B12 injections causing Skin and Eye problems?

Posted , 5 users are following.

Hello everyone. I was diagnosed with Pernicious Anaemia just over 6 months ago. I had my loading dose over 2 weeks (6 injections) and had another 2 every 3 months.

I think I had the typical reaction: a really bad acne breakout lasting a good 1 or 2 months and a rash over my chest. The acne is reduced but is still there and my chest rash is more present than not.

I also had one very bad bout of impetigo after waxing my legs! And now I just get a small impetigo blister that goes away quickly after a wax (always the same leg).

After my 1st monthly injection, I started to get eye problems. I think I might have blepharitis now, but it's hard to tell. I can get by but I have very, very dry eyelids (sore to stretch when rubbing) and dry in the mornings (no eye goop). When wearing any form of makeup or moisturizer I get puffy eyelids with some occasional swelling... I don't get the crustiness that tends to come with blepharitis. I only have small little skin-coloured lumps on my eyelids and waterline. I heard this could be due to bacterial infection.

So with sudden acne, impetigo and possibly an eye infection, I can only imagine the increase of B12 has triggered something inflammatory and a bacterial imbalance.

Has anyone else had these kinds of problems? I can't find anything information other than acne breakouts.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi I suffered with bad acne on my back and chest after my loading injections just over a year ago. Eventually I got referred to a skin specialist who prescribed doxycycline which did clear it up. Trouble is I have a small flair up after each 12 weekly injection so I have a course of these tablets with each injection now. The acne doesn't seem to go completely but I can live with it. I don't have any of the other symptoms you are suffering with tho. Maybe worth going to your doctor and getting a referral to a specialist.
  • Posted

    Hi, I've had the acne on my face, I just get the occasional spots now which I can cope with!

    I know that B12 can cause all sorts of symptoms when first started as it starts waking things up. I haven't heard about eye problems though. Have you ensured your taking folate and other b's?

    Also, join healthunlocked forum, some very helpful and knowledgeable people on there.

  • Posted

    Emsisme,

    you sound very similar to me.  I too had the first lot of injectiions 6 months and am now on one every 3 months.  My eyes always feel very tired but I don't think it's blepharitis.  I have some memory loss but unlike you my hands mostly go numb every night and sometimes during the day.  Should you and keep comparing notes ?

    • Posted

      If you still have neurological symptoms- ie the hands going numb- your Dr should be continuing on with the loading injections until they stop. This is in the guidelines and should be adhered to. It is important that you do as permanent damage can be caused. Are you taking folate and a good B complex too?

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