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