- NICU Visitor Restrictions
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The Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) at Riley Hospital for Children and IU Health Methodist Hospital are putting visitor restrictions in place starting Monday, Nov. 18th. Only visits by parents plus four designated adults identified by the parents will be allowed on the NICU floor.
Siblings and children under 18 will not be permitted. These restrictions minimize risk of infection to patients already at risk and will be in place through spring 2020.
Same-Day Primary Care Appointments.
Children who take medicine for an infection or a chronic condition may experience skin rashes. These reactions are generally allergic reactions to the medicine, hypersensitivity to sunlight caused by the medicine or a side effect of the medicine.
The specific type of rash depends on the drug or medicine that is causing the reaction. Drug reactions can be difficult to diagnose especially if your child is taking more than one medicine. Skin rashes are common in childhood and many drug-related skin reactions mimic other skin irritations.
Symptoms of drug reactions on the skin are generally mild but can sometimes be more serious. Symptoms include:
- Red, itchy rash
- Hives
- Dry, cracked skin
- Acne-like eruptions
- Changes in skin color (brown or gray patches may appear)
- Peeling skin
- Swelling
- Tingling
- Tissue death (necrosis)
The most common drugs that cause skin reactions in children are antibiotics and anti-seizure medicines. Rashes can occur shortly after a child starts to take a medicine. Most skin irritations appear after two weeks or more of using a specific medicine.
Diagnosis of Drug Reactions (Skin)
Pediatric dermatologists at Riley at IU Health may perform the following exams and tests to diagnose a drug reaction that affects the skin:
- Physical exam. A dermatologist will examine your child’s body and any rashes or skin irritations. The doctor will also check your child’s mouth, throat and eyes. The doctor will talk with you and your child about any new medicines he or she is taking, including when your child started using that medicine. You should also tell the dermatologist about all medicines your child uses.
- Blood test. A blood sample can check for levels of certain medicines in the blood as well as the body’s reaction to those medicines, such as in an allergic response. Blood work can also determine if an infection or other condition is present.
- Biopsy. A skin sample may be taken for further study. The doctor may determine the cause of the rash or rule out other reasons for the skin symptoms.
Treatments
Treatments
Treatments for drug reactions on the skin are very effective at reducing and stopping symptoms. Treatments include:
- Drug withdrawal. Many rashes and skin irritations clear up after a child stops taking the medicine that is causing the reaction. If it is obvious that a specific drug may be the reason for a skin rash, your child's doctor is likely to recommend no longer using that medicine. A new medicine may be prescribed instead. If more than one medicine is being used, the dermatologist may prescribe stopping the use of all medicines to help determine which one is responsible for the skin irritation.
- Antihistamines. This kind of medicine blocks the body’s allergic reaction to irritants that can cause rashes.
- Topical steroids. These creams calm skin rashes and reduce itchiness, inflammation and redness.
- Immunosuppressants. In more severe cases, medicines that prevent the body’s natural reaction to fight a germ, virus or other irritant can help slow down the skin’s response and reduce rashes.
- Steroids. These medicines are used for more serious skin reactions to stop swelling and reduce itching and redness.
Key Points to Remember
Key Points to Remember
- Children who take medicine for an infection or a chronic condition may experience skin rashes.
- These reactions are generally allergic reactions to the medicine, hypersensitivity to sunlight caused by the medicine or a side effect of the medicine.
- Symptoms of drug reactions include a red, itchy rash and hives.
- Treatment for a drug reaction may include stopping the use of the medicine that is causing the reaction.
- Your child's doctor may also treat the symptoms of a drug reaction with antihistamines, topical steroids, immunosuppressants or steroids.
Support Services & Resources
Support Services & Resources
Visit the trusted website below to learn more about drug reactions on the skin.
Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.
Learn more about how to recognize and seek treatment for a drug allergy.
Locations
Locations
Locations
In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.
Sort through 3 facilities offering Drug Reactions (Skin) care by entering your city or zip below.