Treatment of rash due to medication
Learn about the treatment of drug rash in the following article.
Treatment of rash due to medication
The methods for treating rash due to drugs are as follows:
1. Withdrawal from the drug
If your doctor determines that you have a drug allergy, or a possible allergy, stopping the drug is the first step in treatment, and in many cases it may be the only intervention needed.
2. Antihistamines
One of the most prominent ways to treat drug-induced rashes is that antihistamines relieve symptoms associated with hives or drug-induced rashes, and the immune system releases a chemical called histamine in response to allergens, as histamine causes blood vessels to dilate and the skin to swell, which leads to hives. It also causes other types of rashes and itchy skin lesions.
Antihistamines block histamines, easing the discomfort associated with a drug interaction. The drug is taken orally, usually for several weeks. Over-the-counter antihistamines may be effective, or your doctor may give you a prescription.
3. Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are one way to treat drug-induced rashes. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and relieve itching, burning, redness, and swelling associated with the rash. Your doctor may prescribe a topical corticosteroid to relieve the symptoms associated with the rash. If the itching is severe, you may need to take oral medication. In these cases, the doctor will prescribe a corticosteroid for about two weeks.
4. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins
If you have Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which causes extensive skin ulceration, your doctor may prescribe intravenous immunoglobulin in addition to wound care, as this medication blocks the body’s immune response and reduces skin inflammation.
It is produced by extracting healthy immunoglobulin proteins, called antibodies, from the donor’s blood. These healthy antibodies that recognize foreign substances in the body prevent the body’s immune system from causing inflammation, which leads to swelling and blisters.
5. Treatment of anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis requires an immediate injection of epinephrine, and hospital treatment is also necessary to maintain blood pressure and support breathing.
6. Other treatment methods
Other methods of treating drug rash require the following:
- Bathing in cold water or compresses to relieve dermatitis.
- Over-the-counter anti-itch treatments, such as calamine lotion or oatmeal baths, to soothe the rash.
When should you consult a doctor?
After learning how to treat a rash caused by a drug, tell your doctor right away if you develop a rash while taking the drug. Allergic reactions can be serious and, in some cases, even fatal. So if you develop a rash, contact your doctor right away, and you should call 911 if the following symptoms appear:
- wheezing and difficulty breathing;
- Pressure in the throat or chest.
- fainting.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Any other severe symptoms.
