I got a lot of mosquito bites while visiting family.
I am a little concerned. One of the bites is very red and pretty big.
Should I get on doxy for a little while again?
I know it made me feel strange but I think I could handle it especially now that I know what to expect.
Really don't want to risk anything.
Posted by hopingandpraying (Member # 9256) on :
In my humble opinion, I wouldn't take any chances! My son got Lyme and co-infections from mosquito bites years ago.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Too bad for having been the cafeteria for the tiny beasts. As it does not appear a classic Bb sign
(and while that does not rule out anything and yes, mosquitoes can carry Bb but we can't go popping narrow range abx with every mosquito bite),
it could be "just" a reaction to the mosquito spit, so to speak . . . or any kind of infection that it might carry.
Doxycycline will do absolutely no good against probably 3/4 of any infections that it might have been carrying. There's another way to cover the bases, though. And, if it might be lyme, these would also be tops for your consideration list until you can sort it out.
[That is, call your LLMD and ask them . . . keep a watch]
Doxycyline, alone can cause chronic lyme to develop since it may kill some spirochetes but also forces more to go into their protective cyst form where doxy cannot touch it.
Even with diagnosed lyme, Doxycycline is never supposed to be alone, it requires additional treatment for the cystic form. And for some of the other TBD that doxy won't touch, either.
And, with doxycycline, you'd have to stay out of the day light for at least a couple weeks after stopping it. That's not normally a healthy way to enjoy summer.
And since it does not appear an overt lyme rash, I'd cover your bases with a top quality herbal that has various antimicrobial properties for bacteria & viruses - as well as immune support (and I'd stay on one of these all through summer) such as one of these, or something with similar a similar profile:
Paul Stamets is the top expert in the field of Medical Mushrooms. Also search TED TALKS for his presentations. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Some kind of topical soother is a good idea, just avoid anything with petroleum products. TEA TREE OIL is an excellent one as it's got some antimicrobial action and is also very soothing. Just a dab with a cotton swab will be a nice comfort.
Be sure to avoid getting any kind of swimming water on the bite site until it's well healed, whether from pool, lake, stream or ocean.
Same for anytime there is a scratch on the skin. Some people have been affected by certain strains of staph getting into open scratches or scraps and it can become very serious. -
Posted by gigimac (Member # 33353) on :
Thanks you guys,
I normally can avoid mosquito bites for the most part, where I live.
I could up my silver and garlic sounds good too.
will look into the mushrooms
still feel the urge to take the doxy though, just this once, I don't like feeling I could be taking chances..
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Keebler provided good info, as always. However, I'd go with my gut. I think that's why it is there.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Taking doxycycline alone has gotten a whole lot of people into trouble, for the long haul. Even just one, within 20 minutes, spirochete start changing form. It's not supposed to be taken alone.
Hopefully, maybe if you have an LL doctor, yesterday they might have has some suggestion - or call them on Monday. -
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Before contacting the doctor. I would try taking Benadryl or Zyrtec consistently, around the clock, for at least a day or two.
These two antihistamines have been said to be the best for treating extreme allergic conditions. Thankfully they are OTC.
Do your best to distract against scratching. Scratching will introduce secondary infections.
If it starts to look worse rather than better. If you have any signs of infection at the bite site or symptoms like fever then call the doctor for an appointment.
Then the doctor will want to see the bite area and examine you.