After getting Botox on my forehead, I developed a hive -like rash on my chest and back. Is this normal?

Question

I have sensitive skin and am allergic to some perfumes and dyes but this is the first time that this has happened with Botox. I can't think of anything else that I changed during the time period; food changes or clothing, etc. I also had a terrible headache this time as well with the shots. Can this happen?

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

I have never seen an allergic reaction, hives or rashes develop in a different area than what was treated with Botox. I think this is likely a total coincidence. Even legitimate allergies and reactions to Botox are extremely rare. One possibility is that you may have had an allergy or sensitivity to whatever was used to dilute the Botox. However, this also usually happens at the site of injection and not in other areas. A small number of people get headaches after Botox. This is also unusual as we use Botox to treat headaches! But it does happen sometimes.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Allergic reactions to botox is extremely rare. It is more likely that the rash is coincidental especially that the rash occurred on the chest and back rather then at the injection site itself.

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

This would be very unlikely. I have never seen an allergic reaction
to Botox – especially at a site that was not injected. Mild redness at the injection site is
common, and even mild bruising may occur. However, a diffuse rash on your chest and back would be very unlikely. Most likely, this is a coincidence and
if the rash does not resolve, I recommend sharing this reaction with your injector would be
helpful for them to be able to document. I wish you luck and hope your rash resolves soon!

Karen Stolman, MD · Answer

I have seen, but rarely, people with hives and a skin rash immediately after Botox, Dysport or Xeomin.  It is more likely to be a significant allergy if the rash occurred within an hour of the treatment as it did with our patients.  Given your history of other skin allergies, it is also possible it was just a coincidence and from something else.  Headache is also a known possible side effect of Botox injection.  If you want to return for another Botox treatment, I would make sure your injector has experience treating allergy, just in case, and consider premedicating with Claritin or Zyrtec prior to the injection.  Another option, would be to have a Botox prick allergy test prior to treatment.

Elizabeth F. Rostan, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

A very small number of my patients get a minor headache after botox in forehead - I think it is more related to the needle injections rather than the botox. Your reaction on your chest  and back is not at all related to the botox injections. Both headache and rash are not contraindications to future botox injections.

After getting Botox on my forehead, I developed a hive -like rash on my chest and back. Is this normal?

Answers (5)

Answer: ? allergy rash to Botox

Answer: ? allergy rash to Botox

Answer: Rash not related to botox but headache can be

Answer: Rash not related to botox but headache can be

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After getting Botox on my forehead, I developed a hive -like rash on my chest and back. Is this normal?

Answers (5)

Answer: ? allergy rash to Botox

Answer: ? allergy rash to Botox

Answer: Rash not related to botox but headache can be

Answer: Rash not related to botox but headache can be

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.