Vitamin B12 Injections have ruined my skin...

[ThreeFroglets]

I was investigated for anaemia because of heavy periods, iron levels are apparently fine, but B12 was 165. The GP recommended a course of injections, 2 a week for 3 weeks over Christmas. A few days after the first one I started getting big, boil type itchy spots on my back and chest, these got progressively worse over the course of injections, and I was covered from my scalp down to my hips :(
I spoke to the nurse, she said see GP and it was confirmed to be an allergic reaction to the B12 causing allergic cysts. Nice.

Since I am already on antihistamines for other allergies, the GP prescribed a heavy duty antibiotic as the cysts were not healing and I am diabetic. But, I had an allergic reaction to the antibiotics too :( (hives on my torso and arms).
So, I was prescribed a reducing dose of steroids which worked brilliantly on both allergic reactions, but, unfortunately the cysts have returned as I near the end of the steroid course. And, I also have so many blackheads that were not there before.....you literally can't put a finger between them :( Thank goodness it is winter so I can keep the majority of them covered with long sleeves and my hair down. But they are so itchy and painful.

Has anyone had a reaction like this? Or an increase/outbreak in acne/spots? If so, how long did it last?

I am wondering if it will take three months to leave my body as the injections are supposed to be three monthly. I feel far worse now than I did before the injections and my skin looks awful. And I've got thrush which hasn't cleared after using Canesten Dual treatment so I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself!

(I've got an appointment with the GP today - just curious if anyone else has had the same thing!)

Oooo Low B12 can be really draining health wise - its good you some injections..but gosh that sounds really nasty. I've had hives before and they are horrendous - drive you mad sorry I cant help with any reassurances.

But I wonder about getting your Vit D checked too as symptons very similar to B12 and mine were both low. Made a massive difference to outlook, energy levels.

Good luck.

It would appear that this may be par for the course.

"As you restore B12, around 1 in 10 people get rashes or pimples as the homocysteine is flushed out. Wash it off, don't use a cream. Wash it off (water not soap) many times a day if you need to (but don't go mad - you could just shower once a day and put up with a little discomfort - or you could be the 9/10 who don't get this). It will sting and make your skin go red, but that's normal - homocysteine is the low mood chemical but it's also needed to create methionine."

I have never had B12 injections but have had severe reactions treated by steroids. The steroids gave me dreadful acne but I promise you it vdid get better when I completed the course.