skin disorders
Drug Rashes
Introduction
Drug rashes are a side effect of a drug that manifests as a skin reaction. Drug rashes usually are caused by an allergic reaction to a drug, but some drug rashes are not allergic. Typical symptoms include redness, bumps, blisters, hives, itching, and sometimes peeling, or pain. Every drug a person takes may have to be stopped to figure out which one is causing the rash. Most drug rashes resolve once the drug is stopped, but mild reactions may be treated with creams to decrease symptoms and serious reactions may require treatment with drugs such asepinephrine(given by injection),diphenhydramine, and/or a corticosteroid to prevent complications. (See also Overview of Hypersensitivity and Reactive Skin Disorders .) The word "rash" refers to changes in skin color (such as redness) and/or texture (such as bumps or swelling). Many rashes itch, such as those that often develop after an allergic reaction, but some rashes are painful or cause no symptoms. Drugs can cause rashes in several ways. 