Rosacea due to B12 deficiency?

[Bebe74]

Hi, I have been diagnosed with vitamin b12 deficiency and starting the loading doses after firstly being prescribed oral. I had felt unwell for at least a year and had lots of the usual symptoms but I developed a rare form of rosacea (rosacea fulminans) at the end of last year which the GPs had not ever come across. I am convinced this has been caused by the b12 deficiency. Just wondered if anyone else has experienced rosacea due to b12 deficiency? Thank you!

[Wheat]

Hello, So sorry that you have Rosacea.

I am sure that I have Rosacea too, Ive found online documents saying that they think its to do with the immume system, plus stress, hormones and posibly some medications. So no definitive answers. Which makes treatment difficult.

Its termed rare, but thats a numbers game; but I knew of it.

Ive checked out some posts here and B12 injections may help, or not. gps have prescribed Metrinidazole, or creams. Methylfolate helped one. So individual reactions. Also others swear by a cream called Rosalique. I shall use Rosalique unless my eyes are affected.

Hope this helps.x

[Bebe74 in reply to Wheat]

Sorry you have it too. Thanks for the info, I will check out Rosalique x

[DiSews]

Rosacea is not fun! As if we don’t have enough to endure! I have had it for years, none of the usual treatments helped, although antibiotics ( doxycycline) would ease a bad breakout. Since my PA diagnosis,and adequate doses of IM B12 , I rarely have an outbreak, for which I extremely thankful, because sometimes it could get very painful. I am convinced now that it is linked to the B12 deficiency so, hang in there. It may not go away completely but if it is similar to mine then it will improve significantly. Mine will flare a little now if my B12 gets low, or if wear a mask for any length of time. I keep my skin clean but moisturised, avoid using anything with sodium laurel sulfate in it and protect it from the sun, but am careful what sunscreens I use. Good luck! (and don't let anyone tell you that it is from getting too much B12)

[Bebe74 in reply to DiSews]

Thank you, for replying, its good to know that I am not the only one. I am glad you have noticed a big improvement since starting B12. I am totally convinced that this is the cause too. Searching online I have found studies showing the lower the B12 level, the more severe the rosacea. I had my 3rd injection yesterday and noticed a (very) slight improvement this morning. Thank you!

[Marni33]

yes I have Rosacea and Pernicious Anaemia. I have read in the literature that there is a likely connection many times.

[Bebe74 in reply to Marni33]

Thank you Marni, yes they don't tell you that but when you start looking you find a connection.

[Myoldcat]

And while the B12 works from within, I can recommend the Toleriane range of skincare by La Roche Posay. I don't have rosacea myself but have seen excellent results in clients with the condition. Hope you see improvement soon.

[Bebe74 in reply to Myoldcat]

Thank you for this, I will give it a try!

[topazrat]

Another one with Rosacea here. I had it before my P.A. I've been advised to wear sun block, as sun exposure can make it worse.

[Bebe74 in reply to topazrat]

Did you notice an improvement when you started B12? Thank you, good advice!

[topazrat in reply to Bebe74]

No difference at all. If anything it is still getting worse. I'm getting a bumpy nose now.

[Bebe74 in reply to topazrat]

That's not so good, have you had any treatment for the rosacea?

[topazrat in reply to Bebe74]

No, I've never been given treatment, just advice.

[Bebe74 in reply to topazrat]

Your GP can prescribe a long course of antibiotics to take down the inflammation and if that doesn't work dermatology can prescribe other medications. I hope you get something that will work for you x

[Iheartb12]

Hi. Looking back at the past 20 years of likely having undiagnosed PA some of the first outward physical signs I had were rosacea and melasma. Both started suddenly about 15 years ago. No cream, diet change, microderm abrasion helped. It was a mystery. Both have disappeared in past year being on b12 injections and my skin has never looked better. I don't have any scientific evidence to back up that my skin issues were caused by PA but I can say from my experience both issues are gone since starting injections.

[Bebe74 in reply to Iheartb12]

Hi, thanks for replying, its really encouraging to hear this. I think there are so many symptoms of b12 deficiency that are not in the 'usual' list of symptoms. The responses I have had have given me hope! thank you!

[B12life]

are you getting acne with this rosacea?

[Bebe74 in reply to B12life]

No just rosacea.

[Cattywampus]

Yes, I had rosacea before being diagnosed with b12 deficiency. I never connected the two before your post. I had, I think more or less knocked the rosacea on the head by the time I found out about the b12 issue from what I can remember. I had lots of different treatments, creams, gels and eventually long term antibiotics which although not really effective for rosacea completely resolved what I had always been led to believe was irritable bowel but which I am now convinced was SIBBO. My GP eventually prescribed Soolantra cream (now first line treatment locally) and it got rid of it completely for me. Maybe b12 injections helps to prevent recurrence though?? I hope yours resolves for you too as it can be very distressing

[Bebe74 in reply to Cattywampus]

Thank you for replying. I am glad it resolved for you, I will try Soolantra cream if my current medication doesn't work. There does seem to be a lot written about links between SIBO and rosacea, and also SIBO and vitamin b12 deficiency too.