LymeNet Flash: Is itching/redness a herx or allergic reaction?

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Is itching/redness a herx or allergic reaction?

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Topic: Is itching/redness a herx or allergic reaction?

thomasx
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 13431

posted

Started a different combo recently. A little over a week in I started to notice an itch on my one ankle. It then spread up my legs and back, all the way to the top of my head. There was no rash for the most part. Just itchy, kind of painful skin. My face was solid, flush red. Felt at times like I had a sunburn. (neither of the drugs are doxy or similar with sun-related side-effects). Stopped both drugs and itching has *slowly* been subsiding. Not gone though.Could this have been a herx, or is it more likely an allergic reaction?

Posts: 386 | From Southeastern PA | Registered: Oct 2007 | IP: Logged |

Judie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38323

posted

My vote is for allergic reaction. The painful skin IS swelling even if it isn't noticeable on the outside.

I've gotten that "sunburn" thing from meds before, like anything with sulfa gives me that.

When I've had a herx, it's usually for a day or two, then I start feeling better.

That it was getting worse for you and going on over a week makes me think allergic reaction.

Posts: 2839 | From California | Registered: Jul 2012 | IP: Logged |

minimonkey
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 8693

posted

My vote is for allergic reaction, too. I got that from Sulfa and also from Flagyl.

--------------------
"Looks like freedom but it feels like death..
It's something in between, I guess"

Leonard Cohen, from the song "Closing Time"

Posts: 822 | From California | Registered: Jan 2006 | IP: Logged |

thomasx
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 13431

posted

I think that the "swelling" observation is good. This isn't like a normal skin itch. Scratching does feel good, but not like with a bug bite. It's almost like I'm massaging the area. I still have the itching now almost a week and a half after stopping the drugs.

Incidentally, when my lyme was proceeding untreated, my skin went somewhat numb, compared to usual. Now with treatment, my feeling is way back and it brought an itch with it. So, perhaps I'll be optimistic and see this as sign of improvement... itch and all.

Posts: 386 | From Southeastern PA | Registered: Oct 2007 | IP: Logged |

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