Acne and B12

[CarrieD2018]

Hi all,

Since I started B12 injections I’ve been getting really bad breakouts on my chin.. I’m 42! Anyone has else notice this?

Thanks

Carrie D

[Penni]

Carrie

You're not alone. I'm 37 and get breakouts of really nasty spots on my face and chest. Some of these have been really painful and take ages too clear up.

[CarrieD2018 in reply to Penni]

Hi Penni , is this B12 injection related? I had really clear skin before I started injections... weird!

[Penni in reply to CarrieD2018]

It is. I was the same but since having b12 injections I've been getting spots. I now check every morning when I get up and every night before I go too bed as if I leave them i've found that they become very big and painful

[clivealive Forum Support]

A wiser person than I has commented:

B12 Side effects

The pimples/acne, is likely to be caused by microbes on your skin reacting to the additional B12 by producing substances that your skin is then reacting to. In theory this could be resolved by use of a good skin wash. You might have better luck talking to your pharmacist and seeing what they can recommend prior to your next maintenance shot - though there is always a chance that it was something that won't recur.

[CarrieD2018]

Oh that’s super... I feel like a spotty teenage with wrinkles! Not a good look!

[KimberinUS]

It is a common issue with injections. I think it is because the b12 starts the methylation process, which helps rid toxins which have built up during deficiency.

Some say it is due to bacteria on the skin.

Some say zinc helps

[Av42]

I got them all over face , chest , back and even in ears during loading and hadn’t had spots like it ever ! Now I only get painful ones in ears and a couple on face after injections.

[Plucky1976]

My 18 year old son just had his 3rd weekly dose and is NOT impressed by this problem. Mine lasted about 2 months and has since cleared up. I found using an exfoliating face wash helped.

[Murfie276]

Hi All, this was a big problem for me and never cleared up untiI I switched from hydroxocobalamin to cyanocobalamin. Because the half life of cyanocobalamin is shorter it means I need monthly injections but I find this to be far less painful than the acne. Hydro was associated with itchy thighs for me as well but I guess everyone reacts differently. If it persists it might be worth trying s different brand/type.

Good luck!

[Frances55]

Yip I had it for the first 5 months I started every other day injection hydroxocobalamin... All gone now and I'm still injecting every 3rd day ☺