Type of rash | Symptoms | Cause |
Acne | Pimples and red areas that appear most often on the face, shoulders, and chest | Anabolic steroids, corticosteroids, bromides, iodides, and phenytoin |
Exfoliative dermatitis | Red, scaly skin that may thicken and peel and involve the entire body | Antibiotics that contain sulfa, barbiturates, isoniazid, penicillins, and phenytoin |
Fixed drug eruption | A dark red or purple rash that reacts at the same site each time a drug is taken | Antibiotics and phenolphthalein (found in certain laxatives) |
Hives | Raised, itchy red bumps | Aspirin, certain medicine dyes, penicillins, and many other medicines |
Morbilliform or maculopapular rash | A flat, red rash that may include pimples similar to the measles | Antibiotics, antihypertensives, and contrast dye are among more common medicines, but any medicine can cause this rash |
Purpuric eruptions | Purple areas on the skin, often on the legs | Some anticoagulants and diuretics |
Stevens-Johnson syndrome | Blisters or a hive-like rash on the lining of the mouth, vagina, or penis that can spread all over the body | Antibiotics that contain sulfa, barbiturates, penicillins, and certain medicines used for seizures and diabetes |