What Causes Red Rashes On Body After MSRA Treatment?

Posted on Sat, 5 Apr 2014

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

Sat, 5 Apr 2014 Answered on

Mon, 28 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi had boils that were diagnosed as msra given sulfameth trimeth (apo-sulfameth ds800/160mg) 2 a day for 10 days. All boils are healed now, done medicine for two days. Now have a red rash covering whole body (not itchy or painful, hot too touch) and been suffering with chills or fever. Went and seen doctor and was prescribed nova-trimel ds 800/160mg sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim... Does this seem like the best avenue of attack? Just want this under control and any other advice is welcome as well to speed up recovery. The depth of the redness has been fluctuating from I look really red, to barely noticeable, to red again, just feels hot and looks bad

Answered by Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: .. Detailed Answer: Hi there... Just need to clarify a few things. Did you take the meds for 10 days initially for the boils as advised or after 2 days of medication did the rash covering the whole body appear. I would also advise you to have a indian gooseberry or amla everyday. It has immune boosting properties and is rich in vitamin C. Wash your hands. Careful hand-washing remains your best defense against germs. Alternatively, you could use a hand sanitiser. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, sheets, razors, clothing etc. MRSA spreads on contaminated objects as well as through direct contact. Sanitize linens. Wash towels and bed linens you used when you had the boils in washing machine set to the hottest water setting and dry them in a hot dryer. Wash gym and athletic clothes after each wearing. Hope this helps. Regards, Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan

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

Follow up: Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (8 minutes later)

The rash started on the 10th day of medication of first medication so did fever chills. Just trying not to take too much antibiotics/ drugs I will look for those things to try, thank you

Answered by Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: ......... Detailed Answer: Two or Three possibilities come to my mind with the current symptoms you are experiencing... 1. Serum sickness like reaction (fever and rash) to the sulpha drugs, which normally happens within 7-10 days of starting the drug. The symptoms should subside with antihistamines and anti inflammatory drugs. In this case, withdrawal of the offending agent (sulpha drugs) might be necessary. Do consult your physician regarding this. 2. Another possibility is that the MRSA might not have completely left your body, which is why you might have had the rash with fever. 3. Other allergies to soaps, detergents, food allergies etc. As I said in my earlier mail, disinfect the towels, bed linen, clothes etc to prevent re-infection. Hope this helps..... Have a good day :)

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

Follow up: Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (22 hours later)

Hi, I disinfected everything ive been using diligently, same water and soap so going to go rechecked. Since there are no boils to swab anymore should i push for a blood test?

Answered by Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan (27 hours later)

Brief Answer: .......... Detailed Answer: Yes, you could request your doctor for a blood culture.. to see if the bacteria is present in the blood. If the symptoms subside with an anti histamine tablet, that means the present rash is due to an allergic reaction. Hope this information was helpful to you.....

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