Associated symptoms
If the rash after penicillin appears after minutes to hours, it may be accompanied by other symptoms. In addition to the skin, the respiratory tract, the cardiovascular system and the gastrointestinal tract may be affected. This can lead to coughing and shortness of breath, a runny nose or even nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
In addition to the skin rash, allergic swelling of the various skin layers (angioedema) on the face can also occur. Eyelids, tongue and lips are particularly affected. As a late reaction to a penicillin allergy, inflammation of the vessels (vasculitis) can occur in very rare cases.
Skin rash after penicillin on the face
Typically, after taking penicillin, the rash caused by an allergic reaction to the drug also appears on the face and ears. Here, as on the rest of the body, red nodules and elevations of the skin appear, some of which are confluent. The rash is usually accompanied by severe itching.
Since swelling of the eyelids, lips and tongue (angioedema) can often occur, special care is required when dealing with a rash after penicillin on the face. If angioedema occurs on the face, a doctor should be consulted or an emergency doctor called as soon as possible, as the allergic reaction with swelling can also spread to the throat. If the throat swells, life-threatening situations such as shortness of breath and suffocation may occur.
Diagnosis
If a penicillin allergy is suspected, the doctor may request a blood test. This is a special test for so-called IgE antibodies, which are specific for penicillin. There is also the possibility of a skin test, in which penicillin is applied to the scratched skin. If a skin reaction with redness and swelling is observed, an allergy to penicillin is likely. If these tests do not provide clear results, a provocation test – i.e. the taking of penicillin under the supervision of a doctor – can be used to confirm or rule out the suspicion of a penicillin allergy.
