OpenHealth Q&A

Skin Issues Following Doxycycline Treatment for Chlamydia

Greetings everyone, This marks my inaugural post on Reddit, and I apologize in advance for the lengthy explanation! To give a bit of context, I'm a 20-year-old male, standing at about 6 feet tall. I smoke marijuana occasionally, maintain a regular gym routine, and rarely indulge in alcohol. Prior to this situation, I had no notable skin issues, although one of my parents does struggle with dermatitis. In September 2023, I acquired chlamydia from a single encounter. After this, I was prescribed doxycycline, and I followed up with tests a month later, which thankfully showed I was free of the infection. However, during the doxycycline course, I experienced intense headaches and episodes of paranoia; these side effects subsided after I discontinued the medication. Since completing the treatment, I've been dealing with persistent skin issues: 1) **Suspected Balanitis:** I’ve been experiencing symptoms associated with balanitis, characterized by redness and raw patches of skin. Despite visiting my doctor more than ten times and even consulting a private physician, the diagnosis has consistently been the same, leading to recommendations for steroid creams. While none have fully resolved the issue, one cream significantly alleviated my symptoms. This condition has been recurrent since September 2023, fluctuating in severity, particularly when I'm under stress. Currently, these flare-ups occur once or twice monthly, typically receding within 24 to 48 hours. Recently, I've discovered that using La Roche moisturiser has been beneficial, and I'm inclined to recommend it to others facing similar issues. I've undergone several STD screenings and blood tests, eliminating other potential infections as causes. 2) **Hand Dermatitis:** This issue arose around February or March 2024, manifesting initially as dry skin and progressing to small, clear blisters forming between my fingers. I was prescribed a steroid cream that proved helpful, but now the condition mostly appears as a rash or occasionally a single blister, which tends to resolve within a couple of days. 3) **Hives or Bites:** In the past month, I've noticed hive-like spots manifesting on my forearms. Initially, I thought they were a reaction to the fabric of my new gym outfit, but they have recurred multiple times. These bumps usually appear as solitary marks that clear up in less than 12 hours. I'm reaching out to see if anyone has insights into what these skin conditions might be. I've been referred to a dermatologist, but the wait time for an appointment in the UK is around 12 weeks, and I find myself preoccupied with worry (which likely isn’t helping my overall stress levels). I’ll provide updates as I learn more about my situation.

Answers (1)

3/23/2025, 4:30:48 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’ve been navigating a challenging time with various skin issues following your doxycycline treatment for chlamydia. Here’s a breakdown of your concerns and some actionable steps you can take while you await your dermatology appointment.

Main Points:

1. You may be experiencing balanitis, hand dermatitis, and hives.
2. Stress seems to exacerbate your skin issues.
3. You’ve had some positive results using moisturizers and steroid creams.

Explanation:

• Balanitis can be due to irritants, infections, or skin conditions, often flaring up under stress. Since you mentioned that steroid creams have helped, it might be a component of atopic dermatitis or irritation.
• Hand dermatitis often results from contact with irritants or allergens and can manifest as dry skin or blisters. Consistent moisturizing and avoidance of known triggers are key.
• Hives are usually allergic reactions to various factors, including fabric or other allergens. The fact that they resolve quickly is a good sign, but identifying the trigger can help prevent recurrences.

Actionable Next Steps:

1. Skin Care Routine:

   • Continue using the La Roche moisturizer regularly to keep the skin hydrated.
   • For balanitis, when flare-ups occur, gently clean the area with a mild, fragrance-free soap and apply the steroid cream as directed by your physician.

2. Stress Management:

   • Focus on stress-reducing activities such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies. Consider deep-breathing exercises or short mindfulness practices to help manage stress that may be aggravating your skin conditions.

3. Identify Triggers:

   • Keep a diary of your skin flare-ups to note any potential triggers related to food, fabric, or other allergens. This could help you communicate more effectively with your dermatologist when you see them.

4. Consult with General Practitioner:

   • Since you are already under a doctor’s care, share any new or worsening symptoms with them to ensure ongoing evaluation and management, especially regarding the hives or any sudden changes.

5. Patience:

   • Skin conditions can take time to resolve, especially if they are reactive to stressors. Hang in there while you seek further evaluation.

It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious while waiting for health care, but knowing you are taking steps to manage your skin health can provide some reassurance. If you need immediate advice or new symptoms arise before your dermatology visit, don’t hesitate to reach out to your GP for guidance. Keep us updated, and take care!