Lamictal - facial breakouts, and more... - Epilepsy Message Board

peasinapod · 10-21-2003, 09:50 PM

Since January and to date... I have been taking Lamictal. I was given a starter kit that gradually introduced me to the new med. But after a few months, I'd say around May, I started having terrible breakouts on my face, ESPECIALLY my chin.

Now breakouts on your chin are asssociated with horomone imbalances and cycles, but this is different. They fester under my chin, and then come to surface and ooze infection, bleed, crust, and heal. Again and again. I know this sounds disgusting.

I was prescribed a topical antibiotic for my breakouts, have facials when I can afford them, and became vigilant with other $$$ problematic skin care products to keep this from happening... and it was working. But if I stop this routine, the infection in my chin comes back immediately.

Secondly, now FYI

this gets graphic. I have had a vaginal problem. No real pain, just what seems to be an infection that started about the same time as my chin "eruptions" in May. (Makes sense doesnt it?)I won't go into more detail. It had come and gone in degrees of severity, but its not a yeast infection.

I have been to 2 OBGYN's. Been tested for everything! Had my chin diagnosed with a temporary Rx but none of this is going away or helping me.

Now... tomorrow I plan to call my Neuro because I have a small rash on my left breast. It could be nothing but now I am freaking out. (SJS has me scared)

I also smoke, and on a daily basis cough up mucus that seems to indicate I need to quit or something else.

***But has anyone had any facial breakouts similar, or anything of this nature that they havent discussed on the board, and discontinued the Lamictal because of, or have heard of these things?!? Please don't be afraid to voice any opinions or suggestions. You guys are the best I have out there!!!***

I am so confused about whats going on!

[This message has been edited by peasinapod (edited 10-21-2003).]

Krazykcio · 10-22-2003, 02:42 PM

Hi,
Did you ever hear the joke....."Does your face hurt, because it's killing me!" Sorry, I don't mean to make light of your situation...just couldn't help myself.

I haven't had the problems you've had but my hand and scalp eczema has been awful! Usually I have a breakout....get the ointment....skin heals in about two weeks....no problem for as long as a few years. This time, the rash started in July and it's still not totally healed. I'm not sure if it's related to taking Lamictal, but it does make me worry.

Have you tried antibiotics? I'm not an expert but I wonder if you have an infection in your system. It may explain why you are having difficulty in two areas (you poor thing!) It may be worth checking with your Doctor (if she/he hasn't ruled this out already.) Good luck, Kathy

JanieS · 10-26-2003, 01:18 PM

HI,
I'm on lamictal too and ever since I periodically get this vaginal irritation that lasts a couple days and then goes away. The thing that helps is air. I go without underware for a few days and then I feel better. Hope that's not too personal, but since you brought it up, I figured it was fair game!

JanieS · 10-26-2003, 01:23 PM

Oh yeah, I almost forgot, in addition to quitting underware, you need to quit smoking. I'll bet you that if you quit, your problems with lamictal would decrease by at least 75%. It's amazing how much smoking messes with your body. It doesn't just mess up your lungs and heart and vessels, it affects healing time for broken and bones and cuts. Quit smoking and you'll do much better on lamictal, I promise.

JanieS · 10-26-2003, 01:24 PM

how embarrassing! I not only admitted that I don't wear underwear, but I also missed spelled underwear!