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Is it possible/useful to treat Akrodermatitis chronica atrophicans with topical antibiotics (antibiotic cream) in addition to systemic treatment?
Posts: 12 | From Germany | Registered: Nov 2012
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Keebler
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- Drawn to this question as I've dealt with skin issues for years and it's been quite a challenge.
Initial searches all came up in languages other than English.
Going back, this time, by simply adding "English" to the cross search, Google changed the spelling of the term & asked "Did you mean:
"Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans" English
This search does come up with some links in English and starting with Wiki - what you probably knew all along and now I recall having seen this is articles here and there over the years:
(also known as "Herxheimer disease" and "Primary diffuse atrophy" is a skin rash indicative of the third or late stage of European Lyme borreliosis . . . . [full page at link above.]
I hope others who have direct experience with this can help but it sure seems that your LLMD or LL ND would be the best to sort this out as to the best kind of topical ointments, etc.
LIGHT would be something I would consider if there is anyway you could get something like SOTA LIGHTWORKS.
RIFE machine, too, not for the light but for the radio frequency treatment approach that can help both topically and systemically.
You ask whether such a rash could be treated topically in addition to your lyme systemic treatment? Yes.
But I'm thinking that it may cause harm to use just any antibiotic ointment. The choice of the specific antibiotic / combination / rotation can be critical.
And the cyst form & biofilm issues would have to be considered too, as with antibiotic alone, any spirochetes that may be in the rash could shift form and antibiotics would be useless, even harmful.
But it may or may not be actual borrelia in the skin even if a result of systemic lyme. Your LL doctor might be best to help determine exactly how to do this.
I'd want someone with the science of borrelia behind the approach - but also someone who would avoid petroleum or harsh chemicals in any topical applications. -
[ 03-11-2015, 06:16 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
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- Backing up a bit, skin rashes & the like may not actually be directly from lyme.
Skin issues could also be due to liver stress. When the liver or kidneys are overwhelmed, the skin can be affected in serious ways.
Certain nutrient deficiencies can also play a part, especially if one is gluten intolerant or celiac and it getting hidden gluten somewhere sneaking in.
Iodine - at just 12.5 mg a day (a physiological base dose) has helped my skin very much.
Just good to consider as well any reactions to personal care products as so many contain terribly harsh chemicals but hide that fact.
LDN (low dose naltrexone) may also be consider to help modulate the immune system. Some do very well with this (though some have done rather badly - I could not tolerate at all). Just something to think about, though - in addition to direct lyme treatment. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
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- I really like both of these. I also have a couple hand creams / lotions that have helped but that's another time - no petroleum or synthetic ingredients are best for anything put on skin or hair. I see you are in Germany. You should be able to obtain similar products there.
Goldenseal-Myrrh Compound (a salve) -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
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- Wonder if you might be able to consult the author of this chapter? I know everyone in Germany may not be just around the corner from you but many have found treatment with Dr. W in Germany to be extremely helpful in recovery, actually.
Apply directly to skin for dermatoborreliosis, including Erythema Migrans (EM), borrelial lymphocytoma (BL), and acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (ALA).
May also be helpful for Granuloma Anulare due to tick bite.
Avoid contact with eyes (and of course pillow case or the top of a sheet that could brush up near the eyes during sleep). -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
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- Colloidal Silver might also be excellent. Better if in some kind of good ointment as it's just so watery it's hard to stay on skin. You could soak a gauze pad and apply to a section of skin, though.
Colloidal Silver as eye drops can be of help, too.
Of course, the best quality matters. If home-made, be certain it's been made correctly with the right kind of water. This really matters.
I would never use home-made eye drops, however. You'd want a sterile glass bottle / eye dropper, etc. Avoid plastic. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
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- Just now, while putting a cream on one of my rashes and it burned a bit. It reminded me that when posting the link above for Tea Tree Salve, I forgot that it could burn.
I've not tried that specific salve but I have used Tea Tree Oil, itself, for mosquito bites and if the skin was irritated, it did burn at first.
Well, any topical application could so try a tiny patch test first and give it some time to see if it will "get along" with your skin.
Calendula gel, though, is very soothing and would be something I'd recommend if soothing is the major desired effect. You may not be able to find the same brand in Germany, still, likely it's there somewhere:
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:375671.
Epub 2012 Jan 24.
Wound Healing and Anti-Inflammatory Effect in Animal Models of Calendula officinalis L. Growing in Brazil.
Excerpt:
. . . This experimental study revealed that C. officinalis presented
anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities as well as angiogenic and fibroplastic properties acting in a positive way on the inflammatory and proliferative phases of the healing process.
The herb, STINGING NETTLE may serve to compensate for the reaction by calming the the cytokine storm that is often part of a herx reaction. And this may help with skin issues, too.
GOTU KOLA - Informational Links -- another herb to consider as it can help with microcirculation / healing. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Is there any research about the exact mechanism behind ACA? Do the spirochetes damage the skin directly or is it an immune reaction? Or a disturbance of the cellular supply?
Could exercise be helpful?
Posts: 12 | From Germany | Registered: Nov 2012
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Keebler
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- Best to talk to your LLMD as to what is going on in YOUR case. There is no way anyone can say what's going on if they don't know your case, can't see you in person, etc.
If you have lyme, aerobic exercise can be very dangerous and is to be avoided until into remission.
Gentle movement and light weights can be of help as best you are able and some kind of movement each day is usually good, such as:
Qi Gong or Tai Chi, Gentle Pilates or Restorative Yoga (not "power" yoga or "power" anything) . . . Walking at a nice pace. Do things that you enjoy, best if out of doors in a pleasant setting in nature. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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If you have lyme, aerobic exercise can be very dangerous and is to be avoided until into remission.
Really? What's the reason? The weakening of the immune system?
Posts: 12 | From Germany | Registered: Nov 2012
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Keebler
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- When someone is ill the body needs to concentrate all its strength on the matter at hand but also just cannot function well with inflammation & other aspects of infection.
Asking it to work even harder can cause damage to the heart, the liver, Immune system, adrenal system, etc. Scroll down to the exercise detail here
- and see the NIGHTINGALE information on what exercise can do if someone has hypoperfusion (low blood flow in the brain, very common with lyme)
and what happens with aerobic exercise to the heart with an infection on board
there are also many SAFE non-aerobic exercise suggestions here and remember that REST is essential for healing to occur.
Working "harder" is usually never a smart thing to do when it reaches a punishing stage as it can with infection in the body.
Working more wisely - and then also knowing that we do require rest & nurturing - well, that is smart. Remember to be KIND to your body.
[ 03-16-2015, 10:26 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Tincup
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Keebler- nice info!!! Lots of it too! Thank you!
As for treatment, not much in the literature for getting relief. I've tried antibiotic creams and no big noticeable difference, but it might help you?
I've used coconut oil and found some soothing relief from it, no cure of course, but felt better when using it.
If you are developing skin ulcers, organic honey placed directly on the wound can be used- 4 x day- and works very nicely to sooth and heal the open wounds. Cover the honey with gauze pads to prevent smearing it all over and to keep the wound clean.
I've also used iodine and for some reason there is a little sting, but not at all the dreaded pain I'd expect from iodine. I'm a sissy baby and don't wants mo pain! ~smile~
The "cillin" antibiotics seem to work well for ACA, like penicillin, as opposed to doxy or zithromax.
Would love to hear about your experiences with it. Most of our Lyme docs have never seen ACA and some miss it entirely, and those who have seen it don't have a lot of suggestions or answers.
Hoping it clears up for you and you are feeling better soon.
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