Guest guest Posted July 12, 2002 Report Share Posted July 12, 2002 Hello to all, I have posted only a time or two and that was quite some time ago. I'm curious about an experience I recently had and hope to hear some feedback from some of you who are more knowledgeable than I am about this. This is a long post, so I apologize ahead of time. Like many of you, I had good skin for most of my life until the past year or so, then the typical symptoms of redness, flushing/flaring, papules, rough texture, and seb derm came on with a vengance. My skin became increasingly angry over the past few months, and it seemed the more triggers I tried to avoid the worse it got, spreading all over and beginning to go down my neck. I'm allergic or intolerant to many things so have become very aware and sensitive to what I use and ingest, to no avail. Topicals have not been successful but a second derm started me back on minocycline, which I had taken some time ago but discontinued. I began seeing some improvement, maybe 20%-30%, but about 3 weeks after beginning the minocycline, I woke up one morning with hugely swollen hands/fingers and welts and hives on various parts of my body. Although I took heavy doses of Benadryl throughout that day, I had to go in to the after-hours clinic to get a pretty powerful shot of some type of steroid that evening. It still took a couple of days for any noticeable improvement. The doctor at the clinic also prescribed a steroid dose-pak which I took over the next six days or so. I discontinued the minocycline, not knowing whether it had caused the reaction. I haven't taken the steroids for several days now, and those of you who are familiar with the dose-pak know that the dosage had decreased significantly by the last day. I also haven't begun the minocycline again. Although I was treated for the swelling and welts in other places, I know the steroids were beneficial to my face, which is now perfectly unblemished. I cannot remember the last time it was so smooth and clear. I've even been able to eat some taboo foods moderately without any reaction whatsoever. I'd like to know what some of you think about the possible effect the minocycline may have had and if the residual effect of the steroids would be this long-lasting. I have not used anything topical and have not taken anything orally in several days. I don't want to rain on my own parade, but I don't know the life of the steroids and am wondering if I need to get ready to do battle again. This has been so wonderful! I wish everyone could experience this reprieve for at least a short time just as a morale-booster. Thank you for any comments you may care to share. Callie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2002 Report Share Posted July 12, 2002 Hello to all, I have posted only a time or two and that was quite some time ago. I'm curious about an experience I recently had and hope to hear some feedback from some of you who are more knowledgeable than I am about this. This is a long post, so I apologize ahead of time. Like many of you, I had good skin for most of my life until the past year or so, then the typical symptoms of redness, flushing/flaring, papules, rough texture, and seb derm came on with a vengance. My skin became increasingly angry over the past few months, and it seemed the more triggers I tried to avoid the worse it got, spreading all over and beginning to go down my neck. I'm allergic or intolerant to many things so have become very aware and sensitive to what I use and ingest, to no avail. Topicals have not been successful but a second derm started me back on minocycline, which I had taken some time ago but discontinued. I began seeing some improvement, maybe 20%-30%, but about 3 weeks after beginning the minocycline, I woke up one morning with hugely swollen hands/fingers and welts and hives on various parts of my body. Although I took heavy doses of Benadryl throughout that day, I had to go in to the after-hours clinic to get a pretty powerful shot of some type of steroid that evening. It still took a couple of days for any noticeable improvement. The doctor at the clinic also prescribed a steroid dose-pak which I took over the next six days or so. I discontinued the minocycline, not knowing whether it had caused the reaction. I haven't taken the steroids for several days now, and those of you who are familiar with the dose-pak know that the dosage had decreased significantly by the last day. I also haven't begun the minocycline again. Although I was treated for the swelling and welts in other places, I know the steroids were beneficial to my face, which is now perfectly unblemished. I cannot remember the last time it was so smooth and clear. I've even been able to eat some taboo foods moderately without any reaction whatsoever. I'd like to know what some of you think about the possible effect the minocycline may have had and if the residual effect of the steroids would be this long-lasting. I have not used anything topical and have not taken anything orally in several days. I don't want to rain on my own parade, but I don't know the life of the steroids and am wondering if I need to get ready to do battle again. This has been so wonderful! I wish everyone could experience this reprieve for at least a short time just as a morale-booster. Thank you for any comments you may care to share. Callie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2002 Report Share Posted July 12, 2002 I wonder if i could have had a similar reaction to tetracycline - my fingers didnt swell badly - but enough so my rings on my fingers felt tight... to the point that they never did before Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2002 Report Share Posted July 12, 2002 I wonder if i could have had a similar reaction to tetracycline - my fingers didnt swell badly - but enough so my rings on my fingers felt tight... to the point that they never did before Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2002 Report Share Posted July 12, 2002 hi callie, the EXACT same thing happened to me with minocycline. (weird rashes that came and went, and waking up with swollen fingers that looked like sausages. )i couldnt even make a fist. it took about a week to completely go away (i didnt do the steroid shot like you...but i was told to take benadryl or zyrtec, the latter of which i did.) i think its a type of allergic reaction to minocycline. i found at least 2 posts in the archives about others who had swollen fingers/ joint pain (which i also had) from minocycline. i havent gone back on it since! > Hello to all, > > I have posted only a time or two and that was quite some time ago. I'm curious about an experience I recently had and hope to hear some feedback from some of you who are more knowledgeable than I am about this. This is a long post, so I apologize ahead of time. > > Like many of you, I had good skin for most of my life until the past year or so, then the typical symptoms of redness, flushing/flaring, papules, rough texture, and seb derm came on with a vengance. My skin became increasingly angry over the past few months, and it seemed the more triggers I tried to avoid the worse it got, spreading all over and beginning to go down my neck. I'm allergic or intolerant to many things so have become very aware and sensitive to what I use and ingest, to no avail. > > Topicals have not been successful but a second derm started me back on minocycline, which I had taken some time ago but discontinued. I began seeing some improvement, maybe 20%-30%, but about 3 weeks after beginning the minocycline, I woke up one morning with hugely swollen hands/fingers and welts and hives on various parts of my body. Although I took heavy doses of Benadryl throughout that day, I had to go in to the after-hours clinic to get a pretty powerful shot of some type of steroid that evening. It still took a couple of days for any noticeable improvement. The doctor at the clinic also prescribed a steroid dose-pak which I took over the next six days or so. I discontinued the minocycline, not knowing whether it had caused the reaction. > > I haven't taken the steroids for several days now, and those of you who are familiar with the dose-pak know that the dosage had decreased significantly by the last day. I also haven't begun the minocycline again. Although I was treated for the swelling and welts in other places, I know the steroids were beneficial to my face, which is now perfectly unblemished. I cannot remember the last time it was so smooth and clear. I've even been able to eat some taboo foods moderately without any reaction whatsoever. > > I'd like to know what some of you think about the possible effect the minocycline may have had and if the residual effect of the steroids would be this long-lasting. I have not used anything topical and have not taken anything orally in several days. I don't want to rain on my own parade, but I don't know the life of the steroids and am wondering if I need to get ready to do battle again. This has been so wonderful! I wish everyone could experience this reprieve for at least a short time just as a morale-booster. > > Thank you for any comments you may care to share. > > Callie > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2002 Report Share Posted July 12, 2002 hi callie, the EXACT same thing happened to me with minocycline. (weird rashes that came and went, and waking up with swollen fingers that looked like sausages. )i couldnt even make a fist. it took about a week to completely go away (i didnt do the steroid shot like you...but i was told to take benadryl or zyrtec, the latter of which i did.) i think its a type of allergic reaction to minocycline. i found at least 2 posts in the archives about others who had swollen fingers/ joint pain (which i also had) from minocycline. i havent gone back on it since! > Hello to all, > > I have posted only a time or two and that was quite some time ago. I'm curious about an experience I recently had and hope to hear some feedback from some of you who are more knowledgeable than I am about this. This is a long post, so I apologize ahead of time. > > Like many of you, I had good skin for most of my life until the past year or so, then the typical symptoms of redness, flushing/flaring, papules, rough texture, and seb derm came on with a vengance. My skin became increasingly angry over the past few months, and it seemed the more triggers I tried to avoid the worse it got, spreading all over and beginning to go down my neck. I'm allergic or intolerant to many things so have become very aware and sensitive to what I use and ingest, to no avail. > > Topicals have not been successful but a second derm started me back on minocycline, which I had taken some time ago but discontinued. I began seeing some improvement, maybe 20%-30%, but about 3 weeks after beginning the minocycline, I woke up one morning with hugely swollen hands/fingers and welts and hives on various parts of my body. Although I took heavy doses of Benadryl throughout that day, I had to go in to the after-hours clinic to get a pretty powerful shot of some type of steroid that evening. It still took a couple of days for any noticeable improvement. The doctor at the clinic also prescribed a steroid dose-pak which I took over the next six days or so. I discontinued the minocycline, not knowing whether it had caused the reaction. > > I haven't taken the steroids for several days now, and those of you who are familiar with the dose-pak know that the dosage had decreased significantly by the last day. I also haven't begun the minocycline again. Although I was treated for the swelling and welts in other places, I know the steroids were beneficial to my face, which is now perfectly unblemished. I cannot remember the last time it was so smooth and clear. I've even been able to eat some taboo foods moderately without any reaction whatsoever. > > I'd like to know what some of you think about the possible effect the minocycline may have had and if the residual effect of the steroids would be this long-lasting. I have not used anything topical and have not taken anything orally in several days. I don't want to rain on my own parade, but I don't know the life of the steroids and am wondering if I need to get ready to do battle again. This has been so wonderful! I wish everyone could experience this reprieve for at least a short time just as a morale-booster. > > Thank you for any comments you may care to share. > > Callie > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2002 Report Share Posted July 12, 2002 hi callie, the EXACT same thing happened to me with minocycline. (weird rashes that came and went, and waking up with swollen fingers that looked like sausages. )i couldnt even make a fist. it took about a week to completely go away (i didnt do the steroid shot like you...but i was told to take benadryl or zyrtec, the latter of which i did.) i think its a type of allergic reaction to minocycline. i found at least 2 posts in the archives about others who had swollen fingers/ joint pain (which i also had) from minocycline. i havent gone back on it since! > Hello to all, > > I have posted only a time or two and that was quite some time ago. I'm curious about an experience I recently had and hope to hear some feedback from some of you who are more knowledgeable than I am about this. This is a long post, so I apologize ahead of time. > > Like many of you, I had good skin for most of my life until the past year or so, then the typical symptoms of redness, flushing/flaring, papules, rough texture, and seb derm came on with a vengance. My skin became increasingly angry over the past few months, and it seemed the more triggers I tried to avoid the worse it got, spreading all over and beginning to go down my neck. I'm allergic or intolerant to many things so have become very aware and sensitive to what I use and ingest, to no avail. > > Topicals have not been successful but a second derm started me back on minocycline, which I had taken some time ago but discontinued. I began seeing some improvement, maybe 20%-30%, but about 3 weeks after beginning the minocycline, I woke up one morning with hugely swollen hands/fingers and welts and hives on various parts of my body. Although I took heavy doses of Benadryl throughout that day, I had to go in to the after-hours clinic to get a pretty powerful shot of some type of steroid that evening. It still took a couple of days for any noticeable improvement. The doctor at the clinic also prescribed a steroid dose-pak which I took over the next six days or so. I discontinued the minocycline, not knowing whether it had caused the reaction. > > I haven't taken the steroids for several days now, and those of you who are familiar with the dose-pak know that the dosage had decreased significantly by the last day. I also haven't begun the minocycline again. Although I was treated for the swelling and welts in other places, I know the steroids were beneficial to my face, which is now perfectly unblemished. I cannot remember the last time it was so smooth and clear. I've even been able to eat some taboo foods moderately without any reaction whatsoever. > > I'd like to know what some of you think about the possible effect the minocycline may have had and if the residual effect of the steroids would be this long-lasting. I have not used anything topical and have not taken anything orally in several days. I don't want to rain on my own parade, but I don't know the life of the steroids and am wondering if I need to get ready to do battle again. This has been so wonderful! I wish everyone could experience this reprieve for at least a short time just as a morale-booster. > > Thank you for any comments you may care to share. > > Callie > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2002 Report Share Posted July 12, 2002 hi callie, the EXACT same thing happened to me with minocycline. (weird rashes that came and went, and waking up with swollen fingers that looked like sausages. )i couldnt even make a fist. it took about a week to completely go away (i didnt do the steroid shot like you...but i was told to take benadryl or zyrtec, the latter of which i did.) i think its a type of allergic reaction to minocycline. i found at least 2 posts in the archives about others who had swollen fingers/ joint pain (which i also had) from minocycline. i havent gone back on it since! > Hello to all, > > I have posted only a time or two and that was quite some time ago. I'm curious about an experience I recently had and hope to hear some feedback from some of you who are more knowledgeable than I am about this. This is a long post, so I apologize ahead of time. > > Like many of you, I had good skin for most of my life until the past year or so, then the typical symptoms of redness, flushing/flaring, papules, rough texture, and seb derm came on with a vengance. My skin became increasingly angry over the past few months, and it seemed the more triggers I tried to avoid the worse it got, spreading all over and beginning to go down my neck. I'm allergic or intolerant to many things so have become very aware and sensitive to what I use and ingest, to no avail. > > Topicals have not been successful but a second derm started me back on minocycline, which I had taken some time ago but discontinued. I began seeing some improvement, maybe 20%-30%, but about 3 weeks after beginning the minocycline, I woke up one morning with hugely swollen hands/fingers and welts and hives on various parts of my body. Although I took heavy doses of Benadryl throughout that day, I had to go in to the after-hours clinic to get a pretty powerful shot of some type of steroid that evening. It still took a couple of days for any noticeable improvement. The doctor at the clinic also prescribed a steroid dose-pak which I took over the next six days or so. I discontinued the minocycline, not knowing whether it had caused the reaction. > > I haven't taken the steroids for several days now, and those of you who are familiar with the dose-pak know that the dosage had decreased significantly by the last day. I also haven't begun the minocycline again. Although I was treated for the swelling and welts in other places, I know the steroids were beneficial to my face, which is now perfectly unblemished. I cannot remember the last time it was so smooth and clear. I've even been able to eat some taboo foods moderately without any reaction whatsoever. > > I'd like to know what some of you think about the possible effect the minocycline may have had and if the residual effect of the steroids would be this long-lasting. I have not used anything topical and have not taken anything orally in several days. I don't want to rain on my own parade, but I don't know the life of the steroids and am wondering if I need to get ready to do battle again. This has been so wonderful! I wish everyone could experience this reprieve for at least a short time just as a morale-booster. > > Thank you for any comments you may care to share. > > Callie > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2002 Report Share Posted July 12, 2002 Callie, talk to your dermatologist regarding ongoing care. What you're describing doesn't sound like a typical allergy to minocycline, which is rare anyway, but it may be a type of hypersensitivity vasculitis (I'm not making a cyberdiagnosis, just that there are other reactions to medications than classic allergic reactions). I would suggest you not restart minocycline until you have a good talk with your primary care physician about this reaction and to insure that there are no lingering problems. Don't worry, the steroids shot and dose pak will not adversely affect your skin condition. Sounds like the strong anti-inflammatory effect has put your skin condition in temporary remission. You might take this opportunity to begin topical antibiotic such as Noritate or the Metros, with the hope that it will keep your skin in remission. Even though you've failed with them in the past, topicals work best in mild rosacea and in helping stave off exacerbations. Good luck, and let us know what happens. Marjorie Marjorie Lazoff, MD > Hello to all, > > I have posted only a time or two and that was quite some time ago. I'm curious about an experience I recently had and hope to hear some feedback from some of you who are more knowledgeable than I am about this. This is a long post, so I apologize ahead of time. > > Like many of you, I had good skin for most of my life until the past year or so, then the typical symptoms of redness, flushing/flaring, papules, rough texture, and seb derm came on with a vengance. My skin became increasingly angry over the past few months, and it seemed the more triggers I tried to avoid the worse it got, spreading all over and beginning to go down my neck. I'm allergic or intolerant to many things so have become very aware and sensitive to what I use and ingest, to no avail. > > Topicals have not been successful but a second derm started me back on minocycline, which I had taken some time ago but discontinued. I began seeing some improvement, maybe 20%-30%, but about 3 weeks after beginning the minocycline, I woke up one morning with hugely swollen hands/fingers and welts and hives on various parts of my body. Although I took heavy doses of Benadryl throughout that day, I had to go in to the after-hours clinic to get a pretty powerful shot of some type of steroid that evening. It still took a couple of days for any noticeable improvement. The doctor at the clinic also prescribed a steroid dose-pak which I took over the next six days or so. I discontinued the minocycline, not knowing whether it had caused the reaction. > > I haven't taken the steroids for several days now, and those of you who are familiar with the dose-pak know that the dosage had decreased significantly by the last day. I also haven't begun the minocycline again. Although I was treated for the swelling and welts in other places, I know the steroids were beneficial to my face, which is now perfectly unblemished. I cannot remember the last time it was so smooth and clear. I've even been able to eat some taboo foods moderately without any reaction whatsoever. > > I'd like to know what some of you think about the possible effect the minocycline may have had and if the residual effect of the steroids would be this long-lasting. I have not used anything topical and have not taken anything orally in several days. I don't want to rain on my own parade, but I don't know the life of the steroids and am wondering if I need to get ready to do battle again. This has been so wonderful! I wish everyone could experience this reprieve for at least a short time just as a morale-booster. > > Thank you for any comments you may care to share. > > Callie > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2002 Report Share Posted July 12, 2002 Callie, talk to your dermatologist regarding ongoing care. What you're describing doesn't sound like a typical allergy to minocycline, which is rare anyway, but it may be a type of hypersensitivity vasculitis (I'm not making a cyberdiagnosis, just that there are other reactions to medications than classic allergic reactions). I would suggest you not restart minocycline until you have a good talk with your primary care physician about this reaction and to insure that there are no lingering problems. Don't worry, the steroids shot and dose pak will not adversely affect your skin condition. Sounds like the strong anti-inflammatory effect has put your skin condition in temporary remission. You might take this opportunity to begin topical antibiotic such as Noritate or the Metros, with the hope that it will keep your skin in remission. Even though you've failed with them in the past, topicals work best in mild rosacea and in helping stave off exacerbations. Good luck, and let us know what happens. Marjorie Marjorie Lazoff, MD > Hello to all, > > I have posted only a time or two and that was quite some time ago. I'm curious about an experience I recently had and hope to hear some feedback from some of you who are more knowledgeable than I am about this. This is a long post, so I apologize ahead of time. > > Like many of you, I had good skin for most of my life until the past year or so, then the typical symptoms of redness, flushing/flaring, papules, rough texture, and seb derm came on with a vengance. My skin became increasingly angry over the past few months, and it seemed the more triggers I tried to avoid the worse it got, spreading all over and beginning to go down my neck. I'm allergic or intolerant to many things so have become very aware and sensitive to what I use and ingest, to no avail. > > Topicals have not been successful but a second derm started me back on minocycline, which I had taken some time ago but discontinued. I began seeing some improvement, maybe 20%-30%, but about 3 weeks after beginning the minocycline, I woke up one morning with hugely swollen hands/fingers and welts and hives on various parts of my body. Although I took heavy doses of Benadryl throughout that day, I had to go in to the after-hours clinic to get a pretty powerful shot of some type of steroid that evening. It still took a couple of days for any noticeable improvement. The doctor at the clinic also prescribed a steroid dose-pak which I took over the next six days or so. I discontinued the minocycline, not knowing whether it had caused the reaction. > > I haven't taken the steroids for several days now, and those of you who are familiar with the dose-pak know that the dosage had decreased significantly by the last day. I also haven't begun the minocycline again. Although I was treated for the swelling and welts in other places, I know the steroids were beneficial to my face, which is now perfectly unblemished. I cannot remember the last time it was so smooth and clear. I've even been able to eat some taboo foods moderately without any reaction whatsoever. > > I'd like to know what some of you think about the possible effect the minocycline may have had and if the residual effect of the steroids would be this long-lasting. I have not used anything topical and have not taken anything orally in several days. I don't want to rain on my own parade, but I don't know the life of the steroids and am wondering if I need to get ready to do battle again. This has been so wonderful! I wish everyone could experience this reprieve for at least a short time just as a morale-booster. > > Thank you for any comments you may care to share. > > Callie > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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