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Rash on Back.. from supplements??

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Posted 7/2/2017 12:21 AM (GMT 0)
I’ve been taking Hawthorn, ginko, and astralagus for about a week as per Buhners recommendations for heart related issues with Lyme.

Today I noticed a senesitve spot on my back on the lower right hand side of my back. It’s about 3-4 inches long and about an inch or two wide. It kinda looks like a hives rash becuase it has little bumps and it’s justt red and a little swollen looking.

Does anyone know if any of these herbs would/could cause this? It wouldn’t be because of antibiotics since I’ve been taking the same ones for 3 months now right?

Thanks!!
Posted 7/2/2017 1:31 AM (GMT 0)
I haven't had any issues with a rash from these three herbals.
I see nothing about them causing a rash as a side effect in Buhners section on materia medica.

I did have a flat red rash a few times show up on my back after treating with doxy for a few months and after Epsom salt baths.
I have also read that erythema migrans Lyme rashes can re appear from time to time for some of us.


Did you introduce each herb one at a time when starting them. That may help to figure out when the rash started if it coincides with a particular herb.

Wish I could help more hopefully others will have some input soon too.

Take care, Jo
Posted 7/2/2017 3:12 PM (GMT 0)
Can you post a picture of the rash? It sounds like it could be a Bart rash.

While it's not likely the abx, it could still be the abx or the herbs. Allergic reactions, while not that common, do happen.

One thing is for sure - if it expands, be sure to get a hold of your doctor right away. I'd go one step further and stop everything if the rash expands.
Posted 7/2/2017 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
Nic, your gut suspects the supplements? It won't hurt to stop those supplements and drink a lot of water to flush out the allergen, if that is what it is.

Any one can be allergic to anything. I agree with Traveler and if it spreads, you need medical attention. Hives can be life threatening.
Posted 7/5/2017 12:26 PM (GMT 0)

Traveler said...
Can you post a picture of the rash? It sounds like it could be a Bart rash.

While it's not likely the abx, it could still be the abx or the herbs. Allergic reactions, while not that common, do happen.

One thing is for sure - if it expands, be sure to get a hold of your doctor right away. I'd go one step further and stop everything if the rash expands.

I'll post a picture tonight after work! If it is a bart rash, that would be very interesting because I never really expected I would have bart..

Also mine has been here since last Friday (when I noticed it) and it is itchy with little red dots. But I think does kinda look like a scratch as well. Its hard for me to see since its on my back.

Would a bart rash be gone by now? And what causes them to come up?

Ive tried putting cortizone cream on which didnt work so I tried Lotramin and also has not helped.

Post Edited (NicHostetler) : 7/5/2017 6:33:44 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/5/2017 1:39 PM (GMT 0)
That is a picture I took on Friday of it before I put hydrocortozone or lotramin on it:

VIEW IMAGE

I just took this one this morning. This is after I have been using lotramin for a few days on it.

VIEW IMAGE
Posted 7/5/2017 2:47 PM (GMT 0)
Nic, have you gone to the doctor? I am not one, but those look kinda like blisters to me. That could be shingles.

It is really hard to tell from the pics.

I think a doc should see this.
Posted 7/5/2017 2:53 PM (GMT 0)
I am only 24 though, isn't that a little young to get shingles? I will definitely go to the walk in clinic tonight after work though to get it checked out.

I just feel like if I tell the doctor about Lyme and mention the Bartonella rash, they will look at me like I have three heads lol. It's sad that doctors know so little about Lyme and especially co-infections.
Posted 7/5/2017 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
A UPS driver got shingles and he was in his early 30's. He was miserable.

I can't really see the pictures well enough, but those do look like blisters to me. My bart scratches looked like a cat scratched me. I actually thought I had scratched myself with my long fingernails.

My bart scratches would go away in 3-4 days. Shingles can last weeks.

I would not mention bart to a clinic. They definitely will look at you like you have 3 heads.... I agree. Just have them rule out shingles or herpes.

If it is bart, they can't do anything. If it is shingles or herpes they can make you more comfortable.


Good luck and keep us informed.
Posted 7/5/2017 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
I would also encourage you to get other things ruled out before assuming it's Bart. If it is Bart, they won't know what to do with you, but if it's shingles or something else, they should be able to identify it - don't tell them you are in treatment for Lyme though - that will likely encourage them to dismiss you.

What has me concerned is not that it's shingles, but that it may be another tick-borne infection. While the first one didn't look like what I get on my feet, the second one does. No one has been able to identify what I get on my feet, but heat brings it on and I keep going back and forth as to if it's psoriasis or foot and mouth which is caused by Coxsakie virus. Not to get you worried about something else, but so that you can have an idea of what it *may* be.
Posted 7/5/2017 3:48 PM (GMT 0)
So I called my Lyme doctor and she is going to review the pictures and let me know what she thinks.

I appreciate your input and will get back to you on what she says.. I may still go to the doctor tonight depending on what she thinks..

Thanks!
Posted 7/5/2017 3:50 PM (GMT 0)
Good plan Nic!! My fingers are crossed that it is something simple.
Posted 7/5/2017 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
I will also mention that i use to get little blisters on my fingers too and never knew what it was from. nothing like super gross, just a few here and there. They lasted for a couple years and I haven't really seen them since... not sure if this could be related...
Posted 7/5/2017 3:55 PM (GMT 0)
Do be sure to let us know what your LLMD has to say! I hope she recognizes it and you can get it under control!
Posted 7/6/2017 12:28 PM (GMT 0)
Traveler and PeteZa,

My LLMD's nurse called me last night and said she believes it is for sure Shingles.

I told her it isn't painful and she still thought it was shingles because its only on one side and it is very localized, not spreading and is kind of long and narrow.

She prescribed Valtrex 1,000mg 3x a day for two weeks and may push it another two weeks if need be.

Crazy to think that at 24 I could have shingles.. when it rains, it pours.. Lyme AND Shingles lol.

So far it just kind of itches and tingles but there isn't pain *knock on wood*
Posted 7/6/2017 12:36 PM (GMT 0)
Do you have any viruses? If so, just be aware that the Valtrex will treat them, and that it's possible for a herx to occur, although not everyone does.

I do hope that it's shingles and that this is all it takes to overcome it! Do keep an eye on it though, and let them know if it's not helping.

I just knocked on wood for you as well for the pain to stay away!
Posted 7/6/2017 12:44 PM (GMT 0)

Traveler said...
Do you have any viruses? If so, just be aware that the Valtrex will treat them, and that it's possible for a herx to occur, although not everyone does.

I do hope that it's shingles and that this is all it takes to overcome it! Do keep an eye on it though, and let them know if it's not helping.

I just knocked on wood for you as well for the pain to stay away!

Luckily I have an appointment with my LLMD again next wednesday so if there isn't any improvement, or even if there is, she can look at it.

I do have mycoplasma and chlamydia pnemoniae (although just IgG).. I think both of these are viral? Could be wrong..

She didn't really seem to think it could be anything else, but they dont know everything obviously.. what are you concerned that it may be?
Posted 7/6/2017 12:49 PM (GMT 0)
I don't know if those infections will respond to an anti-viral or not? The viruses that I was most concerned about was EBV and Coxsakie though - I couldn't remember if you had those or not.

I'm not sure what else it may be, but sometimes one anti-viral won't work well, so you have to switch to another.

Glad to hear that you have an appt next week though! That should be enough time for the Valtrex to start working and control it.
Posted 7/6/2017 12:58 PM (GMT 0)

Traveler said...
I don't know if those infections will respond to an anti-viral or not? The viruses that I was most concerned about was EBV and Coxsakie though - I couldn't remember if you had those or not.

I'm not sure what else it may be, but sometimes one anti-viral won't work well, so you have to switch to another.

Glad to hear that you have an appt next week though! That should be enough time for the Valtrex to start working and control it.

Yes, my appointment was originally the end of July but I was feeling HORRIBLE last week (slightly better this week) so they were able to move me up a couple weeks.

I have tested negative for EBV and never tested for Coxsakie.

I want to thank you so much for following me on my Lyme journey (and others as well!)

I have no idea where I would be without all the info and support! (probably driving my LLMD crazy with all my questions lol!)
Posted 7/6/2017 1:24 PM (GMT 0)
LOL! Well, if an LLMD can't be asked questions, what are they good for? turn Just kidding!

I'm so glad that you were able to get your appt moved up!

And, thank you for being here! I'm very happy and humbled to have been of any help in anyone's journey. This can be a scary and lonely road, and it's so much better when we have others that we can join in their journeys.

This is a very wonderful and supportive group of people we have had here for a while now. We have been very blessed to have each and every one of these caring souls.
Posted 10/10/2017 7:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Nic .. Iam new member on this site.. I am in the Chron Pain forum - my email is listed.. Hope to hear from you. Best wishes

Post Edited By Moderator (Girlie) : 10/10/2017 4:22:22 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/10/2017 10:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Raew64333 - welcome to the lyme forum.

I edited your post to remove your personal information...we aren't permitted to post it.

Do you have or think you might have Lyme Disease?

I'd like to point you to the thread at the top of the page: "New to Lyme?..Start Here!" It's packed full of useful information.
Posted 10/11/2017 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
Ok. Sorry I am new on site.. Will review rules. Sorry
Posted 10/11/2017 4:14 AM (GMT 0)
no problem.


Do you have Lyme disease?
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