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Imuran and very oily, sensitive skin and hair?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 10/9/2015 10:53 AM (GMT 0)
I'm trying to make Imuran (100 mg) work since I'm running out of options, meds-wise, but every time I start it again, my hair and skin become incredibly greasy. Like, way worse than it was when I was a teenager. Then my skin changes texture and I become really prone to rashes that seem to come and go on my face and neck (large red spots that feel rough and warm to the touch).
But, though it's only been a few weeks, my UC symptoms seem to be improving. I don't have an appointment scheduled for months, and my new gastro basically said it's up to me whether I want to continue trying the Imuran (unless the rash sticks around for more than a few hours or I develop any other symptoms that suggest an allergic reaction rather than a side effect).

Has anyone else had this experience? On one hand, I feel like I should just suck it up since I haven't tried anything that was even sort of effective except prednisone. On the other, is a persistent rash on my face something I should have to deal with on a daily basis?
Posted 10/9/2015 12:36 PM (GMT 0)
I cannot tell you if that's a side effect of Azathioprine or if this is a seperate problem.

I take Azathioprine and I deal with nausea. I rather have that than a bloody toilet bowl.
Posted 10/9/2015 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
Maybe see a dermatologist
It's also possible the UC or associated stress is causing a rash
Posted 10/9/2015 3:03 PM (GMT 0)
No, this is definitely associated with the Imuran. I started it once, got the oily hair and skin and rash, then stopped taking it. Those problems went away. Then I started Imuran again and the oily hair and skin and rash were back. It's the only common denominator.

I just don't know whether this is a side effect or an allergy and whether this is something I should try to tolerate or it's enough of a reason to stop taking Imuran.
Posted 10/9/2015 3:18 PM (GMT 0)
It's plausible as skin rashes are listed as potential side effects of imuran/6mp (not a common one though). I did some searching and found a few others suspecting it as well.

Is it a photosensitive rash? Gets worse with sun exposure? Or is it also occurring in non-sun-exposed skin as well?
Posted 10/9/2015 3:58 PM (GMT 0)
So far, it hasn't spread lower than my neck, but I also take Benedryl to prevent it from spreading. I work in an office and am really only outside when I'm commuting. Typically, the rash is already there when I wake up in the morning (I take the Imuran before bed). Then it slowly gets worse until I take Benedryl. After that, it will sort of wax and wane throughout the day.

My hair and skin get oily, then rough and oily within days of starting Imuran. Then the hives develop. I haven't had blisters yet.
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