Amoxicillin Rashes Are Normal & Not Usually an Allergic Reaction
It’s understandable to be concerned, especially in an era of increasingly severe food and environmental allergies and potentially serious reactions. However, as many as 10% of all children who take amoxicillin for a bacterial ear or throat infection develop a rash their first time, and it never returns on future rounds of antibiotics.
The difference between amoxicillin rash & hives
Please DO contact our 24-hour nurse line, (503) 227-0671), if you notice a rash within the first few days to a week of a child’s amoxicillin prescription to put your concerns to rest. In most cases, the rash resolves on its own within a week, and stopping the course of amoxicillin can do more harm than good (more on that below).
A rash is not necessarily a sign of an allergy and is most often caused by a virus that affects the skin when antibiotics throw a child’s bacterial balances out of whack. This is one of the reasons why we recommend boosting probiotic sources (yogurt, kefir, high-quality probiotic supplements, etc.) whenever a patient takes antibiotics.
Signs of a non-allergic amoxicillin (or Augmentin) rash
If your child were experiencing a genuine allergy to the medication, they would immediately have symptoms after the first dose – typically within the first hour or two.
Signs of a non-allergic amoxicillin rash include the following:
- Slightly raised, small pink bumps OR patches of small red spots (no more than 1/2 inch) in a symmetrical pattern.
- While it might be slightly itchy, most children do not experience discomfort associated with the rash.
- The rash appears on the abdomen, chest, or back and may also appear on the face, arms, or legs.
- Usually, appear around day five to day seven on the antibiotic but may appear at any time during the course of the medication.
- They are not the same as hives (which are raised, itchy, and change locations).
These antibiotic rashes are not contagious. They are considered a completely harmless side effect. Children are safe to return to school or daycare as soon as they feel better and haven’t experienced a fever or vomiting for 24 hours. The rash will fade away within a week or less.
Signs of an amoxicillin (or Augmentin) allergy
An allergic reaction to amoxicillin, Augmentin, or penicillin differs from the mild rash associated with these medications.
- Allergy onset occurs within hours, rather than days, after taking the medication.
- The rash is comprised of hives rather than a small rash. Hives are raised and larger than the small dots associated with an amoxicillin rash.
- Allergic hive reactions itch and may even hurt – especially when touched, scratched, or when they experience pressure.
- The size, shape, and location of hives vary.
- Cough.
- Fever (antibiotics typically alleviate the fever associated with the initial infection, so a fever after the fact – or one that worsens – may be caused by an allergy).
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing.
When you call our nurse line, we’ll tell you whether your child is experiencing a normal amoxicillin rash response or a true allergy. In most cases, there is no allergy, and the patient should stay on the antibiotics course all the way through.
Risks of Stopping Amoxicillin With Standard Rash
- There is no reason to stop the course of antibiotics if a child experiences a standard rash.
- The rash won’t go away any sooner if you stop amoxicillin.
- It can cause the original infection to return if you don’t begin another antibiotics course.
- We would need to switch to a stronger antibiotic, which could result in more uncomfortable side effects like stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Not finishing courses of antibiotics and switching to broader-spectrum options builds immunity to antibiotics that poses more serious risks later on.
Trust PANW When We Say “That Amoxicillin Rash is Normal…”
…because it is. Your child just happens to be one of the “1 in 10 kids” whose skin erupts in a mild, harmless rash. Not 100% convinced? Contact Pediatric Associates of the Northwest and speak to one of our nurses. Or, we can schedule a video consultation so your doctor can take a look and give you the all-clear.
