You are in Member Communities . Allergic reactions to antibiotics can manifest themselves in many forms.
Allergic rashes are the most common, especially to the penicillins and sulfa based antibiotics.
Angioedema is a more serious type of reaction and may or may not be due to the penicillin your son was taking. The hives may also be a reaction to the antibiotic. Ususally antibiotics cause a minor type of reaction, but if they cause more severe reactions, they certainly should be avoided. Ask your physician to seek the advice of an allergist who can discuss the recent reaction. Skin testing for penicillin allergy is not really indicated in your son's case as other antibiotics are still available to treat infections.