posted
Have a full-body rash from bactrim. Been on it about 3 weeks. How long does it take to clear? It's not intensely itchy, but is somewhat (made worse by dry skin) and is making my hands really sensitive.
Stopped taking it yesterday morning, but rash is worse today.
It says the condition usually clears in 24 to 72 hours, but if it doesn't you need to seek emergency treatment.
I would do all I can to get the Bactrim out of my system. So, drink lots of water with lemons squeezed into it, for example.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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BoxerMom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25251
posted
Do not mess around with a Bactrim rash. A rare side effect of Bactrim is Stevens Johnson Syndrome.
This is worth reporting to your doc. And don't resume the Bactrim unless your doc says it's OK.
-------------------- Everything I say is just my opinion! Posts: 3529 | From Massachusetts Boston Area | Registered: Jul 2008
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WPinVA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33581
posted
You probably got this, but please do NOT take any more bactrim ever! You have an allergy to it now. And yes, since it is getting worse, please get medical attention.
As for me, my bactrim rash took at least three months to go away. My dermatologist offered steroids, which I refused. I was floored how long it took to go away.
Posts: 1737 | From Virginia | Registered: Aug 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- This may help:
Drink plenty of water.
Avoid hot showers or vigorous towel drying (gently blot).
If out in the cold, wear multiple layers with a very soft layer next to your skin -- silk or cotton would be best.
LIVER & KIDNEY SUPPORT & and several HERXHEIMER support links, too. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- WPinVA touches on this subject.
You likely know that steroids can be very bad news for those with lyme (unless in a life-threatening situation and WITH an ILADS LL doctor's guidance).
Topic: what do STEROIDS actually do to those with lyme? Risks, long term damage discussed. Links. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I had satellite rashes from doxycyline. It took weeks for the itch, sting and raised bulls eyes marks to subside - even after stopping doxy. But each day (well, maybe every few days, was a bit better). I had grey "scars" of sorts for months. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- For hands, skin being dry will make it worse -- so hope you can find the best non-petroleum lotion or oil to help.
"Treatment gloves" white cotton usually at all pharmacies can help at night - so you can put on some coconut oil.
It's always tricky doing lotions and oils keeping it off clothes, furniture and bedding.
Be sure you have enough internal dietary oils, too. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Eeeek! My husband got Steven-Johnson syndrome from bactrim years ago. You really need to see a doctor or go to the ER. Yes they may want to do steroids but push for anti-histamines as a first course depending on how bad your rash is.
If you were you I would start taking benadryl and claritin.
When I had a skin rash that wouldn't stop spreading I got pumped full of anti-histamines, steroids and interestingly pepcid. I think the pepcid was to stop any more absorption of the offending thing. They also prescribed a dose of it that was stronger than the OTC version.
Posts: 832 | From Somewhere | Registered: Nov 2010
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desertwind
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25256
posted
Took me about 3-4 days to resolve. I took Zyrtec and Zantac. Be sure to call your doctor or if it gets worse seek immediate medical attention.
Posts: 1671 | From Tick Infested New Jersey | Registered: Apr 2010
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posted
Thanks all. Went to ER at recommendation of LLD. Gave me steroids, zantac, and benaryl. LLD is ok with that since we have to stop progression.
ER Dr said it wasn't Stevens-Johnson, but then if anything gets worse to come back to ER immediately. I guess other signs would've likely already developed.
Rash is very bad and covering entire body, face, hands, scalp... literally everywhere. No better after 48 hours. Very itchy today!
nefferdun
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20157
posted
You should quit it right away. Bactrim can cause Stevens Johnson's syndrome, which is extremely dangerous. Look it up.
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
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-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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nefferdun
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20157
posted
Sorry I missed that you went to the ER. I hope it clears up soon. I am taking Bactrim and have a sore by my mouth - scares me. I have an appointment on the 18th so will get off this.
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
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