What are drug eruptions?

Overview. A drug rash (drug eruption), also known as a drug reaction, is a skin condition caused by a medication. A drug rash can appear in many forms, and any medication can cause a drug rash.

Which drugs cause drug eruptions?

The most common drugs that may potentially cause drug eruptions include amoxicillin, trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole, ampicillin, penicillin, cephalosporins, quinidine and gentamicin sulfate.

What is the most common type of drug eruption?

The most common type of drug reaction is hives, also known as urticaria. They are raised, swollen, red or flesh-colored bumps or welts that appear on the skin.

What causes a drug eruption?

What causes drug eruptions? Immediate reactions occur within an hour of exposure to the drug and are mediated by IgE antibodies (urticaria, anaphylaxis). Delayed reactions occur between 6 hours and several weeks of first exposure to the drug. They may be mediated by IgG antibody, immune complex, or cytotoxic T cells.

How long do drug eruptions last?

Drug eruptions clear slowly with time after discontinuation of the responsible agent. The time required for total clearing is usually 1–2 weeks. For several days after the offending drug has been stopped, the eruption may actually worsen. Drug eruptions take 1–2 weeks to clear.

What is the dress syndrome?

DRESS syndrome is a delayed type IVb hypersensitivity reaction thought to be mediated by antiviral T cells. 2. It is a severe, idiosyncratic multisystem reaction to a drug, characterised by fever, skin rash, lymphadenopathy, haematological abnormalities and internal organ involvement.

What does a skin rash from doxycycline look like?

Antibiotics, such as penicillin and doxycycline, can cause rash. These rashes are seen as a symmetrical outbreak of red, blotchy, slightly raised welts (wheals) and solid, raised spots (papules). This rash will typically begin on the trunk or back and spread to involve additional areas of the body.

What is the treatment of drug eruption?

Treatment of a drug eruption depends on the specific type of reaction. Therapy for exanthematous drug eruptions is supportive, involving the administration of oral antihistamines, topical steroids, and moisturizing lotions. Severe reactions (eg, SJS, TEN, and hypersensitivity reactions) warrant hospital admission.

Do drug rashes get worse before better?

Some occur within minutes or hours of starting a medication. Others take days or weeks to develop. It is even possible to get a drug rash up to a week after stopping a medicine. Symptoms may also continue to worsen after the drug is stopped.

Is fixed drug eruption painful?

Fixed drug eruption typically presents as a single (or small number of) well-defined, round or oval red or violaceous patch or plaque which may blister or ulcerate. It is usually asymptomatic but can be itchy or painful.