Suggest Treatment For Red Rashes And Hives On The Legs

Posted on Tue, 10 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 10 Mar 2015 Answered on

Mon, 30 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a bad rash on my legs. Red itchy hives. I was taking Amoxicillin that my dentist prescribed. I noticed the rash about 1 week after starting the antibiotic. I haven't seen my doctor..I just researched online and looked at pictures of the rash, and my rash looks exactly like the pics. I have been applying tea tree oil after a warm shower in the evenings and taking an antihistamine a couple of times a day.This seems to be drying out the hives, which is what I want. Is there anything else I can do, besides seeing a dr.? How long does it usually take for the hives to go away? It's been about a week since the hives appeared.
Thanks,
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
can add a topical steroid

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Based on what you have written, it is possibly a reaction to the amoxicillin, as you stated.

The time frame for resolution can vary from one person to the next.

You should continue the use of the oral anti histamines. In addition to this, you could consider a topical steroid cream to reduce the inflammatory allergic response.
Mild topical creams such as hydrocortisone may be available over the counter.

If the use of the oral antihistamines consistently and the topical steroids are not enough to improve the rash, you may need further treatment from your doctor.

This may include a very short course of steroids.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar