TB Vaccine Side Effects
Hello! I’m an 18-year-old female, standing at 5'7" and weighing approximately 150 pounds. During a physical examination on Friday, I received a tuberculosis vaccination. My physician instructed me to keep an eye on the injection site, which appears to be fine. However, I've since developed numerous red rashes across various parts of my body. I plan to reach out to my doctor tomorrow to discuss this matter further, but in the meantime, I wanted to find out if this is a typical reaction and if there are any recommendations from others on how to alleviate the rashes. I believe this is the appropriate subreddit for my inquiry!
Answers (1)
7/21/2025, 6:01:56 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's important to address your concerns about the rashes following your tuberculosis (TB) vaccination. While it's normal to monitor for reactions after a vaccination, the development of widespread rashes is not a common side effect of the TB vaccine, also known as the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine.
Explanation: After receiving the BCG vaccine, some local reactions at the injection site can occur, such as redness, swelling, or tenderness. However, widespread rashes or skin reactions on areas not near the injection site may suggest another issue, possibly an allergic reaction or a response to something else. Since you are planning to consult your doctor, they will be able to evaluate your symptoms in detail.
Next Steps:
-
Observe and Document: Keep an eye on the rashes and note any additional symptoms such as itching, swelling, or changes in size/color. Documenting these details will be helpful for your doctor.
-
Avoid Irritants: Try to avoid using new soaps, lotions, or perfumes that could exacerbate skin irritation until you determine the cause of the rashes.
-
Cool Compress: Apply a cool, damp cloth to the areas with rashes to soothe your skin and reduce any discomfort.
-
Over-the-Counter Relief: If the rashes are itchy, consider using over-the-counter antihistamines, like Benadryl (diphenhydramine), or hydrocortisone cream for localized relief, only if there are no contraindications (consult a pharmacist if unsure).
-
Wait for Medical Advice: Since you're reaching out to your doctor, it's crucial to await their guidance regarding treatment options specific to your condition.
Remember, it’s always best to prioritize your health and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. They will provide the most accurate assessment and management for your symptoms. Take care!
Related Questions
Concerns About Bruising Post-Blood Test
Greetings! Approximately four days ago, I underwent a blood test, and since then, I've developed a bruise at the site of the draw. Additionally, I have noticed a sizable yellow discoloration that seems to be expanding to nearby skin. Is this something I should be worried about? To provide some context, I’m a 23-year-old male, standing 165 cm tall and weighing 65 kg. I do not take any medications and do not smoke. By the way, is there a way for me to share an image here to illustrate the issue?
Concerns About Antibiotics and Thrush
Hello, I’m a 24-year-old female currently using the contraceptive pill and taking probiotics on a daily basis. Recently, I visited my doctor to address recurrent thrush, which I’ve been dealing with for the fifth time since March. After undergoing a vaginal swab, my physician has determined that I need further treatment. While fluconazole has proven ineffective for me, I have found relief using Canesten pessaries. In addition to this, I have developed tonsillitis, for which the pharmacy has provided me with antibiotics (phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg, to be taken twice a day for four doses). I’m apprehensive that taking these antibiotics might exacerbate my thrush issue. Is there anything I can do to reduce this risk? I understand the importance of treating my tonsillitis and I intend to follow through with the antibiotic course, but is there a way to protect my vaginal health in the meantime?
Could This Be Penile Mondor's Disease?
Greetings, everyone. I'm a 21-year-old male, with no history of medication use, non-smoker, and I consume alcohol only occasionally with family or friends. Until recently, I have had no issues concerning my penis. A while back, while sleeping, I found myself in an erect position and attempted to switch my sleeping position swiftly from lying on my back to facing down. Unfortunately, in the process, my penis made hard contact with the mattress. As a result, two prominent veins now run horizontally beneath the tip, along with another extending vertically in the middle, but not along its entire length. I consulted a physician who reassured me that it wasn’t a cause for concern, advising me to refrain from touching it for a while, yet didn’t provide further details. In my quest for information, I discovered that my symptoms align with Mondor's disease. How long can I expect this to persist before it resolves? Additionally, I should mention I have not experienced any pain, apart from one instance and some swelling following masturbation (which occurred before my doctor’s visit). It has now been a week since I engaged in any form of sexual activity. Lastly, is it permissible to retract my foreskin while urinating? Thank you for reading through this lengthy post; any insights would be greatly valued!
Should I Be Worried About This?
I’m a 16-year-old female and I’ve been feeling a bit anemic. Recently, I spent the entire day outdoors, and the next morning, I noticed numerous bite marks on my legs. Initially, the bites were itchy and matched the tone of my skin, but they later developed into a reddish hue. Today, I observed that they have turned purple. Should I be alarmed by this? Is it possible that my anemia is affecting my response to these insect bites?
34-Year-Old Male with Throat Infection - Seeking Advice After Negative Strep Test
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for advice about a health issue I'm facing. I live in the UK and am currently utilizing the NHS, where my testing and treatment options are quite restricted. I’m a 34-year-old male, Caucasian, standing at 179 cm tall and weighing 86 kg. I don't smoke and have a compromised immune system, leading to more frequent illnesses than average. Additionally, I have been diagnosed with Long Covid, which includes symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and post-exertional malaise. A week ago, I began experiencing severe pain in my throat that made eating and swallowing extremely uncomfortable. Accompanying this were symptoms of intense fatigue, excessive sweating, chills that made me feel freezing, and headaches, though I did not have a fever. Given that I tend to get throat infections fairly regularly, I delayed seeking medical help, as they typically resolve within a day or two. However, this particular episode only worsened over three days. On the third day, I used my phone to examine my throat and observed concerning signs. I visited my general practitioner (GP), who conducted a strep test via throat swab and prescribed a 5-day course of penicillin antibiotics. Although the antibiotics started showing some effect after a delay, I can see gradual improvement now. As of today, I'm on day 6 of the infection. My lymph nodes remain swollen but have reduced in size compared to a few days ago. Unfortunately, the strep test results returned negative, but my doctor indicated that it could still be caused by a different bacterial infection. I expressed concerns over running out of medication, as my current prescription will last until tonight, but my GP informed me that they only issue a short 5-day supply. I worry that if I have another bacterial infection, it may develop antibiotic resistance and worsen. The doctor mentioned the possibility of a viral infection but was unwilling to conduct tests for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or any other viruses. Despite my request for an EBV panel, he stated that such tests are typically reserved for children. Given my struggle with Long Covid, I am apprehensive about the chance of contracting another illness and feel the need to understand my current condition for effective treatment. I even inquired about antiviral medications, but the doctor declined to prescribe those. It seems that I have no choice but to wait and hope for improvement. I've also scheduled an STD test as a precaution. In light of my recent sexual encounter two months prior with a woman who reacted defensively to questions about STDs—despite providing past negative results that I suspect could be falsified—I want to determine if I might have contracted something. I've had tests done at two intervals following the contact, with negative results, but those tests did not include a throat swab, leaving some uncertainty. I plan to request a throat swab during my upcoming STD test. Since it appears that the NHS may not meet my needs adequately, I’m contemplating going private for further examinations. What should I specifically request from a doctor, and how can I locate one willing to provide an EBV panel as well as tests for other viruses?