Self-Care Guidelines
For a widespread or severe drug rash, self-care is not recommended. Call your physician or 911, depending upon the severity of your symptoms.
For a mild or limited drug rash, you may try the following measures:
- Take cool showers or apply cool compresses.
- Apply calamine lotion.
- Take an antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine.
When to Seek Medical Care
Whenever you are started on a new medication and develop a rash, you should immediately notify the doctor who prescribed the medicine. If difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, or the swelling of your tongue, lips, throat, or face accompany the rash, you should seek emergency care.
Prepare a list of all of your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter pills as well as topical creams, vitamins, and herbal or homeopathic remedies for the doctor. Be sure to include medicines that you may take only on occasion. If possible, try to document when you started taking each medication. Also make certain that you know about any previous reactions you might have had to medicines or food.
Signs and Symptoms
