Sulfa Allergy: Symptoms, Causes & Prevention Explained

If you are allergic to sulfa medicines, you probably have a sulfa allergy. Therefore, if you have this allergy, make sure to tell your doctor about the symptoms and reactions. Avoiding this condition for a long time might lead to life-threatening conditions like anaphylaxis.

Continue reading this article to know the major causes, symptoms and treatment for sulfa allergy!

Sulfa allergy is a type of allergy where allergic reactions happen in the body due to drugs containing sulfa in them. These sulfa drugs treat various health conditions ranging from eye infections to rheumatoid arthritis.

Sulfa drugs or sulfonamide include antibiotics and other types of drugs. However, antibiotics can cause side effects.

According to a review, around 3% of people who use sulfa antibiotics face adverse consequences to them.

The various symptoms of sulfa allergies are –

• Skin rash
• Hives
• Itchy skin or eyes
• Breathing problems
• Swelling of face 

Furthermore, there are several serious skin reactions occurring due to sulfa allergy. They are listed below.

• Sulfonamide Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome – Symptoms include rash, organ problems and fever.
• Drug Eruption – Symptoms include swollen or red, round patches. 
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome – Symptoms include blisters and peeling of the skin.

he major causes of sulfa allergies are listed below.

• Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim
• Erythromycin-sulfisoxazole
• Sulfasalazine
• Dapsone

Your doctor may prescribe you the following medications for treating sulfa allergy –

• Antihistamines
• Corticosteroids
• Epinephrine for anaphylaxis

However, the doctor might suggest starting the medications slowly for people who are allergic to the aforementioned medicines. The dosage of the medicines would increase gradually, and the doctor will monitor you to see any side effects.

The best preventive measure for sulfa allergy is to avoid the medicines that cause allergic reactions. Make sure that the health care providers know about your condition. Furthermore, wear a medical bracelet to alert the medical professionals about the drug allergy in case of an emergency.

Sulfonamide has been used for over seventy years. A certain sulfa drug was the first antibiotic to be introduced. Presently, these drugs are used in bun creams, eye drops, vaginal suppositories and many other medications as well. Someone who is allergic to sulfa drugs must avoid these medications – 

• Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim
• Sulfacetamide
• Sulfasalazine
• Dapsone
• Silvadene

Allergies to sulfites that are found in foods and drinks should not be confused with sulfa allergy. People who are allergic to sulfa drugs must avoid the medications mentioned above to stay away from any complications.