PanicStation.org
UK USA
uk Health & medical scares

What to do if…
you develop a widespread, blistering, or peeling rash after starting a new medicine

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Call 999 or go to A&E now. A widespread, blistering, or peeling rash after starting a medicine can be a serious reaction that needs immediate hospital assessment.

Do not do these things

  • Do not wait to see whether the rash settles.
  • Do not drive yourself to A&E.
  • Do not burst blisters, pull away peeling skin, or scrub affected areas.
  • Do not apply unfamiliar creams, antiseptics, or home remedies.
  • Do not take another dose of the suspected medicine before getting instructions from the 999 call handler or an emergency clinician.
  • Do not throw away the medicine packet, bottle, patient leaflet, or prescription details.

What to do now

  1. Call 999 and say that you have developed a widespread, blistering, or peeling rash after starting a new medicine. Follow the call handler’s instructions.
  2. Tell the call handler immediately about any trouble breathing or talking, wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, mouth sores, sore or painful eyes, painful swallowing, fever, faintness, or rapidly worsening symptoms.
  3. Do not drive yourself. An ambulance may be needed, or the call handler may advise that someone else take you directly to A&E.
  4. Gather the new medicine, its packet or bottle, and details of any other prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, or supplements you use. Do not delay emergency care to make a complete list.
  5. Be ready to say when you started the medicine, when you last took it, and when the rash began.
  6. Leave blisters and peeling skin undisturbed. Use loose, soft clothing or a clean sheet over affected skin if that is more comfortable, and avoid adhesive dressings on damaged areas.
  7. Ask someone to stay with you, gather your medicines, and accompany you if possible.

What can wait

You do not need to identify the reaction, prove which medicine caused it, photograph every affected area, contact the original prescriber, arrange a routine GP appointment, or submit a side-effect report before getting emergency care. These can wait until you have been assessed.

Important reassurance

Many rashes are not dangerous, but widespread blistering or peeling after a new medicine is a warning sign that needs urgent assessment. Calling 999 or going to A&E is an appropriate response.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate first steps only. Decisions about stopping, replacing, restarting, or avoiding medicines later should be made with the emergency team and the clinician responsible for your treatment.

Important note

This is general health information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. Call 999 or go to A&E now for the symptoms described here.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

Support us