Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction

Ja·risch–Herx·hei·mer reaction

noun \ˈyä-rish-ˈherks-ˌhī-mər-\

Definition of JARISCH-HERXHEIMER REACTION

: an increase in the symptoms of a spirochetal disease (as syphilis, Lyme disease, or relapsing fever) occurring in some persons when treatment with spirocheticidal drugs is started—called also Herxheimer reaction

Biographical Note for JARISCH-HERXHEIMER REACTION

Jarisch, Adolf (1850–1902), Austrian dermatologist. Jarisch published his description of the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction in 1895, seven years before Herxheimer published his own description.

Herxheimer, Karl (1861–1944), German dermatologist. Herxheimer published his description of the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction in 1902. In that same year he also described acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans.