Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAppearanceCausesTreatmentRisksWhen to See a Provider
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Table of Contents
Appearance
Causes
Treatment
Risks
When to See a Provider
Amoxicillinis an antibiotic from thepenicillin class. It is used to treat many community-acquired bacterial infections like bronchitis.Amoxicillin is well-known for causing rashes that are either allergic or nonallergic reactions. 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. 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. Approximately 10% of people have reported a reaction to amoxicillin. However, it’s believed only about 1% of those are true allergic reactions.Below is a description of what these rashes can look like and when they can occur.
Hives
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoReproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Te Whatu Ora Waikatowww.dermnetnz.org2023.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Te Whatu Ora Waikatowww.dermnetnz.org2023.
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. If a patient has hives with no other systemic symptoms, it is possible that the occurrence of hives while a patient is on antibiotics is coincidental.
Other symptoms like swelling, wheezing, shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis can accompany hives that are a result of an amoxicillin allergy.
Maculopapular Rash
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoDermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
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?
This has been illustrated in those who have taken amoxicillin for a presumed bacterial infection, when in fact they hadmononucleosis.
An allergic reaction may cause an amoxicillin rash. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 80% of those who have an amoxicillin allergy may lose their sensitivity in 10 years.
How to Treat an Amoxicillin Rash: Home and OTC Remedies
An amoxicillin rash can be itchy and uncomfortable. 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. If hives occur along with difficulty breathing, wheezing, face or mouth swelling, or vomiting then get medical attention immediately.
An amoxicillin rash that blisters, causes skin pain, swelling around the mouth and eyes may be a sign of a more serious skin reaction calledStevens-Johnson syndrome.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
If someone reacts after taking amoxicillin, they should contact their healthcare provider. They will help distinguish between a true allergy vs. a nonallergic rash. If the following occurs contact a healthcare provider immediately:
Summary
An amoxicillin rash can be an allergic or non-allergic reaction to the antibiotic. It can look like small red or pink spots in the skin or larger red raised patches called hives.It’s important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of the rash. This will guide treatment and help prevent it from happening in the future.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Amoxicillin.
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. 2021;11:586407. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.586407
Dondi A, Parladori R, Mori F, et al.Viral rashes mimicking drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome in children after β-lactams intake: A diagnostic challenge.Eur J Pediatr. 2021;180(7):2327-2332. doi:10.1007/s00431-021-04010-5
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.
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