Atripla/AntiBiotics/Rash

[SteveS]

Slightly complicated but I cannot see my doc for the next few weeks. I have been on Atripla for 6 weeks. The past 3 weeks I have had localized acne, which has not healed, and now is surrounded the past two days by a rash - probably 2 inches by two inches. Most of what I am reading seems to indicate that the rash is NOT associated with the Atripla, because it would have appeared much earlier, and again, it is in the exact spot of the acne. Acne is now itching (started itching today after three weeks - it is just one nasty pimple), and had a very slight fever tonight. QUESTION - Is it OK to take regular anti-biotics with Atripla? Again - I cannot get this from my regular doc right now - and just want to know what anyone might know about Atripla and anti-biotics. Any other comments on the acne (one nasty pimple) and the localized rash (2x2, appeared 2 weeks AFTER the pimple surrounding it) is appreciated. Thanks.
 

[Jeff G]

Hi Steve ... is it possible you may be having a shingles outbreak ?

[SteveS]

Hey Jeff - I suppose anything is possible, but I don't think it is that. I always get this one pimple in this one spot. I have for years. It just never has taken this long to clear - and now, there is the rash that is surrounding it, but it does not look like the pictures of shingles one sees on the web. It is basically just slightly and red slightly raised skin, about 2 inches by 2 inches surrounding the pimple. It does not itch - only the pimple does, and that started itching just last night. Any word on the Atripla / anti-biotic question? Thanks!

[Jeff G]

You can take Atripla with antibiotics and creams , should be no problem at all . 

[Ann]

Steve, that really does sound more like shingles than acne. If it is shingles, antibiotics won't do a thing for it. (and you'll be wreaking havoc with your beneficial intestinal bacteria for no good reason)

Where is this spot anyway?

Is there a reason why you cannot see another doctor? Or visit an ER or Urgent Care center? You really shouldn't be taking matters into your own hands like this.

[SteveS]

All - thank you so much for your concern. I really appreciate it. These forums are such a help.

Well - I saw the dermatologist. Bottom line was - I was so freaked out by the one persistent acne spot (me thinking - Oh My God, HIV is making me unable to shake this!) that according to the dermatologist I way way way overtreated the acne with too much over the counter meds, which have caused the dermatitis rash. He said there is no fever in it, and it does not look to him like any kind of infection - just a severe skin reaction to the overtreatment of the pimple.

Lesson? I have got to calm down with every small symptom and not think I am dying with everything. UGH. It is hard. It is like you look at every symptom through the glasses of HIV.

So - he told me to cut my treatment of the pimple by 70%, and gave me a basic steroid crème to heal the inflammation of the surrounding area.

Thanks again.

[atripla_2013]

Hi Steve,

I did use anti-biotic and Atripla together for 1 months. I got rash because of anti-biotic long-time using.

I got some ances on face and back skin also but I am keep it clean as much as possible.

I hope your symptom did go away. Please inform us and keep in touch, as I also start Atripla for 6 weeks.

Yu

[darryaz]

Steve, you're not alone.  I think just about everyone goes through a period of paranoia before we get the "hang" of this disease where we interpret every little thing  as something major.

As you found out, that's not usually the case.