clotrimazole cream, causing itching, bumps?

January 1, 2024 1:53 PM

I’m taking clotrimazole cream for an infection, and there is bumps on upper back, blistering, redness skin. I’m very sensitive to medications. Wouldtjisbe an allergy or a bad side effect?
posted by RearWindow to Health & Fitness (7 answers total)

I am not a doctor, but it seems that this kind of reaction could be either an allergic reaction or a side effect -

Clotrimazole topical side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Clotrimazole topical may cause serious side effects. Stop using clotrimazole topical and call your doctor at once if you have:

severe blistering of treated skin;
swelling, redness, or oozing; or
severe burning, itching, or other irritation.
posted by maleficent at 2:04 PM on January 1

The only person who can answer this question is your doctor.
posted by easy, lucky, free at 3:00 PM on January 1 [6 favorites]

This medication can cause a very rare side effect called Stevens Johnson syndrome. This includes blistering of the skin ( usually also includes flu like symptoms).

Only a evaluation from a doctor will be able to tell you if it is or it isn't. Your doctor can also evaluate how serious your rash is.

Talk to your doctor ASAP.
posted by AlexiaSky at 3:09 PM on January 1 [5 favorites]

I was prescribed "Clotrimazole and Betamethasone Dipropionate Create USP" for... anti-itch.

But if you do notice problems where you applied it, stop IMMEDIATE and call your doctor.
posted by kschang at 4:20 PM on January 1 [1 favorite]

Clotrimazole Topical (Medlineplus.gov) - If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using clotrimazole and call your doctor: blistering, redness, swelling, itching, burning, stinging, peeling, hives, or skin cracks.
posted by Iris Gambol at 4:50 PM on January 1 [1 favorite]

I'm a doctor. Stevens Johnson Syndrome is incredibly rare but incredibly fatal if untreated. See a doctor today (not just a phone call or portal message or video call, an actual in person visit). If you can't get in with your primary, go to urgent care or the Emergency Dept.
posted by basalganglia at 11:44 PM on January 1 [7 favorites]

Yes, don't mess around, see your doctor today! I know someone who has never recovered from her bout with SJS.
posted by praemunire at 9:40 AM on January 2