OpenHealth Q&A

Skin Issues Following Doxycycline Treatment for Chlamydia

Hello everyone, This marks my very first post on Reddit, so I apologize in advance for my lengthy message! To give you a bit of background: I’m a 20-year-old male who occasionally smokes marijuana, does not take any medications, and drinks alcohol infrequently. I maintain a regular gym routine and had no prior skin issues, although one of my parents suffers from dermatitis. In September 2023, I experienced a one-time encounter which led to a chlamydia infection. After taking doxycycline, I retested within a month and received a clean bill of health. Unfortunately, although the doxycycline eliminated the infection, it did come with side effects such as intense headaches and paranoia, which subsided once I discontinued the medication. Since completing the treatment, I have encountered several persistent skin issues: 1. **Balanitis**: I developed signs of balanitis characterized by redness and rawness in the affected area. Despite visiting my doctor over ten times and even consulting with a private specialist, the consensus has remained consistent: it’s balanitis, and they’ve recommended various steroid creams. None have completely resolved the issue, but one provided significant relief. This condition has been recurring since September 2023, seeming to worsen during stressful times. Typically, episodes occur once or twice a month and resolve within 24 to 48 hours. Recently, I started using a La Roche moisturizer, which has been very effective, so I highly recommend it. Moreover, I’ve undergone numerous STD tests and blood panels, ruling out any further infections. 2. **Hand Dermatitis**: Beginning around February or March 2024, I noticed dermatitis forming on my hands, particularly between my fingers. Initially presenting as dry skin, it quickly progressed to small, clear, fluid-filled blisters. I was given a steroid cream that proved helpful, but now it primarily manifests as a rash or, on occasion, single blisters that usually clear up within a day or two. 3. **Hives/Bites**: In the past month, I’ve started to notice hive-like spots developing on my forearms. Initially, I attributed this to my new gym attire, but the outbreaks have recurred multiple times since then. They typically appear as singular marks and fade away in less than 12 hours. I am reaching out to see if anyone has suggestions regarding what these symptoms might indicate. I’ve been referred to a dermatologist, but I understand the wait in the UK can extend up to 12 weeks, and I find myself overly preoccupied with these issues, likely contributing to my stress levels. I’ll keep everyone posted as I learn more.

Answers (1)

3/23/2025, 4:10:39 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel concerned about the skin issues you're experiencing following your treatment for chlamydia. Your symptoms, including balanitis, hand dermatitis, and hives, can be quite distressing, particularly when they persist despite seeking medical advice.

Main Points:

1. You are experiencing three distinct skin issues: balanitis, hand dermatitis, and recurring hives.
2. Stress may aggravate these conditions, and your health history is negative for further infections.
3. There are self-care strategies you can implement to help manage your symptoms while you await dermatology advice.

Explanation:

1. Balanitis often occurs due to irritation, infection, or underlying skin conditions. The redness and rawness you describe can be exacerbated by stress or irritants.

2. Hand Dermatitis could be caused by contact with irritants or allergens, leading to dry skin and blisters. The use of a steroid cream is beneficial for reducing inflammation but should be used under the guidance of healthcare professionals.

3. Hives can arise from various triggers, including stress, certain fabrics, or even food allergies. Their transient nature suggests they may be linked to an allergic response or irritation.

Next Steps:

1. Manage Stress: Since your symptoms worsen during stressful periods, consider stress-relief techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or regular physical activity. These can help reduce flare-ups.

2. Skin Care Routine:

   • Continue using the La Roche moisturizer as it's providing relief. Apply this regularly after washing to maintain skin hydration.
   • For balanitis, ensure you’re keeping the area clean and dry. Sometimes, switching to mild, unscented cleansers can also help.

3. Conduct a Patch Test: If you suspect that your gym attire may be contributing to the hives, consider switching to breathable, hypoallergenic fabrics to see if this makes a difference.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a journal of your outbreaks, noting any patterns in terms of stress levels, new products used, or activities undertaken. This may help identify triggers that you can address.

5. Prepare for Your Dermatology Appointment: While waiting for your referral, gather any questions you have and document all your symptoms, treatments tried, and the effect they've had. This will help your dermatologist understand your situation better.

Recognizing that these issues are causing you stress is important. You're doing the right thing by seeking a specialist's advice, and I encourage you to continue to focus on managing your symptoms in the meantime. Please feel free to update as your situation progresses!