In this blog post, we’ll explore the causes of Lamictal rash, the symptoms, and some of the best home remedies for treating this skin condition.
Lamictal rash, also known as lamotrigine rash, is a skin condition that affects individuals taking Lamictal, a medication used to treat epilepsy. It is most common during the first few months of taking Lamictal, though for some people it can occur months or years later. In severe cases, it can be uncomfortable, itchy, and painful.
What is Lamictal Rash?
Lamictal Rash is a skin condition that occurs when the medication Lamictal is taken. The rash can be mild and go away on its own or it can be severe and require medical attention.
The most common type of Lamictal Rash is the maculopapular type, which appears as red, raised patches on the skin, with a scale-like texture that feels rough to the touch. Other types of Lamictal Rash are erythematous (red), vesicular (blisters), urticarial (hives) or bullous (large blisters).
The rash can be slightly reddish and raised that is usually itchy. It usually appears within the first 8 to 9 weeks of taking lamictal, and can worsen as the medication is continued. The rash usually lasts for a few weeks, but can occasionally last up to several months.
People who are taking lamictal should avoid exposure to sunlight while the rash is present, and should seek medical attention if the rash becomes severe or doesn’t go away after several weeks. Lamictal rash is not life-threatening, but can be uncomfortable and cause a person to feel self-conscious.
It is a very rare allergic reaction affecting 1 out 10 people taking this anti-seizure drug and 2 to 16 years old children are more prone to Lamotrigine rash.
Symptoms
You cannot diagnose a Lamictal rash on your own. However, you can be aware of the symptoms and use them to determine whether or not a rash is bad enough for medical attention.
Below are some signs and symptoms of lamictal rash –
- Red blisters on face or mouth
- Peeling and itching skin
- Painful blisters
- Hives
- Flu, fever, or cough
- Inflammation in or around the eyes along with redness and swelling
- Body pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
Complications
The majority of people who get a rash from Lamictal need no treatment other than stopping the drug. Apart from that, the skin rash could be an indicator to a more serious medical conditions like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, and DRESS syndrome.
Although, all these are very very rare and occur in 1 out of 2500 people taking Lamictal medication.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare but sever reaction of Lamictal that can be fatal. Below are the symptoms of SJS –
- Symptoms of flu and cough
- Purple blisters
- Reddish and swollen eyes
- A rash appearing on the 10 percent of the body
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is another side effect that can happen with Lamictal use.
TEN is a rare and serious condition in which the top layer of skin separates from the lower layers. The cause is unknown, but it can be triggered by many things, such as stress, infection, or drugs like lamictal.
Symptoms look like below –
- Painful and peeling skin
- Fever
- Irritation in Eyes
- Quickly spreading a red area of skin
DRESS Syndrome
DRESS syndrome is another rare complication that happens when people use Lamictal for a long time or in high doses. It is, also known as Lamictal-related Disorder of Energy Regulation, is a condition caused by the use of lamictal ( lamotrigine ).
Signs and symptoms of DRESS Syndrome –
- Extreme fatigue
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Increased appetite
- Fever
- Rash,
- Facial swelling
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Kidney or Liver injury
When to Visit a Doctor?
There are a lot of factors that can cause Lamictal rash. Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis can also trigger the rash. There are also some medications that can cause it. These include antibiotics, HIV drugs, and seizure medications. If you have a history of skin problems then you should always consult your doctor before taking Lamictal.
If you are already taking lamictal and experiencing rashes on your skin, then below are some things that might indicate that you should visit a doctor –
- If the rash is not going away
- If the rash is worsening
- If you have any other symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, headache or joint pain
- If the rash is itching and irritating
Treatments
This skin condition is not contagious and does not pose any risks to the health of others. However, in severe conditions it may require medical attention.
Below are some treatments doctors can perform to diagnose Lamictal rash –
- Stopping the use of Lamictal
- Taking an alternative medication to treat epilepsy
- Treating the rash with topical ointment or cream
- Immune therapy
- In some cases, it requires hospitalization with supportive therapies
Although, there is no specific treatment but an expert will treat the condition depending on the severity of symptoms.
Home Remedies for Lamictal Rash
Lamictal rash is a common side effect of the drug. It is not life-threatening and can be treated at home with natural remedies. Below are some of the effective home remedies anyone can try to treat lamictal rash at home.
Note: Make sure you try these home remedies under your doctor’s observance.
Oilve Oil
The use of olive oil to treat skin condition has been around for a long time. In fact, it is one of the most popular home remedies for skin conditions.
Olive oil is composed of a variety of fatty acids that are beneficial to the skin. It also contains vitamin E and antioxidants that can help in healing and preventing various skin problems such as lamictal rash, eczema, psoriasis and acne.
Therefore, applying olive oil on the affected area can be a good idea if you are looking for an inexpensive and natural way to treat your lamictal rash at home.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a plant that has been used for centuries to treat skin conditions. It is a natural moisturizer and anti-inflammatory. Aloe Vera gel can be applied to the skin as often as needed to relieve itching, dryness, and inflammation associated with Lamictal rash.
We should use aloe vera as an alternative treatment for Lamictal rash because it can help with its symptoms and also provide relief from the pain caused by this condition.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is a popular folk remedy for many skin conditions. It is a natural antiseptic and astringent that can help treat skin conditions such as, eczema, acne, and rosacea.
It is also used to treat skin conditions caused by medications such as lamictal rash. It helps reduce the itching and irritation caused by this skin condition.
Soaking cotton balls in Apple Cider Vinegar and giving it to your skin may help soften and heal patches.
Neem
Neem is a plant that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It contains a number of compounds that are beneficial in treating skin conditions. These compounds include flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins and terpenes.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Neem make it a natural treatment for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, and skin rashes usually caused by medications like lamictal.
For better results, take a bath of neem water made by boiling handful of neem leaves. Alternatively, you can also try a neem-based products to see if it gives better results!
Also Read: Itchy Mole – When You Need to Worry About Moles that Itch
Wrapping it Up
In brief, lamictal rash can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, and painful. Some individuals experience mild rash symptoms, but for others it can be severe. If rash symptoms do not improve or continue after treatment, you should speak with a doctor.
