CommunitySide Effects

Rash Possibly Linked to GHK-Cu

18 replies11 peopleJul 19, 2026☆ Follow
Summary

Could GHK-Cu or other peptides be causing a moving itchy red rash on the torso?

The original poster developed an intermittent itchy rash on the torso after four weeks on GHK-Cu while also using TRT, Reta and HGH, ruling out sunburn and bed bugs. Replies pointed to possible hives, contact dermatitis from sheets, or delayed reactions, with one user reporting similar spots that cleared after stopping their peptide stack. The OP later confirmed improvement after halting GHK, NAD and HGH, and the doctor attributed it to overdosing peptides plus recent sunburn; reintroduction is advised one compound at a time.

What this discussion establishesWhere people disagree

Whether the rash is peptide-related at all versus environmental factors like detergent or unrelated hives

Still open

Which specific peptide or combination triggered the reaction

Nothing here is advice.

18 replies · 11 people
SteadyBeacon64archiveopening postJul 19

Hey everyone, I've noticed red rashes or dots appearing on my torso. I'm currently using TRT, Reta, and HGH, and I began GHK-Cu roughly four weeks ago. Over the past two or three days these small bumps have shown up. I first suspected a sunburn but that didn't fit, then wondered about bed bugs in the rental beach house, yet my wife shows nothing and the pattern doesn't match what she described. The spots can itch badly, disappear for hours, then return with milder itching. I suspect GHK might be responsible and wonder if others have seen similar effects. No facial involvement at all. I'm dosing 1.75 mg daily. Could the peptide be the issue?

RustTimber85archiveJul 19

Four weeks with no problems beforehand? Unless it's a delayed allergic response, GHK is probably not responsible. A bit of hydrocortisone cream might clear it up. I also take breaks from GHK-Cu now and then.

PlainCompass54archiveJul 19

Does the rash appear at the actual GHK-Cu injection spots? Stinging or itchy injection-site reactions are common with GHK-Cu and can show up inconsistently, sometimes days later or only on certain days. I've used it nearly a year and still experience it occasionally.

KeenWillow77archiveJul 19

Might this be a delayed reaction to the HGH instead?

LevelTimber64archiveJul 19

Are the dots showing up right where you inject?

SteadyBeacon64archiveJul 20
↳ replying to @LevelTimber64

No, the spots aren't anywhere near the injection areas. I use my glutes for all shots.

BrightPebble45archiveJul 20

I started seeing the same thing a few weeks back. Small dark red spots appeared here and there, then last week my entire back was covered along with patches across the torso. The doctor said it wasn't contagious and prescribed steroid cream for a week. I paused my whole peptide stack and the rash cleared. Not sure whether to blame the G or the test, but I don't really want to stop either.

SteadyBeacon64archiveJul 20
↳ replying to @BrightPebble45

Yeah, exactly the same situation here. Might pause the GHK for a bit and check if that changes anything.

LevelTimber64archiveJul 20
↳ replying to @SteadyBeacon64

That's odd. Since the spots aren't at the injection site, could this be unrelated to any peptides?

LevelLedger10archiveJul 20

Do you filter your peptides? Being in a rental makes me wonder if it's an allergy to the detergent used on the sheets. The rash might worsen after time in bed and ease when contact stops, repeating the cycle. Just thinking out loud.

SteadyBeacon64archiveJul 20
↳ replying to @LevelLedger10

I don't filter them. It could definitely be something in the house, though I normally don't have allergies.

LevelTimber64archiveJul 20
↳ replying to @LevelLedger10

I had the same thought about contact dermatitis from detergent on sheets, towels, or upholstery.

WryCinder14archiveJul 20

This is simple to test, bro. Inject the GHK-Cu into your wife and see if she develops a rash.

SteadyBeacon64archiveJul 20
↳ replying to @WryCinder14

Haha, she's already using it and has no problems.

GreenMeadow27archiveJul 20
↳ replying to @SteadyBeacon64 (opening post)

From someone who used to get daily hives, this description matches hives. They often shift around and come and go quickly.

PlainCompass54archiveJul 21

I agree with trying hydrocortisone ointment or cream.

SteadyBeacon64archiveAug 4

Quick update for anyone else dealing with hives or similar skin issues from peptides. It's been about ten days since I stopped GHK, NAD, and HGH completely. I'm only running Reta and test now, yet the skin is getting better. I still take daily antihistamines and use hydrocortisone ointment on the affected areas. The hives and red patches are fading, less red overall and more brownish, with reduced itching. My clinic doctor believes I overdid the peptides, especially at 2 mg GHK daily plus HGH five days a week and 100 mg NAD daily. They advised staying off everything until the skin fully clears, then reintroducing one product at a time. The doctor thinks the combination of too much GHK and NAD plus sunburn during vacation triggered the reaction. Good news is improvement has been quick and I'm less frustrated now. Just sharing my experience.

CopperSignal27archiveAug 4

I spent a lot of time looking into drug reactions after a strange rash of my own. Keep an open mind on possible causes. Timing with peptides isn't decisive since reactions can begin days or months after starting. The rash might have nothing to do with them at all. If it's steadily improving then the problem is likely solved. A generalised rash from a peptide would probably also produce an injection-site reaction, though intramuscular shots make that harder to spot. Testing a small subcutaneous dose later could help identify a culprit if needed.

AmberHarbour44archiveAug 5
↳ replying to @SteadyBeacon64 (opening post)

If there are three bumps in a line following a vein, that points to bed bugs. Many people don't react to the anticoagulant or only after a long delay.

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