LymeNet Flash: complexion problems??

This is topic complexion problems?? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by smiles (Member # 5635) on :

I did a search and found only one forum in 2003, looking for updated info.

Is anyone having problems with their facial complexion? Mine has always been fine, and since I've been on abx (doxy) my complexion is awful (breakouts, dry skin). This whole thing is odd, because abx are used to clear-up acne - esp cylines.

I know this is not a reaction to the meds, but is a bit frustrating. Any ideas?

Posted by JillF (Member # 5553) on :

I am not on ABX yet. Personally, I don't think I'm ever going to be diagnosed. I'm going to have to write a book when I'm in my 40's or 50's about how terrible it is to be sick and not be able to be diagnosed. Everyone on LymeNet will have to buy my book - look for it in 12-22 years from now.

Anyway, I used to have great skin. Now it's unbelievably dry, which has never been a problem for me. Not only that, but I always break out now, which hasn't happened in 12 years! I feel like I'm a teen again.

And my nose is always red! Usually the top of my cheeks are also red. Everyone tells me that I look like I'm an alcoholic (I don't drink) or that I have rosea roscea (however you spell that). The rash? flushing? skin discoloration? gets redder in the sun. It looks like I'm slightly sunburn - that is the best way to explain it.

God, I hope ABX's won't make things worse than they are now.

Posted by Lenny777 (Member # 5452) on :

quote:
Originally posted by smiles:
I did a search and found only one forum in 2003, looking for updated info.
Is anyone having problems with their facial complexion? Mine has always been fine, and since I've been on abx (doxy) my complexion is awful (breakouts, dry skin). This whole thing is odd, because abx are used to clear-up acne - esp cylines.
I know this is not a reaction to the meds, but is a bit frustrating. Any ideas?

How long have you been on abx? When you first go on abx your complexion may worsen. It's the old it gets worse before it gets better thing. But if you've been on them for a while my theory goes out the window.
When I was younger and I would start a new abx for my acne it would get worse for about 1-2 months. It's like every pimple that was waiting to come out in the next two months is pushed out all at once. So, even if you don't have acne it may crop up...maybe.

[This message has been edited by Lenny777 (edited 04 June 2004).]

Posted by Nancy20 (Member # 4779) on :

Hi Smiles, I have no good news for you. My skin started breaking out as soon as I went on abxs that worked. Tetracycline was the worst. I dried up and was breaking out. It did get better and now I am breaking out on my chest and shoulders.
I am taking it that it is a good sign and the chetes are being killed off. I guess it helps to think of it that way. My skin was worse at the beginning and than it got better.
Good luck. Nancy

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Posted by twobusymom (Member # 3956) on :

Hi smiles,

When I started the rifampin for bart, I noticed I began breaking out on my face. The lesions become very sore, are very tiney and rarely come to a "head". Especially on my nose, which now stays red also. Break outs are worse with herxing. I did have very dry skin but since starting B12c injections and taking B complex everday it is much improved. Also has helped with the dry ridgy nails.

Cheryl

Posted by kaos (Member # 4144) on :

My skin has gotten really bad since being sick. I look like I have rosacea too. My skin has gotten better since I started antibiotics so I hope everything goes right again when I get over this.

Posted by smiles (Member # 5635) on :

Thank you for your responses.

JillF - I'll say a prayer that tx is on its way! I hope you are able to find a doc that will treat you! Also, maybe since it started before tx, it will just get better once you start abx.

Lenny - I've been on abx for 2 months and the breakout started a few weeks ago. That is good to know.

Nancy - it's funny the cyclines are used specifically to treat achne. I too have thought that the pores are a way for those dead buggers to get out.

If that's the case I'd be happy to breakout all over if it'll get rid of them! I'm happy to hear it got better for you.

twobusy - B- complex I'll try that - perhaps it will help with my all-over dry skin.

My skin has a tendency to be dry, but not like this. I think I'll head back to the mirror to see how many constellations I can make with the bbbbbumps.

Posted by Nancy-OH (Member # 3567) on :

Wanna hear my thoughts on this?

I never had a problem with my complexion until I started using abx that worked.

Interestingly, each abx I've been on has made my face break out in a different location (e.g. along the hairline or my chin or my cheeks, etc.)

I think it is one of the ways the body expels toxins. However, with Spectracef and then Rocephin/Biaxin when my face stopped breaking out and started waking up in the morning smelling sour.

Again, I believe this is another way the body is expelling toxins.

It's got to go somewhere!

Worth it though, don't ya think?

Posted by Heather0805 on :

I am glad to read that I am not the only one with skin changes/problems. After my bite/rash in August, I began to have red hot facial flushing almost daily starting in October. This is what triggered me to go back to PCP. It was such a sudden onset-sometimes my whole face gets red, sometimes just my nose and sometimes just my cheeks. I originally thought it was Rosacea (so did one derm), but it was not until I saw the second derm. who drew a connection between the bite and the sudden onset of facial erythema. The flushing occurs with no known "Rosacea triggers". I only hope that when I finally see a LLMD and get the right treatment that it will go away. Oh yea, my left cheek in particular often stings, tingles or is numb (or some other weird sensation.) So sorry to hear about the complexion troubles, but glad I am not the only one. Happy New Year to all.
Heather