Can Humira cause a skin rash?
Yes. Adalimumab (Humira) can cause rashes, and it can also make existing skin conditions worse or trigger new skin-related side effects. Reported reactions include rashes and other skin eruptions. [1]
What kinds of rashes are reported with Humira?
People may experience:
- A general rash or skin redness/irritation after starting or while taking Humira. [1]
- Worsening of skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis-like symptoms, and new psoriasiform eruptions have been described with TNF inhibitors. [1]
- Local skin reactions at the injection site (redness, itching, or soreness). [1]
When should you seek urgent help?
Get urgent medical care if the rash is accompanied by signs of a serious reaction, such as:
- Trouble breathing, swelling of the face/lips/tongue, or widespread hives.
- Blistering/peeling skin, sores in the mouth/eyes/genitals, or fever with a rapidly spreading rash.
These can indicate severe drug reactions and need prompt evaluation. [1]
Is it an injection-site reaction or a drug rash?
- Injection-site reactions usually appear where the shot was given and may be localized (redness, itch, or discomfort). [1]
- A drug-related rash is more likely to spread beyond the injection site or look different from prior injection-site reactions. [1]
A clinician can help distinguish these patterns based on appearance, timing, and whether symptoms are localized.
How soon after starting Humira can a rash appear?
Skin reactions can occur after starting treatment and also during ongoing use. The timing varies from person to person, so what matters is the pattern relative to Humira doses and whether it is getting worse. [1]
What should you do if you get a rash while on Humira?
- Do not ignore a new or worsening rash. Contact the prescriber promptly for advice on whether to continue.
- If the rash is mild and you have no warning signs (like breathing trouble, blistering, or mucous membrane sores), the prescriber may advise monitoring or treating symptoms.
- If the rash is severe or you have urgent warning signs, seek emergency care. [1]
Could the rash be caused by something else?
Yes. Rashes can also come from infections, allergies to other products, underlying skin conditions (like psoriasis/eczema), or other medications. Because Humira changes immune activity, a rash can sometimes signal an infection that needs specific treatment. [1]
What treatments are typically used for Humira-related rash?
Treatment depends on the rash type and severity. Options can include topical therapies or systemic medications, but the key first step is clinical assessment so the rash isn’t mistaken for infection or a severe drug reaction. [1]
Does stopping Humira help?
Often, symptoms improve when the offending cause is removed, but stopping or continuing Humira should be decided with your prescriber—especially if you need it to control the underlying condition (like Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or hidradenitis suppurativa). Your prescriber will weigh rash severity against disease control. [1]
Sources
- Humira (adalimumab) prescribing information, adverse reactions/skin reactions. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/