
Step 1. Take an oral antihistamine
Antihistamines increase the passage of white blood cells in your body, while reducing the body's production of histamine. Histamine is released by the immune system in response to an allergen. Depending on how severe your reaction is, your doctor may recommend a prescription antihistamine, or he or she may advise you to buy an over-the-counter antihistamine.
- Common over-the-counter antihistamines include Loratadine (Claritin), Cetirizine (Zyrtec), Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or chlorpheniramine (Aller-Chlor).
- The dose you take depends on a number of factors, including your age and the particular antihistamine you are taking. Follow the instructions on the package, or ask your doctor or pharmacist for dosing instructions.
- Do not drive or operate certain machinery after taking antihistamines.
- Do not take antihistamines if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. These drugs can cause adverse side effects in the baby and can cause birth defects in the developing fetus.
- Do not give antihistamines to children under four years of age. Consult with your child's doctor before giving any medication, including antihistamines.
- Some elderly patients experience adverse antihistamine side effects. These side effects include feeling confused, dizzy, drowsy, nervous, and irritable.
Step 2. Apply calamine lotion
If you have a rash or hives caused by an allergic reaction, calamine lotion may help to relieve itching and discomfort.
- Calamine lotion contains a mixture of calamine, zinc oxide, and other ingredients. Both calamine and zinc oxide are known as topical itching relievers.
- Calamine is for external use only. You should not ingest calamine, nor should you apply it to areas around the eyes, nose, mouth, genitals, or rectum.
Step 3. Try hydrocortisone cream
Low-dose hydrocortisone cream is available over-the-counter at half or one percent levels, although stronger levels can be obtained by prescription. This topical medication suppresses the reaction of your immune system to relieve skin irritation, itching, and rashes.
- Hydrocortisone cream is a topical steroid. This type of medication is generally safe, but should not be used for more than seven days in a row to avoid complications, including itching, cracked skin, and acne.
- Hydrocortisone topical should not be used by children under two years of age. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless directed by your doctor.
- Apply on the affected areas one to four times a day for up to seven days. Don't get it in your eyes if you rub it on your face.
Method 3 of 3: Using Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes
Step 1. Take a bath with lukewarm water
Both excessive heat and cold can affect hives and make them worse once hives appear. For best results, bath water should be at room temperature to relieve skin rashes.
- Sprinkle baking soda, raw oatmeal, or finely ground colloidal oatmeal into your bathwater to help relieve itching.
- Avoid using soap until you know whether a certain brand of soap irritates your hives or not.
Step 2. Apply a cold compress
A cold, wet compress can help relieve symptoms associated with rashes and hives. Exposure to a cold, wet bandage or dressing can help relieve skin irritation, and may help reduce inflammation by slowing blood flow to the rash.
Step 3. Avoid irritants
Many things can irritate hives and rashes. Even if you're not normally affected by common irritants found in your home, it's best to avoid them until you know how your rash/hives react to these irritants. Common irritants include:
- cosmetics
- dyes (including dyes used for clothing)
- fur and leather products
- hair dye
- latex
- nickel products, including jewelry, zippers, buttons and kitchen utensils
- nail care products, including nail polish and artificial nails
- soap and household cleaning products
Step 4. Try not to scratch or rub
Although your rash may be very itchy, you need to avoid scratching or rubbing the rash/hives. Scratching can cause the skin to break, leaving you vulnerable to infection and delaying the healing process.
Step 5. Avoid exposure to heat
In some people, exposure to heat and humidity can further irritate hives and rashes. If you get a rash or hives, avoid exposure to heat, humidity, and exercise.
Step 6. Wear comfortable clothes
If you have rashes and hives, you need to choose the right clothes so you don't irritate your skin further. Choose a material that is soft and has a fine texture, such as cotton. Avoid tight clothing and rough, scratchy materials such as wool.
