Patient's Query
Hello, doctor,
I am a 20-year-old female. I am currently experiencing some allergic reactions. Last week, I took Amoxicillin and Antihistamines to treat my ear infection. I stopped taking Amoxicillin after seven days, but continued taking the Antihistamine.
However, two days after, I noticed some rash on my forearm, which spread onto my neck and face by evening. The next day, I visited a dermatologist who told me it could be a possible drug reaction and prescribed Claricort twice daily and Bilastine once every night.
It has been two days since I have been taking these, but I do not see any improvements. My rashes had only gotten worse and have now spread all over my body. They are red, itchy patches. I have not had any other symptoms besides a bit of a mild fever and body ache on the day I went to see the dermatologist. I took some ibuprofen, and I felt better right away. I want the rashes to go away because I can no longer sleep well.
Please help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
Your skin reaction appears to be a drug-induced eruption caused by Amoxicillin, presenting with hives (urticaria) and a widespread rash (exanthem).
For relief, please follow this treatment plan:
Take Atarax 10 mg (Hydroxyzine dihydrochloride) one tablet three times a day for seven days, orTake Wicet 5 mg, (Levocetrizine) one tablet twice daily for seven days (as an alternative antihistamine).
Apply Dermocalm lotion (Paraffin and Calamine) two to three times daily to soothe the skin; continue for 10 days.
To help us manage your condition and prevent future reactions, could you please let us know:
Have you had any drug allergies in the past?
Do you have a history of atopy, such as eczema, asthma, or allergic rhinitis?
Have you come into contact with any irritants recently (like chemicals, cleaning agents, or dust)?
Are you using any soaps or body washes that contain strong chemicals or fragrances?
Have you started using any new cosmetic products (like creams, lotions, or makeup) lately?
Have you noticed aggravating factors, if noticed, such as sweat and heat, and food allergies?
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
No drug allergies in the past. I only experienced hives for the first time a couple of years back after camping. I had it on my arms, and I suspect that some plant caused it. And then last January, I had allergic rhinitis due to ashfall dust. I took some antihistamines for a few days. No contact with irritants so far. I have stayed indoors for the past few months and only gone out for grocery shopping.
I have been using a mild soap since last week, after I was diagnosed with an ear infection. No new cosmetic products were used, and no aggravation factors. I am a little bit lactose and alcohol intolerant, but I do not consume them regularly, and it has been months since I have.
Kindly help.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
You may now begin applying Dermocalm lotion (which contains paraffin and calamine) to help soothe the skin and reduce irritation.
It’s very important that you avoid the medications that previously caused allergic reactions or skin rashes (exanthems). These may include certain antibiotics such as Ampicillin, Penicillin, Nitrofurantoin, and Chloramphenicol, as well as medications like Atropine, Chlorpropamide, Insulin, Barbiturates, Griseofulvin, Sulphonamides, Para-aminosalicylic acid, and some oral contraceptive pills.
Also, please avoid medications that are known to trigger urticaria (hives) in sensitive individuals, such as Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), certain vaccines (toxoids, serum, pollen vaccines), Morphine and other opiates, and again, Chloramphenicol.
To better understand your skin condition, I would like to know the following:
Have you had repeated exposure to sunlight, and if so, do you experience itchy red bumps, eczematous patches, vesicles (fluid-filled bumps), or hives after sun exposure?
Do you have a history of photo-allergic reactions triggered by airborne allergens (like pollen or plant particles)?
Have you ever been diagnosed with or experienced symptoms of Parthenium dermatitis (a common allergy caused by exposure to Congress grass)?
Do you have known environmental allergies?
Have you had any cheilitis (inflammation of the lips), xerosis (dry skin), or itching when sweating?
Do you have known food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance?
Have you noticed whether your symptoms tend to worsen with certain environmental factors (e.g., dust, heat, humidity, pollution)?
Were your serum IgE levels ever found to be elevated (a marker of allergic sensitivity)?
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
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Answered byDr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav
Medically reviewed byDr. Vinodhini J.
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