The Tamesis
As the use of ozone becomes more common in people’s lives, so does dealing with all of its side effects. From muscle loss to changes in facial structure, many users of the popular GLP-1 have raised a new concern: ozone itch.
Photos of red itchy patches at drug injection sites (or even worse, itchy patches all over the body) are being shared on Reddit and every social media outlet. So, what causes it, and more importantly, how worried should you be? Experts break down everything you need to know below.
Why does this happen?
Itchy skin is not a common side effect of taking GLP-1, but it can occur. According to Anne Peters, MD, Endocrinologists at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California said clinical trials have shown that about 3% to 8% of people will experience skin reactions when taking the drug. There are many reasons for this, but the specifics vary from person to person. “We couldn’t predict it,” Dr. Peters said. “It’s an individual reaction to the chemical, or in some cases, it might even just be the injection.”
Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, agrees, explaining that local injection site reactions (such as redness, mild swelling, and itching) are the most common skin-related side effects you may experience with injections, especially those for GLP-1. “They are thought to come from the body’s local reaction to needle trauma or subcutaneously injected drugs,” Dr. King said. But these types of reactions are usually mild; they appear soon after the injection and go away on their own within a few days.
For more serious side effects, it may be related to the drug itself. She said allergic skin reactions, such as an itchy rash or hives all over the body, most likely represent an allergy to the drug or its inactive ingredients.
best treatment
David Kim, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of SoHo Derm, says normal itching may last for a few days and usually goes away on its own. For treatment, Dr. King recommends taking antihistamines to prevent attacks or a mild topical steroid to relieve itching, swelling, and redness. Ice may also help, he said.
Dr. Peters adds that you may want to try injecting Ozempic or your GLP-1 of choice in a different area to see if the skin in that area tolerates the drug better. “Certain parts of your body are more sensitive, and sometimes [the drug] Being in an anatomically different part and making sure it’s rotated is helpful,” she said.
If you’re using any ointments on your skin to relieve itching, she recommends using them on clean, dry skin. Never use any product before injecting medication. “so [you’re] Don’t introduce anything else that might cause irritation,” she says.
When do you go to the doctor?
If the itching persists for a few days or you develop large patches of irritation all over your body (Dr. King says to look for signs of more serious irritation, like swelling, tenderness, heat, and even blisters), experts recommend getting it checked out, as these could be signs of a larger problem.
Dr. Peters recommends stopping the medication until the itching goes away. Depending on how big the irritated skin patch is, or how severe it feels and looks to you, you can usually see an allergist or dermatologist to treat itchiness at the injection site, she says. For large spots that appear or are spread throughout, she recommends seeing your primary care doctor or health care provider immediately.
