Amoxicillinis an antibiotic from thepenicillin class.
These rashes can be mild to severe, often looking like small pink spots or hives.
This article will discuss what an amoxicillin rash looks like, the symptoms, and how to treat it.
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It will also cover when to contact a healthcare provider.
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What Does an Amoxicillin Rash Look Like?
Anamoxicillin rashcan be from a trueamoxicillinallergy or a nonallergic cause.
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Approximately 10% of people have reported a reaction to amoxicillin.
Hives
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Hives, also known asurticaria, appear as itchy, raised red welts that can move around.
They can occur in a true amoxicillin allergy.
The hives will usually occur almost immediately or within one hour.
It is important to note that some patients can have hives during infections.
Maculopapular Rash
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Amaculopapular rashis more typical of a nonallergicamoxicillinreaction.
It can appear anytime while taking amoxicillin but is more common around days five through seven.
The rash will look like small, red, or pink raised spots.
They can be found on the chest, back, abdomen, face, arms, and legs.
It generally goes away in about three days but can last up to six days.
What Causes an Amoxicillin Rash?
An amoxicillin rash that is not because of an allergic reaction is often the result of aviral infection.
This is a viral rash and it looks like a reaction to amoxicillin.
An allergic reaction may cause an amoxicillin rash.
A couple of treatment options are an oral antihistamine which can reduce itching.
Atopical steroidmay also help minimize itching and redness.
Nondrug options include:
Is an Amoxicillin Rash Dangerous?
For many people, an amoxicillin rash is not worrisome.
However, it can be part of a more serious reaction.
An amoxicillin rash can be dangerous if it is part of ananaphylacticor severe skin reaction.
They will help distinguish between a true allergy vs. a nonallergic rash.
This will guide treatment and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical features of penicillin allergy.
Texas Children’s.Rashes from amoxicillin: Is it a true allergy?
Anci E, Braun C, Marinosci A, et al.Viral infections and cutaneous drug-related eruptions.Front Pharmacol.
2022;102:114-115.doi:10.1016/j.ejim.2022.05.012
The Hospital for Sick Children.Ampicillin or amoxicillin rash: Caring for your child’s rash.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Hives: Self-care.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
