Home Remedies for Allergic Rash From Sulpha Drugs

When your doctor diagnoses you with an infection, he will usually prescribe some kind of antibiotic medication. Some antibiotics fall into a group called sulfa-drugs. These medicines contain para-amino-benzene-sulfonamide, which acts like food for the bacteria which eat para-amino-benzoic acid (a B vitamin). Some people are sensitive to sulfonamide and will have an allergic reaction, usually presenting as a rash or hives.

Typical Treatment

Most allergic reactions, whether from a drug or other cause, are treated with antihistamines such as Benadryl. The active ingredient, diphenhydramine, can be taken orally in pill or liquid form, or put directly on the rash via cream preparation. In extreme allergic reaction cases, your doctor may want to administer an adrenaline shot, but this is rare.

Home Treatment

The first step when you notice a rash after taking a sulfa medication is to immediately stop taking it. If you notice other symptoms, like difficulty breathing or swelling eyelids, get to a doctor because your reaction may be life threatening without treatment. If your only reaction is a red, itchy rash, you can treat this at home using one of the following herbal remedies.

Aloe vera has been used for centuries to soothe skin irritation, and does well on rashes. If you have an Aloe plant, simply break off a leaf and squeeze the liquid on your skin, then rub it in. You can also get aloe vera gel at your local pharmacy or health food store. Another, less well-known skin rash remedy is turmeric. You may even have some in your spice rack now. Mix tsp of turmeric with just enough water to make a paste and apply it to your skin. You can mix it with aloe vera gel to get the most benefit. Be careful not to get this paste on your clothing because it will stain. For allover relief, you may want to try bathing in oatmeal water. Place one cup of dry oats in a blender or food processor and pulse until powdery. Add this powder to a tub of warm (not hot) water and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Oatmeal baths are very soothing and can help draw toxins out of the skin.

If your symptoms do not lessen, or if they get worse, seek medical attention.