What Would Cause Painful And Itchy Hives Like Reaction While On Z-pack For Four Days?

Posted on Sun, 3 Jun 2018

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

Sun, 3 Jun 2018 Answered on

Fri, 5 Feb 2021 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been sick and been on a z pack for 4 days and broke out in very painful hives yesterday.. not just itchy but painful. Help

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of cellulitis is more likely.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Painful skin hives are commonly seen with cellulitis (infection of skin).
And this needs higher oral antibiotics, antiseptic dressing, painkiller and anti inflammatory drugs.
It would be of great help if you can send me picture of your hives.
Also let me know
1. Is that area red colored?
2. Is it warm on touch?
3. Do you have diabetes or dyslipidemia?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (21 minutes later)

hives are only on the right torso area

red colored hives, not warm to touch, no diabetes or other health problems. Had flu like symptoms, then bronchitis, and on last day of z pack after a shot of rosefen when the hives started.

no cuts, not swollen, no fever, not warm to the touch but it hurts for even the bed sheet to touch it. warm baking soda baths and cold compress seem to help.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yoi can wait for 1-2 days more.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

By your history, I think it is mostly due to viral infection.
You can wait for 1-2 days more.
Do following things for better symptomatic relief.
1. Continue cold compression.
2. Take routine painkiller like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
3. Also take routine antihistamine drug like levocetrizine or fexofenadine.
4. Drink plenty of fluids orally and keep yourself hydrated.
You will mostly improve with all these in 1-2 days. If not improving after 2 days then consult dermatologist.

Hope I have solved your query. If you are not having further queries, then please close the conversation and rate my answer.

Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (40 minutes later)

Could it be an allergic reaction to the antibiotic

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If it is allergic then benadryl should have been effective.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Azithromycin can cause skin lesions as side effects.
But if it is due to allergy then benadryl should have been effective.
Please let me know
1. What is the dose of z pack you are taking? Is it 250mg or 500mg?
2. How many doses of benadryl you have taken?

Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad