Amoxicillin rash is an allergic reaction to amoxicillin drugs. Drug allergy is a common occurrence to most people. It is common for people to experience symptoms such as diarrhea after use of some drugs such as antibiotics. The allergy rash may be itchy and look like mono in both adults and babies.
Amoxicillin is used in treating bacterial infection or other conditions such as mono in babies and adults. Amoxicillin is an antibacterial drug used for a number of reasons. It is the most sensitive drug of the penicillin drugs.
Most people have repeated rash as a side effect after using the drug. About 10 percent of people who have used penicillin drugs before have reported being allergic to it and showing signs such as itchy rash on skin and nausea. The antibiotic is mostly taken orally but can be injected in the body.
Can amoxicillin cause a rash?
A considerable number of people using amoxicillin have reported rash as a side effect. Statistic also shows that the number of girls developing the rash outweighed that of the boys. With these statistics it is therefore true to say amoxicillin can cause rash. Those with mono are at the highest risk of this allergic reaction.
Before taking or using amoxicillin either as an oral pill or injection, you need to let your doctor or GP know if you are allergic to cephalosporin or any other drug for that matter. It is also of fundamental importance to let your doctor know if you have asthma, liver or kidney disease or clotting disorder. This are the common known triggers of amoxicillin drug reaction.
If you are using birth control pill, using amoxicillin will make the pills less effective. When using amoxicillin, you can change to a non-hormonal pregnancy preventing methods like using condoms. To avoid an allergic reaction to amoxicillin you can do the following:
- Take the full prescribed dose
- Do not share the medication
- Do not use amoxicillin for a viral infection like cold or flu
- Avoid self-medicating or over-the-counter drug use
- For those with asthma and drug allergy tell you doctor about it before using amoxicillin
- Nursing mother should avoid amoxicillin as it can pass into breast milk and harm the baby.
- Also you need to avoid overdose and missing the prescribed dose even if the symptoms clears before you finish the dose.
Amoxicillin rash pictures
The appearance of an amoxicillin rash will vary from person to person. The duration of the rash also seem to vary as some people may have the rash for long compared to others. Below we have provided images to help you understand how the rash looks like.
Amoxicillin allergy rash
Can you get an allergic reaction to amoxicillin? Yes it is very possible for you to develop an amoxicillin drug rash. Most people have reported skin rash as a common side effect after use of amoxicillin. Symptoms of the rash will include hives, they are raised, itchy, red or white swellings on skin. Hives will occur after one or two doses.
Another possible symptoms is maculopapular rash, this is a flat, red or white swelling on the skin. This rash will appear after ten days of using the amoxicillin. For children discontinue the use of the drug. Hive caused by allergy to amoxicillin can be a more serious reaction. Please seek medical attention if your child develops the following symptoms:
- Difficult breathing at night
- Facial or lip swelling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea and
- Wheezing
- nausea
Mono amoxicillin rash
Mono is a viral infection common in most young adults. It is also referred to as glandular fever. Common symptoms of the condition include high fever, sore throats, swollen lymph glands and general feeling of fatigue. It is common for these symptoms to pass on their own without any medication. However, when amoxicillin is used to treat the condition, you may have a rash as a side effect.
Mono is caused by EBV virus. The virus resides in the saliva of infected people. It can therefore be spread through kissing, that is why some people will refer to the condition as kissing disease. The condition can also be spread through coughing and sneezing. Sharing drinking utensils with infected people can also cause the spread of the infection from one person to the other.
Even though mono is common in children, it can affect people of all ages regardless of age and gender. The condition is thought to occur in childhood. It’s asymptomatic at this stage, this is to say, you may have the infection but the symptoms will be mild or not present at all. Most people with the infection are likely to have flare-up even after the condition clears up.
To rule out the possibility of other diseases and infection such as rubella, mumps and toxoplasmosis, your doctor will carry out a blood test to help confirm the diagnosis.
There is no treatment for mono. This is a possible reason your immune system will become reactive to amoxicillin causing rash. The symptoms can be managed at home with measures as drinking plenty of water to keep your body ad skin hydrated. OTC painkiller and taking a considerable amount of rest should be able to help ease and relieve the symptoms of mono.
Diaper rash from amoxicillin in babies
By definition, a diaper rash is the inflammation of the baby’s skin caused by prolonged contact with a diaper. The moist environment provides an ideal environment for the overgrowth of yeast and other microorganism. The rash will appear as a red, painful area on baby’s bottom, around thigh and groin area. Though discomforting to the baby, diaper rash will clear within few days. Simple remedy like air drying, regular change of diaper and topical ointment will help relieve the symptoms.
Amoxicillin and other antibiotics are also known to cause yeast infection in babies just like in adults. In children, when amoxicillin is used to treat bacterial infection, it kills the bacteria together with “friendly bacteria” known as flora that resides in the child’s intestines. Flora are responsible for controlling and regulating the consistency of stool. Also helps in digestion.
When the flora is eliminated, the stool becomes loose, watery and more frequent. This is an antibiotic induced diarrhea. The lack of flora will also cause a fungal diaper rash. This will be as a result of overgrowth of yeast in the intestine. The yeast comes out making contact with the skin, this is when the rash occurs.
To manage and prevent the diaper rash during antibiotic use, acidophilus can be used. Apply a barrier cream on the anus after every diaper change. In cases of severe symptoms, such as the rash becomes too painful or large skin blisters appear, stop the use of the antibiotic and seek medical attention immediately.
Risk factor of the amoxicillin rash will include: oral thrush in children, vomiting, rash on face and body and general feeling of unwell.
How long does amoxicillin rash last?
As stated above, an amoxicillin rash is an allergic reaction to the use of amoxicillin. It is important to know that our body’s’ immune system will respond differently to the amoxicillin. The immune system is the body defense system against infection causing pathogens. When a substance is perceived as foreign by the immune system, it produces histamine that cause the development of antibodies that helps in fighting this infection.
Our immune systems strength vary from person to person. It is therefore possible to experience severe symptoms as others develop mild once. The duration and period the symptoms are shown will also vary. For some, especially children the symptoms will take long to clear. This is because they immune systems are relatively weaker compared to that an adult.
If you have an underlying medical condition like asthma, diabetes, liver or heart disease, you need to inform you doctor before taking amoxicillin these are the most common known triggers of the allergic rash among antibiotic uses and especially amoxicillin. With these condition amoxicillin rash will appear within 30 minutes of taking the amoxicillin medication. With no medication, the symptoms showed will take long to clear but at the end they can clear on their own.
Discontinue the use of the amoxicillin and seek medical attention. For those with mild symptoms, antihistamine pills or injection can be prescribed. Topical ointment and emollient scan be used to keep the skin moist, reduce the inflammation and manage other symptoms accompanied by the rash. For yeast infection caused by the use of amoxicillin medication, such as diaper rash in children and vaginal yeast infection in female adult, make sure you maintain high hygiene and keep the groin area dry and clean.
Is rash from amoxicillin itchy?
As started, amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infection. Other infection that can be treated with amoxicillin include bronchitis, pneumonia and infection of the ear, nose, throat and even those of the urinary track. Amoxicillin is very effective in treating these bacterial infection. However, it has a lot of potential side effects even to those who are not allergic to it.
Itching is among these know side effects. Allergic reaction like skin rash, itching, hive or swelling of face, lips and tongue is a common sign of the amoxicillin rash. The symptoms will appear after 30 minutes of using an amoxicillin medicine. It is important to know that, allergic reaction aren’t always the reason for negative reaction to drugs. On the contrary, allergic reaction are a rare occurrence.
Mild reaction like skin rash, itching and hive should not be a source to worry. Should the symptoms persist or worsen, ten you need to let your health care provider look into it for early medication and treatment. Severe reaction will include symptoms like swelling of face, lips and tongue and shortens of breath for some people.
Other side effects of amoxicillin
Apart from itching, amoxicillin rash can be accompanied by the following side effects:
Breathing Problems
This involves a sensation of difficult breathing or a feeling of not getting enough air. Nasal congestion may be explained as normal as it may cause only a small degree of breathing difficulties. Also, difficulties caused by strenuous exercise may be termed normal to.
Apart from this causes, amoxicillin rash may also cause this kind of breathing difficulties. This can range from mild difficulties that can be handle by activities such as breathing through pursed lips or sitting in front of a fan. In cases of severe reaction, please seek medical attention immediately.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is loose, watery and frequent stool. To be considered chronic, you should have had the watery stool for more than three weeks. To manage this symptom, you need to drink a lot of fluids to make sure your body remains hydrated. Mild may be used for moderate case of diarrhea, for severe cases, electrolyte solution from drug stores can be used.
A lot people using amoxicillin have reported diarrhea as a common side effect. To prevent it, you need to take the amoxicillin dose with a meal. Please avoid meals that are likely to upset the stomach at the time of the amoxicillin dose.
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice strains of blood in the stool.
Stomach Upset
Abdominal pain or pain around the stomach region is another common side effect of using amoxicillin drugs to treat bacterial infection. At least 30 percent of people using amoxicillin have reported stomach upset as a side effect after using amoxicillin. Other reported symptoms of the upset include nausea and vomiting.
To prevent this, take your amoxicillin dose with a meal. Antinause medication can also be used. For prolonged upset, please seek medical attention from a professional health care provider.
Severe Headaches
Headache is another common side effect of taking amoxicillin medication. It is however a less serious side effect. To help manage and prevent headache while on amoxicillin medication, take food and drink a lot of fluids like water. Regular exercise, getting enough rest and sleep and managing stress can all help in preventing headaches.
Dizziness
Dizziness can be defined as a feeling of lightheaded or a possible sign of fainting. Those experiencing dizziness may feel like they are spinning or the room they are in is moving. Most cases of dizziness will get better on their own or are easily treated.
Before starting an amoxicillin dose, you need to inform your doctor off all the medication you are on. Please avoid taking alcohol till you finish taking the amoxicillin dose.
Redness And Skin Blistering
Redness and skin blistering are common sign of allergic reaction, though rare, they can be very serious if they happen. You need to contact health care provider as soon as you notice you skin turning red after sing amoxicillin.
At home, mild, non-itching rash can be managed by applying antihistamine or hydrocortisone creams. Oatmeal bath and drinking a lot of water can also help manage the symptoms.
The Eyes Membrane May Turn Yellow
Yellowing of the skin, the mucous membrane and the eye can also be caused by use of amoxicillin. Amoxicillin can also cause liver damage or injury. This is more likely to happen when taking amoxicillin with clavulanate.
Jaundice as the yellowing is called, can be treated by using corticosteroids. Recognizing early signs like fatigue, poor appetite and vomiting can help prevent the yellowing.
Dark Urine
Due to change in the blood, liver and kidney function, it is common for those using amoxicillin to urinate a dark colored urine. This is referred to as renal toxicity. It is rare but when it happens it can be a serious symptom that should be reported to your health care provider immediately.
If you have kidney complication, you need to avoid taking amoxicillin medication. You need to report this to your doctor so that he or she can recommend an alternative antibiotic. Please avoid over-the-counter medication to prevent this symptom.
Trouble sleeping or insomnia can also be caused by use of amoxicillin drug.
Treatment and remedies for rash from amoxicillin
For mild cases of amoxicillin rash, discontinuing the dose can help stop the rash from appearing. For those allergic to the amoxicillin, or those with kidney complications, you need to have the doctor prescribe an alternative antibiotic for bacterial infections.
Antihistamine drug can also be used for allergic reaction that comes when using amoxicillin. This can be inform of oral pills, injections or creams.
For itching and inflammation, anti-itching creams and anti-inflammatories may be used respectively for the itching and inflammation.
Over-the-counter painkillers and other pain relieving medication can also be used to relieve the itching, burning sensation and stomach upset hic are common side effects of using amoxicillin.
For swelling and inflammation, hydrocortisone cream may be used. The cream can also be used for small itchy bumps on skin and blisters.
For itching and blistering lotion, your doctor may also prescribe calamine lotion. The lotion helps in dry oozing and weeping caused from most skin blisters.
Home remedies for antibiotic rash
Apart from using the above as treatment for the amoxicillin rash, simple natural home remedies can be used to treat and manage mild symptoms of the rash at home. Take note, the response of the remedies will vary. The remedies are only for relieving the symptoms and not treating the underlying condition, to do so, you need to seek medical attention.
The remedies will include:
Flush the toxin out of the body by drink plenty of water. This can be an effective remedy for stomach upset, abdominal pain and diarrhea which are common side effects of using amoxicillin. Food when on amoxicillin dose can also be helpful in preventing this side effect.
Oatmeal bath can be used for itchy skin rash, swelling and inflammation. Oatmeal has been used for long to nourish and moisturize the skin. It is thus an effective remedy for relieving the itching and dryness associated with most skin rash.
Aloe Vera gel can also be used for itchy amoxicillin rash. The journal of the medical association of Thailand confirms the fact that aloe Vera is a strong remedy for rash. Afresh organic aloe Vera contains anti-itching, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. We highly recommend organic cold pressed Aloe Vera gel (Check price on Amazon)
Chamomile tea can also be used to relive stomach upset caused by using amoxicillin. Chamomile also has antiseptic and vasodilatory effects. You can be allergic to this remedy if you are allergic to ragweed.
Raw Garlic can be used as an alternative antibiotic in place of amoxicillin for mild antibacterial infection.
Sources and References
- Amoxicillin rash in children: http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/En/HealthAZ/ConditionsandDiseases/Dermatology/Pages/Ampicillin-or-Amoxicillin-Rash-Caring-for-Your-Childs-Rash.aspx
- Amoxicillin drug rash: https://www.drugs.com/amoxicillin.html
- Amoxicillin drug allergy: http://www.portlandpediatric.com/panw-blog/health-news/rashes-on-amoxicillin-when-is-it-a-true-allergy
- Amoxicillin rash signs and symptoms: http://www.md-health.com/Amoxicillin-Rash.html
- Drug allergy in children and adults: http://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/amoxicillin-rash
- Amoxicillin side effects: http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/health-concerns/childhood-illnesses/medicine-cabinet/antibiotic-side-effects
- Common side effects of amoxicillin drug use http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/14-side-effects-amoxicillin-amoxil-trimox#promoSlidehttp://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/14-side-effects-amoxicillin-amoxil-trimox#promoSlide
