Can Voltaren gel cause a rash? Understanding the Risks and Reactions

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to clinical studies, contact dermatitis is a common side effect of diclofenac topical gel, affecting up to 9% of users. It is important to know if can Voltaren gel cause a rash because while most reactions are mild, some can be severe and require immediate medical attention.

Quick Summary

Voltaren gel can cause various skin reactions, ranging from mild irritation like contact dermatitis to serious allergic responses. Factors like sun exposure can increase rash risk. Identifying the type of rash is key to proper management and determining if medical advice is necessary.

Key Points

Common Side Effect: The most frequent skin reaction to Voltaren gel is mild contact dermatitis, characterized by redness, itching, and dry skin at the application site.
Severe Allergic Reactions Are Possible: In rare cases, Voltaren gel can cause severe, life-threatening allergic reactions, including SJS, TEN, and DRESS, which manifest as blistering, peeling skin, fever, and flu-like symptoms.
Increased Sun Sensitivity: Diclofenac gel can cause photosensitivity, making the treated skin more susceptible to severe sunburns, rashes, and blistering when exposed to sunlight.
Immediate Discontinuation for Severe Symptoms: If blistering, widespread rash, or systemic symptoms like fever occur, stop using the gel immediately and seek emergency medical help.
Localized vs. Widespread Rash: Mild irritation is confined to the treated area, while a true allergic rash may spread beyond the application site.
Not all Rashes Are the Same: Skin reactions range from simple irritant dermatitis to complex photoallergic or severe systemic reactions, each requiring different levels of care.

Understanding Skin Reactions to Voltaren Gel

Voltaren gel, a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), delivers diclofenac directly to the site of pain, such as an arthritic joint. While this reduces the systemic side effects associated with oral NSAIDs, it increases the potential for localized skin reactions. Most of these reactions are mild and often resolve on their own, but awareness of the different types and their severity is crucial for proper management.

Common Localized Skin Reactions

The most frequent skin issue reported with Voltaren gel is a form of contact dermatitis, a localized irritation that occurs at the application site. This is not a true allergic reaction but rather a sensitivity to the ingredients in the gel. Symptoms can include redness, dryness, and itching.

For many users, this mild irritation is temporary and may lessen as the body adjusts to the medication. However, if the discomfort is persistent or becomes bothersome, a healthcare provider should be consulted. Sometimes, simply reducing the frequency of application or taking a short break can help.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

While less common than simple irritation, a true allergic contact dermatitis can also occur. This is an immune-mediated response where the body becomes sensitized to diclofenac or another component in the gel, like propylene glycol. The rash from an allergic reaction is typically more severe than regular irritation. It may be intensely itchy and eczematous, appearing as small bumps or blisters. This type of rash can spread beyond the area where the gel was applied.

Photosensitivity Reaction

Diclofenac is known to cause photosensitivity, a condition where the skin becomes highly sensitive to sunlight. Exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds can trigger a severe reaction in the treated areas, resulting in an exaggerated sunburn, rash, or blistering. A photoallergic reaction is a delayed hypersensitivity that occurs mainly on sun-exposed skin and is independent of dose. It is essential for users to avoid direct sunlight on treated skin and to wear protective clothing and sunscreen.

Rare but Severe Skin Reactions

Although extremely rare, diclofenac gel can cause life-threatening severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), and Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS). These reactions can develop weeks or months after starting the medication and require immediate emergency medical care.

Symptoms of a severe reaction include:

Rash with fever, flu-like symptoms, and painful blistering
Red or purple skin that looks like a burn or is peeling
Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Fever and swollen lymph nodes
Sores in the mouth, nose, or genitals

What to Do If You Develop a Rash from Voltaren Gel

If you experience a skin rash or irritation after using Voltaren gel, it is crucial to take the correct steps to manage the reaction and ensure your safety. While some mild irritation can be managed at home, more severe reactions demand prompt medical attention.

Here are some steps to follow:

Discontinue use: Stop applying Voltaren gel immediately to the affected area.
Clean the area: Wash the skin gently with mild soap and water to remove any residual gel.
Soothe the irritation: Apply a cool compress to help reduce inflammation and itching. An over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream may also provide relief for mild cases, but consult a pharmacist or doctor first.
Try an oral antihistamine: For bothersome itching, an oral antihistamine may help, but you should confirm with a pharmacist that it is appropriate.
Avoid sun exposure: Protect the treated skin from direct sunlight to prevent photosensitivity reactions from worsening.
Contact a healthcare professional: For any rash that is severe, blistering, spreading, or accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever, seek immediate medical advice.

Comparison of Voltaren Gel Rashes


Feature	Common Irritant Contact Dermatitis	Allergic Contact Dermatitis	Photosensitivity Reaction	Severe Allergic Reaction (SJS/TEN/DRESS)
Appearance	Redness, dryness, scaling, or itching confined to application site	Intensely itchy, eczematous rash with blisters; may spread beyond treated area	Exaggerated sunburn, rash, or blistering on sun-exposed skin	Widespread red/purple rash, blisters, peeling skin, sores
Onset	Usually within the first few days of use	May take several days or longer to appear; delayed hypersensitivity	Occurs after sun exposure on treated skin	Can happen weeks to months after starting use
Severity	Mild to moderate irritation	Moderate to severe itching and discomfort	Can be severe, with painful blistering	Extremely severe; life-threatening
Action Required	Discontinue use, wash, soothe. Consult doctor if persistent	Discontinue use immediately. Seek medical advice	Discontinue use, avoid sun. Seek medical advice for severe sunburn	Stop use and seek immediate emergency care

Conclusion

In summary, Voltaren gel can certainly cause a rash, ranging from common and mild skin irritation to more serious allergic and photoallergic reactions. The most important takeaway is to monitor your skin for any changes and to take action based on the severity of the reaction. For mild cases, stopping the medication and using a cool compress may suffice. However, any signs of a severe or widespread rash, blistering, or systemic symptoms like fever warrant immediate medical consultation. By understanding the potential skin reactions and knowing what steps to take, users can ensure their safety while benefiting from Voltaren gel's therapeutic effects.

For more detailed drug information, refer to the MedlinePlus resource on diclofenac topical. MedlinePlus Drug Information

Frequently Asked Questions

A common rash from Voltaren gel often appears as localized redness, scaling, or dryness with mild itching at the site of application. More severe allergic rashes can present with intensely itchy, eczematous patches or blisters.

An itchy rash is not always serious. Mild irritation and itching are common side effects and may subside with time. However, if the itching is intense, the rash is blistering, or you experience systemic symptoms like fever, it could indicate a more serious reaction and requires medical attention.

Yes, diclofenac, the active ingredient in Voltaren gel, can cause photosensitivity. This means that sun exposure on the treated skin can cause an exaggerated sunburn, blistering, and swelling.

If a rash develops, stop using the gel immediately, wash the area with mild soap and water, and apply a cool compress. For persistent or worsening rashes, or any signs of a severe reaction, contact a healthcare provider.

To help prevent a rash, perform a patch test on a small area of skin first, avoid applying the gel to open wounds or irritated skin, and limit sun exposure on treated areas. Also, do not use occlusive (air-tight) dressings over the treated skin.

Yes, individuals with a history of allergic reactions to other NSAIDs (like aspirin), those with pre-existing skin conditions, or older adults may be at a greater risk for adverse skin reactions.

Signs of a severe allergic reaction include widespread rash, blistering or peeling skin, fever, flu-like symptoms, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms require immediate emergency care.