Just started Abx treatment (Zithromax) for the 1st time to treat LD...a long road to get here, but finally moving forward.
I am starting to itch - I don't think it is an allergic response (?) as I am not getting hives or a rash per se but rather I am getting very fine pinpoint bumps over my body that itch...
Has anyone else had something like this as a first herx sign of Abx treatement?
Thanks for the thoughts on this.
Posted by bwillis (Member # 18811) on :
I itched from day one. The itch gets worse just before and just after a bad herx. I'm now approaching 5 months and the itch is only in the places where there is pain, around my joints. The itching can drive you mad but it comes from toxins being released from dead germs. It is an indication that you treating the right thing..... I think.
Posted by dguy (Member # 8979) on :
On pulsed abx, I get itchy when the time for the next abx dose is approaching or that I need to increase dose. IMO this is the immune system at work, and probably a sign of bug killing.
Posted by disturbedme (Member # 12346) on :
I have no idea what causes the itching, but I would and still do have that off and on. I've noticed it's always worse when I lay in bed and try to sleep. Sometimes the itches feel like quick bites that actually hurt. It's very weird.
I have heard it could be a yeast thing, but I've got the yeast covered and don't have issues with that.
Posted by kensadams (Member # 19272) on :
thanks for the info...appreciate it!
Good to know that this is something that can be expected...
Do you use anything to treat the itch? Creams, Benadryl...
Bwillis...5 months, ouch! Good to hear that the itching is getting better.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
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Call your doctor about this. It is important to get his/her advice.
Also, be sure to tell them, on a scale of 1 - 10, how bad it is and how much of your body is affected.
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Posted by AliG (Member # 9734) on :
I agree with Keebler on this one. I think this is something that your Dr. would want to know about.
While it might be something benign, it could also be a sign of something more serious and it would be better to be safe than sorry.
Posted by paulieinct (Member # 17514) on :
Yes, itching is part of Lyme herx. My itching was so bad, almost went to the ER. Worse when drying off after a shower.
Try putting ice on the itchy areas.
I believe it is the spirochetes in the skin dying off that causes the itch.
After ten mos. of abx, I no longer itch.
Posted by Shosty (Member # 12232) on :
Does Benadryl help? If so, it could be an allergy. There could be other types of reactions to the antibiotics that might explain this, some of which could progress to something serious.
So follow Keebler's advice and go to your doctor.
The fact that the itching also includes a skin rash might be worrisome. I would not ever make assumptions that it is Lyme, or a herx, but would also investigate other effects the meds you are on might have, that might indicate you should stop them.
Posted by kelmo (Member # 8797) on :
If the doctor says the itching is not an allergic reaction to the medication, then it could well be a herx.
My daughter gets itchy legs when she herxes. It's a reaction to the rush of histimines to toxins.
Posted by gemofnj (Member # 15551) on :
I agree with the others. I would check with your doc.
It can also be from going out in the sun while taking antibiotics.