I took Pepto Bismol on Wed. nite twice (the first time in years), 2 times Thurs. n a half a dose on Fri. morn. Fri. afternoon I saw a subtle uniform rash on my arms (almost just dots or pimply looking - not hives?) and that night noticed that it was over most of my middle. I've been mildly dizzy as well. Yesterday it was better but still a little noticeable. The dizziness was gone this morning and the rash not there - only the scaly feeling of it - but the more I think about it, it's come back a little (I'm assuming it's the mental element in finding online it saying hives are a severe side effect! but I don't think I have hives??) I'm hoping this is still considered a mild allergic reaction and it'll just go away on it's own? Thanks for your thoughts!
I took Pepto Bismol and now I have a subtle uniform pimply rash, is this a mild allergic reaction?
Question posted by appless14 on 10 Sep 2012
Last updated on 11 September 2012
3 Answers
Are you allergic to Aspirin?? I know that if you are allergic to Aspirin that you should NOT take pepto bismol... Just thought I'd ask... :) Hope you feel better soon!
I haven't used Aspirin in years! (Which sooo doesn't help! lol... ) Good to know tho for the future... Thanks!
I know it doesn't help... sorry... It's obvious that there is some type of allergic reaction going on, and everyone else who posted said that and I figured that you didn't need to hear the same thing... lol.. I didn't know if you were allergic to aspirin, so that's why I asked. My mom is allergic to aspirin and has a reaction that is similar to yours every time that she takes Pepto Bismol and the doctor told her that it's because she is allergic to aspirin... I'm sorry, I should have explained myself better... but anyway, hope all is well with you.
oh no worries! i hope you didn't read that the wrong way - I just meant it's unfortunate that I don't know if I'm allergic to aspirin or not - not that you're being unhelpful in general... lol. It would've help so much to know!! (cuz knowing is half the battle!!) Thanks so much for your thoughts - your response really means a lot. I love this site!!
Hello. With sensitivities, be sure you do not use scented bounce or room deodorisers. An allergy can form at any time so what worked last week can be a problem this week.
That rash you describe is also common with something called fifths disease. A childhood disease, in adults starts with that rash, makes you tired and more flu like. Doctors often miss it. Just a suggestion since you are saying you have a weak immune system.
Wondering why you feel your immune system is weak. That opens up more possibilities.
i only said my immune system was weak because i had a stomach flu mon. thru wed. of last week? maybe that had nothing to do with it?! thanks again for your thoughts!
im assuming that the pepto bismol is out of my system since the last half dose i took was last fri. morning... so im leaning towards the fabric softener sheets at this point?! i still see subtle red dots on my skin - but im assuming that the clothing i wore to work today is not helping my skin heal. is it safe to take benadryl?!
It is safe to take Benadryl. Start at a low dose and don't drive until you know what it does to you.
My only other thought is have you been vaccinated for measles? That salt-like grainy rash is a very specific kind of rash and not the usual sign of an allergy. It comes with some pretty nasty diseases. Since you are not complaining of itching, to be safe, have a doctor take a look. Since you were ill earlier, this may be a continuation of that virus or infection. Strep throat ever bother you? best to get checked so you don't end up with something more difficult. Keep track of your temperature in morning and night. If it goes up over 101, get in to see a doctor right away. If you are over fifty, get in if it is over 100. Ok? Have your best interest at heart. Hope you recover swiftly.
You might be contagious if it is a disease, so I hope you are not working with small children. Just to be safe, of course. That was the warnings, get well and get plenty of rest.
Yea I've been vaccinated - and I'm 30. I haven't had strep for a year or two... The rash does itch a little where there is rubbing against clothes and such. My skin is super sensitive to everything and has always taken a long time to heal especially when it's been agitated and I have a history of heat rashes so I'm assuming that it's just taking extra time to go away... I'll be taking a benadryl after work today and if the rash isn't gone by morning - I'll be definitely calling up my doctor. (and no worries - I don't work with little ones! :))
Perfect. You are doing all the right things. See what the doc thinks. Best to be safe. Hope you are feeling a lot better.
Be sure to take cool showers and lots of moisturizer. If this irritates then you have more info. I am sure you know the drill with sensitive skin.
Getting checked for strep would make sense. It doesn't always present as hgh fever and painful,throat. You have your tonsils? Cause they hids a lot of strep.
Rheumatic fever presents like this. Not to scare, just something to watch for.
Hoping you will get rid of the mystery rash and that will be that. Let me know how it goes, ok? Karen
I will!! Thank you all for being so helpful and wonderful - your quick and informative answers really helped me through this :) It's very much appreciated! I'll give you an update asap!
This does sound like an allergic reaction to either the pepto bismol or maybe some other medication you are taking along with it. Without further notice of your medical conditions or medications it is hard to tell. The wrinkly condition of the skin could be dehydration. If you can lift your skin with your fingers, & it stays up & doesn't 'spring' back, that is an indication of dehydration. You should be drinking lots of water or see your doctor as dehydration can cause other major effects to your system such as a heart attack or kidney problems. I really believe you are just having an allergic reaction with the bumbs, but if you are overly concerned, please call your doctor. I am giving you the link to read about pepto bismol, & who should or shouldn't take it, side effects etc.. If you have further concerns, I would most definately call your doc...
https://www.drugs.com/mtm/pepto-bismol.html
Thanks so much for your thoughts and the link! After thinking about it - I've also started using Bounce Fabric Softener sheets a few weeks ago. Maybe with a weak immune system it is easy for my sensitive skin to react to that?Other than that - all I take is Aviane Birth Control and I had a regular Tums on Wednesday night for heart burn. I'll definitely contact my doctor if it doesn't disappear asap!
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