Antibiotic Rash Identification: Is it a True Allergy or Something Else?

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, a penicillin allergy is the most commonly reported drug allergy. However, research shows that less than 1% of the population has a true penicillin allergy.

Amoxicillin belongs to the class of penicillin-like antibiotics, and it works by stopping bacterial growth.

While it’s possible to have a serious allergic reaction to amoxicillin and other drugs in the penicillin family, a skin rash is not always an indication of something serious.

In this article, we’ll explain how to tell the difference between a serious allergic reaction and a rash that can be treated at home.

What Types of Antibiotics Cause Rashes?

Many antibiotics can cause rashes, but amoxicillin is probably one of the more well-known drugs associated with this side effect.

One survey looked at the effects of different antibiotics on children. They surveyed around 6,000 hospital records and found that 7.3% of all children who used common oral antibiotics developed rashes.

The rashes these children developed were not linked to severe allergic reactions that required hospitalization.

Here are some of the antibiotics that caused rashes to occur in children:

• Penicillin
• Cefaclor
• Sulfonamides
• Cephalosporins

What Are Some Other Side Effects of Antibiotics?

It’s important to only use antibiotics when you actually need them.

The CDC warns against using antibiotics to treat viruses, such as colds and flu, and they also mention that antibiotics don’t work for all bacterial infections. It’s often best to not use antibiotics if there are other options available.

Besides rashes, some other side effects of antibiotics include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Yeast infections
• Anaphylaxis (a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical assistance)

Why Am I Getting a Rash from Amoxicillin?

Antibiotics in the penicillin family have a high likelihood of causing rashes, but these rashes don’t necessarily require medical attention.

Taking pictures of your rash is a good idea as the rash could change over time, and this may give your doctor a better idea of what’s causing it.

Listed below are some reasons why you may be getting a rash from amoxicillin.

You have a penicillin allergy

A true penicillin allergy can be tricky to spot, but knowing how to recognize it can help you get the treatment you need. It may even save your life.

To spot a true allergic reaction, look out for the following:

• A rash that occurs suddenly — within two hours or fewer. It may appear a few hours or days later, but this is rare
• Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath
• Very itchy hives (these red or flesh-colored raised areas on the skin are called wheals and can change shape or shift position)
• Swallowing difficulties
• Runny nose
• Wheezing
• Fever
• Itchy or watery eyes

If you experience a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis and you cannot breathe properly after taking the medication, contact emergency services immediately.

The rash is caused by the illness you are treating, or a virus

The rash you are experiencing may have nothing to do with the antibiotics you’re taking. It could be a symptom of the illness you are treating, or it could be a virus that’s causing your rash.

Viruses responsible for the following conditions can also cause rashes to appear:

• Chicken pox
• COVID-19
• Measles
• Rubella

If you’re not sure what’s causing your rash, consult your doctor. They can help you identify the problem and get the correct treatment.

You have a mild sensitivity to amoxicillin

You may be experiencing a non-allergic amoxicillin rash. Many children may develop a rash when they take amoxicillin — most of the time, it isn’t serious.

Mild sensitivity to this antibiotic may cause one or more of the following symptoms:

• Small, somewhat raised pink bumps across the chest, back, abdomen, face, arms, and legs.
• The rash appears around the fifth or seventh day after taking amoxicillin.
• The rash is not itchy and doesn’t change location.
• The rash typically lasts three days, but it may take between one and six days to disappear.
• The rash is not contagious.
• The rash won’t occur the next time that amoxicillin is taken.
• No other symptoms accompany the rash.

This kind of rash usually clears on its own or can be treated with over-the-counter medications.

What Are the Treatment Options for an Amoxicillin Rash?

There are different ways to treat an amoxicillin rash, but the treatment you require will depend on what’s causing your rash.

For example, if you have raised itchy wheals, you’ll need to stop using the medication as this may be an indication of a true allergic reaction to amoxicillin. However, somebody with mild sensitivity may be able to treat their rash and continue using the antibiotics.

Your doctor will be able to tell you which of the following treatments will work best for your rash:

• Oral antihistamines
• Topical steroids
• Stopping the medication
• Switching to a different antibiotic

When Should I See a Doctor?

An amoxicillin rash could indicate a serious allergy, or it may be something that disappears on its own — whether you stop taking the antibiotics or not.

However, if you display any of the symptoms mentioned above that indicate a true allergic reaction, stop the treatment and contact your doctor immediately.

Emergency services should be alerted immediately if you experience breathing difficulties, since this may indicate anaphylaxis.

Where Can I Learn More About Allergic Reactions and Skin Rashes?

If you have an itchy rash that started shortly after taking amoxicillin, you may be allergic to this antibiotic. LifeMD can help. Make your first video appointment today, and speak to a board-certified doctor or nurse practitioner right from home (or wherever you are).