Sensitive skin on Mounjaro: Why it happens and how to manage it

As Mounjaro gains wider-spread use as a treatment for blood sugar management, diabetes and weight loss, recurring side effects, however minimal, can become a hot topic of conversation.

Recently, many have talked about experiencing mild allergic reactions to the medication, and an increased risk of skin sensitivity.

For people prone to this, or to skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, the resulting question of whether or not Mounjaro can impact your skin can become a pertinent one.

After all, it's one thing to be taking Mounjaro to lose weight, but if it's set to aggravate pre-existing conditions or even trigger new ones, some might wonder if the medication itself is worth the risk.

So, can Mounjaro make your skin sensitive? And what can you expect from injection site reactions?

Can Mounjaro make your skin sensitive?

Mounjaro is a medication that you inject, which does mean that you’re inevitably breaking the skin barrier to take it, and that can, for some, cause minor side effects.

This can be as small as a mild allergic reaction, slight inflammation, or a skin rash at the injection site that settles down within the hour, or it can be more significant, particularly if you have underlying sensitivities.

People with pre-existing allergies or skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis have been found to be at a higher risk of experiencing an adverse skin reaction to Mounjaro than people without them, but this risk is still fairly low.

That said, skin issues can be a sensitive point for many, and if you are concerned that you’re vulnerable to a skin reaction, speaking to a medical professional may help put your mind at ease [2].

When you start Mounjaro, you’ll also be encouraged to rotate injection sites regularly. This is because repeated injections in one area can aggravate the skin and lead to irritation and inflammation, even if you’re not usually susceptible to it.  

Following your doctor’s instructions for use is vital for minimising side effects and gaining the best outcomes from using Mounjaro.

Does Mounjaro skin sensitivity go away?

It can! Ultimately, a lot of Mounjaro’s side effects will go away as your body adjusts to the medication, but other factors can impact how your body reacts to it.

If you rotate your injection site regularly and follow the advice of your medical professional, side effects should minimise within a few months; however, if you have an underlying skin condition, it might take longer for your skin to stop responding to the Mounjaro injections.

In this case, it does become a matter of managing your skin sensitivity, but luckily there are plenty of ways to do that.

How to manage skin sensitivity while on Mounjaro

While experiencing skin sensitivity on Mounjaro can dampen your weight loss journey, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce symptoms and manage any redness, inflammation, or irritation.

Rotate the injection sites

We’ve said this already and your doctor probably has too, but it bears repeating.

Regularly changing the place on your body where you inject Mounjaro is the biggest preventative measure you can take to reduce the risk of irritation and inflammation, keeping your skin calm and protected.

Prepare the injection site

When you break the skin barrier, you’re opening yourself up to vulnerabilities.

Foreign bodies and bacteria can take advantage of this tiny opening, so ensuring that you’ve properly cleaned the injection site before taking Mounjaro is of real importance.

Follow the instructions in your Mounjaro kit by using an alcohol wipe to clean the injection site prior to injecting, and use only a fresh, sterile needle for each injection.

Maintain a skin routine that works for you

In other words, make sure you’re moisturising regularly, using sunscreen and avoiding harsh soaps and fragrances that might irritate your skin. Focus on hydration, protection, and overall gentle cleansing.

Wear loose, smooth clothing around the injection site

Wherever you’re injecting, avoiding tight or scratchy clothes that may compress the injection site or cause friction can help to limit skin irritation or any discomfort you may feel.

If you’re injecting on your stomach or thighs, try to wear flowing skirts, dresses or loose-fitting pants, and if you’re injecting on your upper arms, why not slip on a singlet or a slack cotton shirt?

If you are experiencing irritation and skin sensitivity, using a cold compress on the injection site can help reduce swelling or redness and soothe the skin.

If symptoms continue, over-the-counter options are also available to help you manage this on a regular basis. Talk to your doctor or medical professional about hydrocortisone cream or antihistamines and see if they are suitable for you.

As with any side effects of medication, the most important thing you can do is monitor your symptoms and speak to your healthcare provider if they continue or worsen.

You shouldn't experience severe pain on Mounjaro, and if you do, speak to your doctor as soon as you can.

Other ways Mounjaro can impact your health

While the most common side effects of Mounjaro are stomach pain, skin rash, drying, itching, redness or minor swelling around the injection site, clinical trials have shown that there is a small risk of more serious side effects, both with the skin and otherwise.

These rare and more serious skin reactions include:

• Hypersensitivity reactions. These reactions include hives and angioedema, a swelling of deeper skin layers, usually around the eyes and lips;
• Anaphylaxis. This is a severe allergic reaction that involves hives, trouble breathing, and swelling of the face or throat. Severe allergic reactions must be treated at the hospital, and if you experience any symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Mounjaro doesn't just affect the skin, and other adverse reactions and side effects you may experience include [1]:

• Abdominal pain, fullness or gas
• Low blood sugar
• A fast heartbeat or heartburn
• Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Eye and skin discolouration.

These side effects should all be minimal and go away over time, but if they continue, or if you experience severe stomach pain, severe nausea or feel you may be having a serious allergic reaction, you should seek medical attention immediately.

While rare, Mounjaro also carries a risk of acute gallbladder disease and thyroid cancer.

If you have any personal or family history of thyroid tumours, medullary thyroid carcinoma or gallbladder disease, Mounjaro may not be right for you.

Disclosing any and all pre-existing conditions to your doctor when discussing Mounjaro treatment for weight loss or diabetes is of the utmost importance.

Mounjaro is best paired with diet and lifestyle changes that help you achieve your weight loss goals and live your best life.

While there are risks when it comes to side effects, for many, these are minimal and easily managed with the guidance of a medical professional and a supportive community.

Juniper's Weight Reset Programme offers all that and more. With advice at your fingertips, and unlimited consultation available with a healthcare provider, this program will see you using Mounjaro with confidence and ease.

On top of the weight loss drugs, you get access to unlimited support from our expert dietitians, a strength and cardio exercise plan to help you maintain muscle mass as you lose weight, tracking tools to keep you motivated, and access to a private community of women on the same journey as you.

Designed by UK clinicians, this programme gives you the tools you need to make informed decisions, so you can not only lose weight but keep it off well into the future.

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