NSAID rash: what to know

NSAIDs include medicines used for pain, inflammation, or fever. A reaction can cause itchy raised patches, widespread redness, hives, swelling, or a blistering eruption. The rash may appear soon after a dose or after repeated exposure. Its appearance alone cannot identify the cause: [Atopic Dermatitis](/conditions/atopic-dermatitis/), [Contact Dermatitis](/conditions/contact-dermatitis/), infections, and other inflammatory conditions may look alike. A drug rash is a possible explanation, not a conclusion based only on timing.

Write down the medicine name, dose, time taken, reason for use, and every other medicine or supplement used around the same period. Photograph the rash if it changes. Contact a clinician or pharmacist before taking another NSAID, including a different brand or a combination product. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice when it is treating an important condition; ask what alternative pain or fever treatment is appropriate for you. Avoid applying new creams that could obscure the rash. Your clinician may compare the appearance with [Drug Rash](/conditions/drug-eruption/) and other possibilities such as [Heat Rash](/conditions/heat-rash/) or [Intertrigo](/conditions/intertrigo/).

Seek emergency help for breathing difficulty, wheezing, faintness, or swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat. Obtain urgent assessment for a rapidly spreading rash, skin pain, blisters, peeling, sores in the mouth or eyes, fever, or feeling very unwell. These features can signal a more serious medicine reaction and need examination rather than home treatment. If the rash is mild but persistent, arrange a review so conditions such as [Psoriasis](/conditions/psoriasis/), [Ringworm](/conditions/ringworm/), or [Scabies](/conditions/scabies/) are not assumed or treated incorrectly.

Ask whether you should avoid one NSAID or the whole group, which alternatives are suitable, whether an examination or testing is needed, and what symptoms require emergency care.