2025 Clinician Corner - Vitamin B12-induced acneiform eruption

Abstract 

Cutaneous acneiform eruptions are a side effect of many medications, including vitamin B12 therapy. However, reports of vitamin B12–induced acne are rare. We present a 67-year-old woman with a new diagnosis of pernicious anemia who developed a sudden acneiform eruption on the face after treatment with high-dose vitamin B12. Other medications that have been implicated in drug-induced acne include but are not limited to steroids, antibiotics, immunosuppressants, biologics, and vitamin B1 and B6. The pathogenesis is likely due to a transcriptome change in Propionibacterum acnes, the organism responsible for acne vulgaris. Cessation of the offending agent leads to a regression in symptoms. 

Keywords: Acne vulgaris; drug-induced acne; vitamin B12 


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Faculty credentials/disclosure 

The planners and faculty for this activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. The patient consented to the publication of this report.

Process

Click the "add to cart/begin" button, pay any relevant fee, take the quiz, complete the evaluation, and claim your CME credit.  You must achieve 100% on the quiz with unlimited attempts available.

  • By completing this process, you are attesting that you have read the journal article.

Expiration date:

Credit eligibility for this article is set to expire on January 1, 2026.

Learning Objectives

After completing the article, the learner should be able to:

  • Identify the differences between acne vulgaris and drug-induced acne. 
  • Identify common causes of drug-induced acne. 
  • Differentiate between correct treatments and recognize that the correct treatment for drug-induced acne is most often cessation of the offending drug. 

Key points 

  • Several medications have been implicated in causing drug-induced acne, including steroids, oral contraceptives, and vitamin B12. 
  • First-line treatment of drug-induced acne is cessation of the drug. 
  • The pathogenesis likely involves upregulated porphyrins, which increase inflammation. 
  • Differences between drug-induced acne and acne vulgaris include the absence of comedones and cysts. 
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    The A. Webb Roberts Center for Continuing Medical Education of Baylor Scott & White Health is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
  • 1.00 Attendance
Course opens: 
01/01/2025
Course expires: 
01/01/2026
Cost:
$25.00
Rating: 
0
  • Jacob J. Owen, BA - Texas A&M School of Medicine, Dallas, Texas, USA 
  • Ronnie M. Youssef, MD - Department of Dermatology, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple, Temple, Texas, USA 
  • Kirstin Altman, MD - Department of Dermatology, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple, Temple, Texas, USA 

Accreditation

The A. Webb Roberts Center for Continuing Medical Education of Baylor Scott & White Health is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Designation

AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

The A. Webb Roberts Center for Continuing Medical Education of Baylor Scott & White Health designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

 

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    The A. Webb Roberts Center for Continuing Medical Education of Baylor Scott & White Health is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
  • 1.00 Attendance

Price

Cost:
$25.00
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