I am developing hives after taking antibiotics for a throat infection. Why?

Question

Hi doctor,

I was taken into primary care last night and diagnosed with a septic throat and hives on my body. I was given a prescription for antibiotics and steroids. It has been 24 hours since I was checked, and my throat is better, but the hives on my body have spread and started to form hard lumps and blisters. I was wondering if this may be linked to the antibiotics I was given as they contain Penicillin (although I have no known allergy). It started with a sore throat three to four days ago but only broke out in hives yesterday. I was told at primary care that this was due to a chemical reaction and was advised to take antihistamines. Kindly give your opinion.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand that you are suffering from fever, sore throat, hives, and blisters. You are currently on antibiotics, steroids, and antihistamines. Persons with infection by the Epstein-Barr virus can result in rashes when they take penicillin-containing medications. You can confirm the presence of this virus with blood tests for the same. I hope you have stopped the antibiotic-containing Penicillin.

Rest, plenty of oral fluids, analgesics, and anti-inflammatory medications are the mainstay of treatment, as this is a self-limiting infection. Since your GP (general practitioner) has prescribed antibiotics, he may be suspecting a bacterial infection. A throat swab for streptococcus infection and culture sensitivity of the throat swab will tell you about bacterial infection in the throat.

Take care. I hope this was helpful.