I'm afraid my eight month-old may need to be treated for Lyme's disease. We pulled two ticks off her last week and yesterday she developed a rash around the bites that looks very suspiciously like the characteristic "bulls-eye." So far, no fever or anything. We're seeing the doc tomorrow anyway, so I'll know more then, but I fear the worst. I know how devastating Lyme's can be, so I would be afraid not to treat it. But it's a 3-week antibiotic regimen! I'm wondering if you ever recommend particular herbs or homeopathics along with the antibiotics to support the spleen? Maybe even one of the BP xiao chai hu tang based formulas? Of course, homeopathic remedies would be much easier to get her to take.
Health & Spirit Forum » Pediatric acupuncture cases
Lymes disease
(7 posts)-
Anonymous
UnregisteredPosted 1 year ago # -
Sorry to hear of the tick bites. If it is Lyme's disease, I'd recommend you do the antibiotic course that your doctor will suggest as it can be nasty as you know. But in any case, you can complement with herbal or homeopathy. A bite that brings on a rash is considered heat toxins in TCM. Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin is the best formula for that. Add Lian Qiao and a little Huang Lian and Zi cao Gen to the formula if you use single herbs.
Give it to her any way for 3 days whether it's Lyme's disease or not.
If you can use homeopathy, I would recommend Apis if the rash is very red and the skin swollen and burning (like a bee sting). But if the rash develops more like an abscess which looks blue or greyish, yet, feels better with cold application, the remedy should be Ledum. If you do the antibiotic course, I'll suggest a few things you can do but definitely NOT Xiao Chai Hu Tang.
Let me know when you know more and we can talk in more details.
Best,
SomaPosted 1 year ago # -
Anonymous
UnregisteredGreat thanks, I'll see if I can figure out how to do the wu wei xiao du yin. I know some practitioners make a decoction and bathe the baby in it...this would certainly be easier than getting her to take it by mouth. Do you have any experience with this?
I would say the rash definitely looks more like apis. I can't tell if it's itchy, as it's on her back where she wouldn't be able to reach it. Constitutionally, she's a perfectly happy and chubby little baby who is content to play by herself for 15-20 minutes at a time. She smiles easily and seems contemplative. She loves music. I say all this, because it's different than my first baby who eyed people suspiciously from the outset and wanted to be held all the time!
But I'll let you know what the doctor says.Posted 1 year ago # -
Anonymous
UnregisteredWell, the doctor thinks we should definitely treat...the rash is pretty classic. But of course there's no way to test for it early enough, and she said some babies don't even get a fever before they develop more systemic signs. The antibiotic is a 20 day course. I think wu wei xiao du yin is a good match based on what her skin looks like. How long should I give it? And after the antibiotic course...something to fight the inevitable yeast?
Posted 1 year ago # -
Yes, I think antibiotics are the right thing to do but 20 days is a long time! May want to give her some spleen tonic half way through to avoid too much depletion. Some Wu Wei topically would be good for the site of the bites but you should still try to get some internally. If she still breastfeeds, a little sprinkle of powder on the nipple over 4 to 5 feedings should give her a day's dose (1 gram is enough). Or make a water decoction and use a dropper bottle. After a week, see how she does and we can design a supporting formula depending on her symptoms.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Anonymous
UnregisteredMy daughter is right in the middle of her antibiotic course. She seems to
be doing fine with it. Appetite, digestion and bowels OK, not
even any diaper rash to speak of. The only thing I might notice is
that she may act a little sleepy after a dose. So I'm wondering if you'd
recommend a mild spleen tonic at this point, or should I wait
until we're done?Thanks,
Posted 1 year ago # -
Your daughter has a very good constitution and a wonderful
disposition. As long as no digestive symptoms appear, let her
finish the antibiotic course without adding any herbs. The antibiotic will have
more efficiency. Make sure she is well hydrated during the course
and gets that little extra down time. As soon as she's done, start
her on a baby probiotic and I always advise to do 5 days to a week
of XIAO CHAI HU TANG at this time. We can add some spleen tonic to
the formula then.Posted 1 year ago #
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