What should you know about lithium rash?

A lithium-associated rash can be red, itchy, dry, scaly, bumpy or widespread. The timing matters: note whether it appeared after starting lithium, changing the dose, adding another medicine or becoming unwell. The rash may reflect a drug eruption, but [Atopic Dermatitis](/conditions/atopic-dermatitis/), [Contact Dermatitis](/conditions/contact-dermatitis/), heat rash, psoriasis, ringworm or scabies can look similar.

A photograph and a list of every medicine, supplement and skin product can help the clinician compare patterns. The appearance alone cannot establish the cause, and a rash is not automatically a severe reaction.

Contact the lithium prescriber or a healthcare professional promptly, especially if the rash is new. Do not stop lithium, change its dose or restart it independently, because abrupt changes can create separate health risks. Follow any individual safety plan you have been given.

Until reviewed, avoid new fragranced products and scratching. A plain moisturiser may soothe dry, intact skin, but do not apply steroid, antifungal or antibiotic creams unless a professional recommends the product for this rash. Keep a record of spread, itching, pain and associated symptoms.

Seek emergency care for trouble breathing, swelling of the lips or face, faintness, blistering, skin tenderness, skin peeling, sores in the mouth or eyes, fever or a rapidly spreading purple or dusky rash. These signs need immediate assessment rather than home observation.

Ask whether the rash could be a drug eruption, whether another medicine or contact exposure is involved, which products are safe, and what exact symptoms should trigger emergency care.