Burning Scalp after starting antibiotics

Hi All, I was recently diagnosed with band 41, Bartonella and past infections of Mycroplasma and Anaplasma.

I started off taking Minocycline twice a day for a week. Had minor headaches but nothing out of the norm. Also began taking B-12, vitamin D and K. After a week I started taking Bactrim twice a day. The night I started Bactrim my head began to burn. The following day my LLNP told me to discontinue Bactrim. The pain continued and I was told to discontinue the Minocycline 5 days later. Two days after discontinuing Minocycline, the pain is still present. It's like an icy burn on the top of my head. I'm not sure if this is a allergic reaction or I developed a new symptom.

I've stopped all of the new vitamins and the antibiotics. Tried a coconut oil mask and used NIZORAL twice. Ice seemed to help temporarily. No dandruff or redness on my scalp. I had my hair dyed a month ago with organic hair dye and had some burning that night, but no further burning until I started treatment.

Anyone experience this in the past? Any recommendations for relief?

Hi TICKEDOFFWITHLYME - welcome to our community.


Because you had the burning on your scalp prior to the antibiotics when you colored your hair...it makes me think it's not the Bactrim...but a symptom of lyme..or Bart.

But, since bactrim can cause (rarely) Stevens Johnson syndrome...which is serious...I'd be concerned, too.

I think switching from bactrim to another antibiotic would be best at this time for ease of mind.

Once the burning goes away, you can go back on antibiotics....you can take Rifampin for bart (instead of bactrim) and it's actually more effective.

Since you are new here, it would be helpful for you to read through the information in the thread: "New to Lyme?..Start Here!" It's packed full of useful information.

Are you on a good detox schedule? Detoxing can help lessen and alleviate herxing caused by the die-off.

Make sure you are drinking lots of water.
Take something for liver support. (eg. Milk thistle seed extract)
Daily probiotics for gut health

One of my favorite detox methods is having a warm epsom salt bath. If you do this...the first time you will want to start of with just a few minutes in the bath. And warm...not hot.

Here's a website with lots of detox ideas:

www.tiredoflyme.com/detox-methods.html