Severe Reaction to Azithromycin Treatment
Greetings, I am a 35-year-old female weighing 125 pounds. For a month, I used azithromycin to treat my rosacea, which was an off-label application. Initially, I noticed a couple of white welts forming, but I couldn't link them to the medication since it effectively improved my rosacea. When I took an additional dose because I observed the return of symptoms, I experienced a severe allergic reaction, resulting in hives and widespread skin lightening. In the past week, I have sought help from numerous doctors, but none have offered more than assurances about my respiratory stability. I've learned that azithromycin might persist in body tissues and skin for an extended period, potentially damaging my pigment-producing cells. I feel utterly devastated and find myself in tears over this situation.
Answers (1)
8/2/2025, 12:02:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about your circumstances. It sounds incredibly distressing to deal with a severe reaction to a medication that was meant to help you. Let's break down your situation and consider the most essential next steps.
Main Points:
- You experienced an allergic reaction to azithromycin, marked by hives and skin lightening.
- It's crucial to manage your allergic symptoms and monitor your skin condition while considering alternatives for rosacea management.
Explanation: Azithromycin is an antibiotic sometimes used for conditions like rosacea, even though it's not the standard treatment. An allergic reaction such as yours can include symptoms like hives, swelling, and changes in skin pigmentation. While it's rare, some medications can lead to skin issues that linger after stopping the drug. This can understandably cause concern and emotional distress.
Next Steps:
-
Discontinue Use: Stop all doses of azithromycin immediately to prevent further reactions.
-
Hydrate Your Skin: Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers to help support your skin barrier. Look for products with ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid.
-
Manage Allergic Symptoms: Over-the-counter antihistamines (like cetirizine or loratadine) may help relieve itching and hives. Consider speaking with a pharmacist or looking up dosing instructions.
-
Avoid Triggers: Stay away from known irritants such as harsh soaps, exfoliants, and sunlight which may worsen your skin condition. Always use sunscreen if you step outside.
-
Seek Specialized Help: It may be beneficial to consult a dermatologist or an allergist specifically trained to handle drug reactions. They can help tailor a plan for your rosacea and manage any lingering skin issues.
-
Track Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your skin's appearance and any other symptoms you experience. Document changes and improvements, which can provide useful information for your healthcare providers.
-
Emotional Support: Given the emotional distress you've described, consider talking to a counselor or therapist who can provide support during this challenging time.
I encourage you to prioritize skin care and monitor your symptoms closely. If you notice any worsening symptoms or new reactions, respond promptly. You are important, and it's crucial to care for both your physical and emotional well-being. If you have further questions or need additional guidance, feel free to ask.
Related Questions
Navigating Alcohol Challenges
My partner has recently developed issues with alcohol. Over the past year, he has been consuming significant amounts—roughly two bottles of distilled spirits each week, in addition to beer. A decade ago, he struggled with inhalants and even faced near-fatal consequences, but he had maintained sobriety until he turned to drinking. He believes he has plenty of time before the effects of alcohol will manifest. How long can he continue this way before it becomes a serious problem? He is a 53-year-old male, weighing 325 pounds, standing at 5 feet 11 inches, and he is currently on medication for hypertension. Although we plan to separate later this year, it’s clear that this situation will have an impact on our three children.
Exploring MRI vs. CT Scans for Headache Evaluation
Greetings! My husband, aged 33, has been suffering from persistent headaches for the past couple of months. These headaches predominantly affect the right side of his head, specifically behind his eye, and tend to surface several times each week, particularly in the evenings. Relief is often found with extra-strength Tylenol, although there have been instances where the pain has persisted throughout the night and into the following day. The discomfort intensifies when he bends over or makes any sudden movements. In an effort to manage his symptoms, his doctor recommended magnesium supplements, which initially seemed to reduce the frequency of the headaches for a few weeks; unfortunately, the relief was only temporary as the headaches returned. He underwent blood tests, revealing that all results were normal apart from a minor elevation in his white blood cell count, which the physician indicated could potentially relate to a bacterial infection. My husband experienced a mild cold during this time, yet the doctor reassured us that these two issues were unrelated. Although he takes a multivitamin designed for men, he has maintained that routine long before these headaches began. For additional context, he sustained a moderate traumatic brain injury in his early twenties, which resulted in a blackout and a loss of about two weeks of memory. Fortunately, he has been doing well since that incident. With the resurgence of his headaches, his doctor has recommended a CT scan. However, I’m curious if opting for an MRI might be a more suitable choice. He has undergone approximately five CT scans in total due to his previous TBI and a back injury. I recall my doctor expressing concern over frequent CT scans at a young age, which has led me to seek guidance. My main inquiry is: would an MRI provide sufficient imaging quality to help determine the underlying cause of his headaches?
Persisting Chills Without Fever for Three Weeks After a Cold
Greetings! I'm a 30-year-old male dealing with a rather unusual situation, and I'm at a loss for what to do next. As mentioned in the title, I recently experienced a cold, which presented all the expected symptoms, but the chills have lingered. It's been around three weeks now, and I still feel cold despite wearing multiple layers and having the heater running in my home. Strangely, throughout this episode, I haven't had a single fever. I consulted my primary care physician, who also seemed puzzled by my symptoms. She has requested some blood tests which are scheduled for Monday, even though I had blood work done three months ago that showed normal results. Does anyone have insights into what might be causing this? I understand there could be various explanations, but I'm unsure how to proceed. I am not currently on any medications and don't have any known chronic health conditions. Any guidance on how to tackle this issue would be greatly appreciated! 🙏
Questioning Cipro for C. diff Treatment
My mother, who is 53 years old, has developed C. difficile which seems to have occurred without any recent antibiotic use, suggesting a potential viral source for the infection. In the emergency room, she was prescribed Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) taken twice daily for a week, along with Metronidazole (Flagyl) at the same dosage and duration. However, I am puzzled by the inclusion of Cipro in her treatment regimen. Isn't there a possibility that this medication could aggravate the situation? I’ve come across information indicating that Cipro might potentially lead to C. diff infections rather than help treat them. Is this correct? Would it be advisable for her to consult her primary care physician to discuss alternative antibiotic options?
Am I at Risk of Rabies?
I’m starting to worry. An unvaccinated cat was on the couch with me, and I had a fresh cut on my thigh where his fur made contact. That was yesterday, but the cat hasn’t returned home today—it’s been roughly four days since I last saw him. Should I be concerned about potential rabies exposure? For context, I’m a 5’7” female, weighing around 150 pounds. I’m not on any prescribed medications, and I don’t smoke, drink, or use any recreational drugs.