What is sulfa rash?
A sulfa allergy is a rash or more serious reaction to sulfa drugs. These drugs can treat a range of health problems from eye infections to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Sulfa drugs, also called sulfonamides, include antibiotics as well as other types of drugs. Allergies happen most often with antibiotics.
How do you describe a penicillin rash?
A drug rash usually starts within two weeks of taking a new medication and begins as discrete red spots that spread, covering large areas of the body. Signs and symptoms of penicillin allergy often occur within an hour after taking the drug. Less commonly, reactions can occur hours, days or weeks later.
What is the medical term for sulfa?
sulfa drug, also called sulfonamide, any member of a group of synthetic antibiotics containing the sulfanilamide molecular structure. Sulfa drugs were the first chemical substances systematically used to treat and prevent bacterial infections in humans.
What does an allergic reaction to Bactrim look like?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
How do you treat sulfa allergy?
If you have an allergic reaction to sulfa drugs, treatment will be centered on relieving your symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroids to relieve hives, rash, and itching. A bronchodilator may be prescribed if you have respiratory symptoms.
Is sulfur and sulfa the same thing?
Also, sulfa is different from sulfates and sulfur. Both sulfa medications and sulfite can cause allergic reactions, but these two conditions are not related. A person who has a sulfa allergy will not necessarily have a sulfite allergy, so there is no cross-reactivity.
What does an antibiotic rash look like?
The rash will resemble small, flat, pink spots that appear in a symmetrical pattern. The rash is not contagious and usually begins to fade after 3 days but may take up to 6 days to disappear. People taking amoxicillin may also develop hives.
What is sulfa drugs give examples?
Sulfa-containing drugs include:
- sulfonamide antibiotics, including sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra) and erythromycin-sulfisoxazole (Eryzole, Pediazole)
- some diabetes medications, such as glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase PresTabs)
What are sulfa drugs examples?
Examples of sulfonamides includes sulfadiazine, sulfamethizole (brand name: Thiosulfil Forte), sulfamethoxazole (Gantanol), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin), and various high-strength combinations of three sulfonamides. Sulfa drugs kill bacteria and fungi by interfering with cell metabolism.
What illnesses cause a rash?
Some common causes of rashes include: Infections — This broad category covers a wide range of illnesses, including: Viral infections, such as measles, rubella, roseola, fifth disease, varicella zoster, herpes or shingles. Bacterial infections, such as impetigo, scarlet fever or Lyme disease.
What are the signs of an allergic reaction to sulfa?
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to sulfa drugs include rash or hives, itchy skin or eyes, and swelling. Complications of sulfa allergy include anaphylaxis and Steven-Johnson syndrome. Both of these are considered medical emergencies.
What are the skin symptoms of sulfa allergies?
Common symptoms of sulfa allergy are often limited to the skin and may include: Pruritus (itchy skin) Urticaria (hives) Generalized maculopapular rash (a widespread rash with flat and raised lesions) Angioedema (swelling of the face, hands, and other tissues) Photosensitive rash (one that occurs in areas of ultraviolet light exposure) 4
What to avoid for a sulfa allergy?
If you have sulfa allergic reaction, you also need to avoid certain foods, as they might have sulfa. Some of the foods of this category are celery, radish, jam, eggs, turnip, jelly, garlic, pickled onions, dehydrated potatoes, canned foods, dandelion, sauces and gravies, pizza etc.