Since about last June, I have had a rash spread around my waist area on the right side, which started as a small oval shape and has now spread slowly across towards my groin area at the front, and has reached my spine round the back.
I tried homeopathic remedies when it first appeared, which seemed to work OK in relieving the irritation, but the rash did not disappear totally and started up again as soon as I stopped. I have had two creams from the doctor, neither of which did any good. Sometimes it's quite benign, others, like this morning, the itching is constant. Luckily this is not the norm and mostly it's hardly noticeable, except when I look in the mirror and it's quite evident to look at.
I thought it was stress related at first, as it came at the same time as my IBS symptoms (which only lasted three/four months and has not returned - all this came about the time I discovered my H was getting into a relationship with another woman), but I am now getting to the point where I want this to go. I am making an appointment to see my doctor again.
Has anyone else suffered with this type of thing and what did they do? Is it peri? Can anything be done? Will this just go in its own time?
Diane
Full Version: Rash problem
Power Surge Forums > Board Discussions > Your Skin: Dryness, Itching, Vaginal Dryness, Disorders, Discomfort
I will add that I've tried all the usual things like changing shower gel, washing powder, stopping certain tablets (vitamins mainly), eliminating foods, etc.
I would see a dermatologist. In my experience..other doctors play guessing games. They dont see enough skin rashes to diagose them correctly.
Well, I went to my GP the other day and he prescribed a week of steroid tablets, and if that fails to eliminate the rash, he will refer me to a dermatologist. It does appear to be easing slightly, but I have been almost there before, so I'm not holding my breath.
steroid pills! argh.... go see a dermatologist like Just Ducky said.. you will probably end up with a corticosteroid cream to put on it, but to my mind, that has to be better than playing with steroid pills. too many side effects. can even have some side effects with the creams too, but less is absorbed by the body when applied to the skin.
I've already had Fucidin and Fucibet cream from the doc, and they did not work. I have a feeling that the pills won't work either, but it's only for a week, so I am not too bothered about taking them. I certainly wouldn't take anything like this long term.
I'm now going mad!!! The steroid tablets did not work, as I suspected. I do have a hospital appointment to see a dermatologist in a couple of weeks, but my rash has been driving me crazy for a few days now. I have now had this thing for a year!! Hubby has been rubbing in a selection of lotions and potions for me, but I don't know what to do next. Homeopathic remedies no longer have any effect. They didn't totally eliminate it - just took away some of the irritation when it appeared. The creams the doctor prescribed just seem to irritate it more. Mostly it hasn't been causing me too much irritation, but it appears to do this from time to time, and I think this coincides with it spreading slightly, making me think it's fungal. Doctor did mention shingles a couple of times, but it does not appear to be behaving like shingles. I'm trying not to scratch, but it's very difficult when it's so intense. I think this is the worst it's been. I also now have an itch and a slight redness under my breasts, which I understand a few people here have been experiencing.
Can anyone recommend anything that may help until I get to the hospital? I've had calamine, comfrey cream, borage cream, Rescue cream, Aloe gel, Benadryl and Hydrocortisone. I think that's the lot! I'm getting rather fed up of this now. I've tried changing cosmetic and detergent products. It could be that I've become allergic to something I've been using for some time, so I'm trying to change to some products with no 'nasties' in them. They're mail order though, so it will be a few days till they arrive.
I remember having a skin problem some years ago and having to go and see a dermatologist. I had an itchy rash on my arms, legs, back and abdomen. It went away in a few weeks - whether it was the bagful of lotions and potions he prescribed, I don't know, but I never did discover what caused that episode. I then had a lesser itchy rash at about the same time of year for the following couple of years, but not as extensive - it was only in one particular place at a time. After the first two years, I began to expect that the 'rash season' would soon be here (it was around September/October, I think), but it never really appeared as intensely as the first time, perhaps just a slight irritation that would easily go with some Hydrocortisone cream. Thinking on, this was not long after I'd had my hysterectomy, so perhaps this was the peri coming on even back then. Since then I have regularly had a slightly itchy skin and I always wonder whether it will turn into another one of the longer episodes, especially when the same spot starts itching more than a few times. Usually it doesn't come to anything more, until this current one.
Can anyone recommend anything that may help until I get to the hospital? I've had calamine, comfrey cream, borage cream, Rescue cream, Aloe gel, Benadryl and Hydrocortisone. I think that's the lot! I'm getting rather fed up of this now. I've tried changing cosmetic and detergent products. It could be that I've become allergic to something I've been using for some time, so I'm trying to change to some products with no 'nasties' in them. They're mail order though, so it will be a few days till they arrive.
I remember having a skin problem some years ago and having to go and see a dermatologist. I had an itchy rash on my arms, legs, back and abdomen. It went away in a few weeks - whether it was the bagful of lotions and potions he prescribed, I don't know, but I never did discover what caused that episode. I then had a lesser itchy rash at about the same time of year for the following couple of years, but not as extensive - it was only in one particular place at a time. After the first two years, I began to expect that the 'rash season' would soon be here (it was around September/October, I think), but it never really appeared as intensely as the first time, perhaps just a slight irritation that would easily go with some Hydrocortisone cream. Thinking on, this was not long after I'd had my hysterectomy, so perhaps this was the peri coming on even back then. Since then I have regularly had a slightly itchy skin and I always wonder whether it will turn into another one of the longer episodes, especially when the same spot starts itching more than a few times. Usually it doesn't come to anything more, until this current one.
I get a rash similar to that. It was diagnosed as, "rosacea." The spelling might be incorrect. But it is common for women from mid 40's. Spicy foods along with stress can aggrevate mine. The best I found was a cream I got for poison oak called, triamcinolone 0.5% cream. It's a prescriptionand it stops the itching immediately. Call your doctor tomorrow... the one who gave you the other creams and see if they'll just call a prescription in for you since the others don't work. My doctor is good that way. Good luck!
Thanks for your suggestion, Rohnda. I'm not sure if that cream is available here in the UK, but I did want to avoid going back to the doctors while waiting for my dermatology appointment. The two creams he already prescribed (steroid) didn't work anyway.
I know it probably started with the stressful time I was experiencing this time last year. I suppose it could still be a bit of that stress hanging on. Even though I have settled down quite a bit, I do still get a bit upset from time to time.
I will probably have to grin and bear it until my hospital appointment.
I know it probably started with the stressful time I was experiencing this time last year. I suppose it could still be a bit of that stress hanging on. Even though I have settled down quite a bit, I do still get a bit upset from time to time.
I will probably have to grin and bear it until my hospital appointment.
The rash isn't getting any better. I went to see the dermatologist at the hospital last week and was prescribed Fexofenadine (Telfast) tablets, Oilatum bath solution and Trimovate cream. She also took a skin scraping. I have to go back in two months. It did appear to stop the itching a little - it's been driving me mad lately, and it's now crossed over my spine at the back and is heading towards my left side. It hasn't spread any further at the front, but it's gone upwards and down slightly. I looked at it this morning in a large mirror while applying the cream and it looks awful. Normally, hubby puts the cream on for me, as I can't really see round the back that I have it all covered.
I've also been having some irritation under my breasts, but I am using Eurax cream for that, or some comfrey cream, which helps. My breasts were a little tender, too, and swollen, but they have reduced slightly since I stopped the Vagifem. I suspect that when I see the doctor in the morning, for an progress appointment, he'll tell me to stay on it. I'm probably not the best of patients, being an ex-nurse with a distinct dislike of prescription medication.
I've also been having some irritation under my breasts, but I am using Eurax cream for that, or some comfrey cream, which helps. My breasts were a little tender, too, and swollen, but they have reduced slightly since I stopped the Vagifem. I suspect that when I see the doctor in the morning, for an progress appointment, he'll tell me to stay on it. I'm probably not the best of patients, being an ex-nurse with a distinct dislike of prescription medication.
QUOTE (DH59 @ Apr 23 2007, 04:56 AM) 
Since about last June, I have had a rash spread around my waist area on the right side, which started as a small oval shape and has now spread slowly across towards my groin area at the front, and has reached my spine round the back.
I tried homeopathic remedies when it first appeared, which seemed to work OK in relieving the irritation, but the rash did not disappear totally and started up again as soon as I stopped. I have had two creams from the doctor, neither of which did any good. Sometimes it's quite benign, others, like this morning, the itching is constant. Luckily this is not the norm and mostly it's hardly noticeable, except when I look in the mirror and it's quite evident to look at.
I thought it was stress related at first, as it came at the same time as my IBS symptoms (which only lasted three/four months and has not returned - all this came about the time I discovered my H was getting into a relationship with another woman), but I am now getting to the point where I want this to go. I am making an appointment to see my doctor again.
Has anyone else suffered with this type of thing and what did they do? Is it peri? Can anything be done? Will this just go in its own time?
Diane
I tried homeopathic remedies when it first appeared, which seemed to work OK in relieving the irritation, but the rash did not disappear totally and started up again as soon as I stopped. I have had two creams from the doctor, neither of which did any good. Sometimes it's quite benign, others, like this morning, the itching is constant. Luckily this is not the norm and mostly it's hardly noticeable, except when I look in the mirror and it's quite evident to look at.
I thought it was stress related at first, as it came at the same time as my IBS symptoms (which only lasted three/four months and has not returned - all this came about the time I discovered my H was getting into a relationship with another woman), but I am now getting to the point where I want this to go. I am making an appointment to see my doctor again.
Has anyone else suffered with this type of thing and what did they do? Is it peri? Can anything be done? Will this just go in its own time?
Diane
Hi Diane,
I am new around here, this is my 1st post ever here so hope i am doing it right, but u have described my rash exactly ... sorry i have no answers for u as to what it is or how to stop it, but at least u know ur not alone. I have had it for nearly 2yrs now i think. it started just like yours on top of my my right hip bone, looked like a angry red welt to start seemed to separate into smaller blotches and the skin become dry flaky and ichy+ and spread..then slowly went around my whole midriff , joining to make full circle ... I too have tried homeopathy, steroids and steroid creams and nearly had it gone a few times with these but never really goes and re flares as soon as i stop the creams, always starting on right hip. When mine does go initially i am left with my skin where it has been being a much darker colour than the rest of my skin .... thankfully this does fade over time ...
My GP though it was exma (sp) originally... but i am sure it is not and now my dr doughts it too, at present i have it only on right hip but have notice that once again it is starting to spread both ways and make it way around me again (it been around me fully twice so far) i am trying to contain it with diprosone cream (a topical corticosteriod )and razene tabs (a non sedating antihistamine ) to stop itchiness ... mine is most irritating when it is creeping further around me... that how i knew it on the move now and has doubled in length overnight. i have had to resort to wearing gloves to bed at some stages in the past 2yrs to stop myself attacking it in my sleep ....
hope u r getting some relief from lotions and potions u have been given .. and i look forward to hearing what ur dermatologist has to say about it, I am still waiting to get on the waiting list here to see 1
ozki
QUOTE (ozki @ Aug 16 2007, 06:19 PM)
Hi Diane,
I am new around here, this is my 1st post ever here so hope i am doing it right, but u have described my rash exactly ... sorry i have no answers for u as to what it is or how to stop it, but at least u know ur not alone. I have had it for nearly 2yrs now i think. it started just like yours on top of my my right hip bone, looked like a angry red welt to start seemed to separate into smaller blotches and the skin become dry flaky and ichy+ and spread..then slowly went around my whole midriff , joining to make full circle ... I too have tried homeopathy, steroids and steroid creams and nearly had it gone a few times with these but never really goes and re flares as soon as i stop the creams, always starting on right hip. When mine does go initially i am left with my skin where it has been being a much darker colour than the rest of my skin .... thankfully this does fade over time ...
My GP though it was exma (sp) originally... but i am sure it is not and now my dr doughts it too, at present i have it only on right hip but have notice that once again it is starting to spread both ways and make it way around me again (it been around me fully twice so far) i am trying to contain it with diprosone cream (a topical corticosteriod )and razene tabs (a non sedating antihistamine ) to stop itchiness ... mine is most irritating when it is creeping further around me... that how i knew it on the move now and has doubled in length overnight. i have had to resort to wearing gloves to bed at some stages in the past 2yrs to stop myself attacking it in my sleep ....
hope u r getting some relief from lotions and potions u have been given .. and i look forward to hearing what ur dermatologist has to say about it, I am still waiting to get on the waiting list here to see 1
ozki
I am new around here, this is my 1st post ever here so hope i am doing it right, but u have described my rash exactly ... sorry i have no answers for u as to what it is or how to stop it, but at least u know ur not alone. I have had it for nearly 2yrs now i think. it started just like yours on top of my my right hip bone, looked like a angry red welt to start seemed to separate into smaller blotches and the skin become dry flaky and ichy+ and spread..then slowly went around my whole midriff , joining to make full circle ... I too have tried homeopathy, steroids and steroid creams and nearly had it gone a few times with these but never really goes and re flares as soon as i stop the creams, always starting on right hip. When mine does go initially i am left with my skin where it has been being a much darker colour than the rest of my skin .... thankfully this does fade over time ...
My GP though it was exma (sp) originally... but i am sure it is not and now my dr doughts it too, at present i have it only on right hip but have notice that once again it is starting to spread both ways and make it way around me again (it been around me fully twice so far) i am trying to contain it with diprosone cream (a topical corticosteriod )and razene tabs (a non sedating antihistamine ) to stop itchiness ... mine is most irritating when it is creeping further around me... that how i knew it on the move now and has doubled in length overnight. i have had to resort to wearing gloves to bed at some stages in the past 2yrs to stop myself attacking it in my sleep ....
hope u r getting some relief from lotions and potions u have been given .. and i look forward to hearing what ur dermatologist has to say about it, I am still waiting to get on the waiting list here to see 1
ozki
Hi ozki, welcome to PS and thank you for responding to my post.
Crikey, two years. I was hoping for mine to go much sooner than this, but it appears to be hanging on. Mine also responds after a few days to whatever cream I put on, then starts to flare up again a few days later. Nothing seems to work to get rid of it altogether. I, too, can tell when it's spreading further, something which tells me it's fungal, but the hospital haven't contacted me about the skin scrapings, so presumably it wasn't fungal. The medications I got from the hospital were a strong steroid cream and some anti-histamine tablets, which are supposed to be non-drowsy, although I'm not too sure about that. I feel pretty groggy when I take them. I stopped taking them as they weren't really helping. My GP initially said it was a type of shingles, but this is not like any shingles I have heard about.
I scratched so hard the other day I have a nice wheal down my spine (the place causing the most irritation at the moment). Having said that, lately it does appear to be at least looking a bit better, even though it is still itching (some times more than others - mostly in the evening). All the angry-looking red raised spots are gone, but I am left with the overall darker skin colour, like sunburn or a birth mark, which is how it started) I am going to see a nutritional therapist in a couple of weeks, so we'll see what that turns up.
Currently, the things that relieve it most are Comfrey Cream, to which I have added a few drops of Tea Tree Oil (I've just run out of the cream so I need to order some more), or some aromatherapy base oil (Sweet Almond) with added oils of Peppermint, Lavender and Eucalyptus. These things are particularly soothing and I'm sure these have done more good than the prescription meds.
Hi Diane,
Did the dermatologist mention psoriasis at all? My sister-in-law had this type of rash for over a year and was eventually diagnosed with psoriasis. Once the doctor gave her the proper medication it was so much better and has been controlled ever since. Just a thought. Arla.
Did the dermatologist mention psoriasis at all? My sister-in-law had this type of rash for over a year and was eventually diagnosed with psoriasis. Once the doctor gave her the proper medication it was so much better and has been controlled ever since. Just a thought. Arla.
QUOTE (arla @ Aug 20 2007, 04:50 AM)
Hi Diane,
Did the dermatologist mention psoriasis at all? My sister-in-law had this type of rash for over a year and was eventually diagnosed with psoriasis. Once the doctor gave her the proper medication it was so much better and has been controlled ever since. Just a thought. Arla.
Did the dermatologist mention psoriasis at all? My sister-in-law had this type of rash for over a year and was eventually diagnosed with psoriasis. Once the doctor gave her the proper medication it was so much better and has been controlled ever since. Just a thought. Arla.
Hi Arla,
No, psoriasis was not mentioned by either my doctor or the dermatologist. I will see what they say when I have my follow-up appointment in October. I'm not sure what the correct treatment would be for this, other than the things I've already tried, but I will have another search. I have researched all manner of skin problems, but nothing quite matches this type of rash/itch problem.
QUOTE (DH59 @ Aug 19 2007, 04:32 PM)
Hi ozki, welcome to PS and thank you for responding to my post.
Crikey, two years. I was hoping for mine to go much sooner than this, but it appears to be hanging on. Mine also responds after a few days to whatever cream I put on, then starts to flare up again a few days later. Nothing seems to work to get rid of it altogether. I, too, can tell when it's spreading further, something which tells me it's fungal, but the hospital haven't contacted me about the skin scrapings, so presumably it wasn't fungal. The medications I got from the hospital were a strong steroid cream and some anti-histamine tablets, which are supposed to be non-drowsy, although I'm not too sure about that. I feel pretty groggy when I take them. I stopped taking them as they weren't really helping. My GP initially said it was a type of shingles, but this is not like any shingles I have heard about.
I scratched so hard the other day I have a nice wheal down my spine (the place causing the most irritation at the moment). Having said that, lately it does appear to be at least looking a bit better, even though it is still itching (some times more than others - mostly in the evening). All the angry-looking red raised spots are gone, but I am left with the overall darker skin colour, like sunburn or a birth mark, which is how it started) I am going to see a nutritional therapist in a couple of weeks, so we'll see what that turns up.
Currently, the things that relieve it most are Comfrey Cream, to which I have added a few drops of Tea Tree Oil (I've just run out of the cream so I need to order some more), or some aromatherapy base oil (Sweet Almond) with added oils of Peppermint, Lavender and Eucalyptus. These things are particularly soothing and I'm sure these have done more good than the prescription meds.
Crikey, two years. I was hoping for mine to go much sooner than this, but it appears to be hanging on. Mine also responds after a few days to whatever cream I put on, then starts to flare up again a few days later. Nothing seems to work to get rid of it altogether. I, too, can tell when it's spreading further, something which tells me it's fungal, but the hospital haven't contacted me about the skin scrapings, so presumably it wasn't fungal. The medications I got from the hospital were a strong steroid cream and some anti-histamine tablets, which are supposed to be non-drowsy, although I'm not too sure about that. I feel pretty groggy when I take them. I stopped taking them as they weren't really helping. My GP initially said it was a type of shingles, but this is not like any shingles I have heard about.
I scratched so hard the other day I have a nice wheal down my spine (the place causing the most irritation at the moment). Having said that, lately it does appear to be at least looking a bit better, even though it is still itching (some times more than others - mostly in the evening). All the angry-looking red raised spots are gone, but I am left with the overall darker skin colour, like sunburn or a birth mark, which is how it started) I am going to see a nutritional therapist in a couple of weeks, so we'll see what that turns up.
Currently, the things that relieve it most are Comfrey Cream, to which I have added a few drops of Tea Tree Oil (I've just run out of the cream so I need to order some more), or some aromatherapy base oil (Sweet Almond) with added oils of Peppermint, Lavender and Eucalyptus. These things are particularly soothing and I'm sure these have done more good than the prescription meds.
Hi diane
ty for the welcome to PS ... fab site, just dont find enough time to get here and read as often as i would like. hearinmg u speak of ur rash is like having a mirror image of myself and my rash on other side of the world lol ... by sound of ur scratching i think u should b wearing gloves to bed ...
I have just stoped using steriod creams and am trying emu oil with t.tree oil in it instead ..at present i still have mine contain to just my right hip again about 14cm long x 6cm wide, have been using emu cream (which i discovered online as something the aboriginies (Sp) used for all sorts of skin disorders and has now been approved as a medicine by the medical fraternity (white man medicine..)for about 5 day and welts r going down, the irritation (itch urge is still there and i take a pill at night) during day instead of scratching i pinch it hard till it hurts then it seems to disrupt the itch feeling for hr or 2 till i pinch again LOL sound wierd but works for me.
will keep u posted as to what happen with emu cream ... as at present it seems to have spread under control ( has not spread at all in 5 days)
As for psoriasis if u look that up online, ... seems to me that that is one of thoes names drs give things they have no idea about but do want everybody to have a label .... there is no know treatment for it, plus many thing about our rashes dont fit, eg it just around our midrift, no meantion of the dicoulouration we get
thing i find annoy is were mine is it hard not to irritate it as its right on pants line and so makes it easy to irritate it
lookforward to hearing ur update on how u going ... maybe between us we come find a cure ourselves... fingers Xed
QUOTE (DH59 @ Apr 23 2007, 04:56 AM)
Since about last June, I have had a rash spread around my waist area on the right side, which started as a small oval shape and has now spread slowly across towards my groin area at the front, and has reached my spine round the back.
I tried homeopathic remedies when it first appeared, which seemed to work OK in relieving the irritation, but the rash did not disappear totally and started up again as soon as I stopped. I have had two creams from the doctor, neither of which did any good. Sometimes it's quite benign, others, like this morning, the itching is constant. Luckily this is not the norm and mostly it's hardly noticeable, except when I look in the mirror and it's quite evident to look at.
I thought it was stress related at first, as it came at the same time as my IBS symptoms (which only lasted three/four months and has not returned - all this came about the time I discovered my H was getting into a relationship with another woman), but I am now getting to the point where I want this to go. I am making an appointment to see my doctor again.
Has anyone else suffered with this type of thing and what did they do? Is it peri? Can anything be done? Will this just go in its own time?
Diane
I tried homeopathic remedies when it first appeared, which seemed to work OK in relieving the irritation, but the rash did not disappear totally and started up again as soon as I stopped. I have had two creams from the doctor, neither of which did any good. Sometimes it's quite benign, others, like this morning, the itching is constant. Luckily this is not the norm and mostly it's hardly noticeable, except when I look in the mirror and it's quite evident to look at.
I thought it was stress related at first, as it came at the same time as my IBS symptoms (which only lasted three/four months and has not returned - all this came about the time I discovered my H was getting into a relationship with another woman), but I am now getting to the point where I want this to go. I am making an appointment to see my doctor again.
Has anyone else suffered with this type of thing and what did they do? Is it peri? Can anything be done? Will this just go in its own time?
Diane
diane :
has anyone suggested that waht u have may b shingles ???? it sounds like it 2 me . if so shingles r stress and nutrician related .
ozki: PS is indeed a great resource for us. I have found so much useful information here, and the support is immense. I get encouragement just reading the posts sometimes, as just a moment ago when I read about the yo-yo moods just coming on without warning.
That emu cream sounds interesting, and a quick Google tells me I can get it here in the UK. Might be something else to try!! That's good that it's stopping the spread of the rash. My rash is still driving me mad. It actually eased a bit while we were on holiday, but flared up again when we arrived home. Could be something in the water, I suppose. The cream and tablets from the hospital didn’t really do much, so I am now using comfrey cream with some tea-tree oil mixed in - and it seems to be soothing it better than the prescription stuff. It’s not getting rid of it though. I’m beginning to think I have this for some time to come. I’m going to the doc’s again this week, even though he didn’t want to see me for another three months (to review the Premarin he put me on last time I went). I have heard nothing from the hospital regarding the skin scraping results, as they said I would if the test was positive, so I’m presuming it wasn’t fungal, but I want to make sure they haven’t contacted the surgery and the doc is waiting for me to go and get something. I suppose it’s too much to hope that the surgery would have contacted me to come in, if they had received information from the hospital that it needed something other than steroid cream. A friend just 'phoned and mentioned a cream she used for bites. I just Googled that and it looks interesting - I might order some of that. It's called Propolis Skin Repair Creme, from a place in Wales.
I'm not sure it is psoriasis. And it's not behaving like shingles, either, so I don't really know what it is. I think mine is being irritated by the pants line, too. In fact I was half wondering if I could have become allergic to elastic.
mookiehantamom: The doctor mentioned early on that it was a 'type of shingles' but it's really not looking like it to me. I'm sure it would have responded to the creams by now if it was - I don't know. It certainly came on after my stressful time last year and my diet did go downhill then, too. Thanks for your good wishes.
That emu cream sounds interesting, and a quick Google tells me I can get it here in the UK. Might be something else to try!! That's good that it's stopping the spread of the rash. My rash is still driving me mad. It actually eased a bit while we were on holiday, but flared up again when we arrived home. Could be something in the water, I suppose. The cream and tablets from the hospital didn’t really do much, so I am now using comfrey cream with some tea-tree oil mixed in - and it seems to be soothing it better than the prescription stuff. It’s not getting rid of it though. I’m beginning to think I have this for some time to come. I’m going to the doc’s again this week, even though he didn’t want to see me for another three months (to review the Premarin he put me on last time I went). I have heard nothing from the hospital regarding the skin scraping results, as they said I would if the test was positive, so I’m presuming it wasn’t fungal, but I want to make sure they haven’t contacted the surgery and the doc is waiting for me to go and get something. I suppose it’s too much to hope that the surgery would have contacted me to come in, if they had received information from the hospital that it needed something other than steroid cream. A friend just 'phoned and mentioned a cream she used for bites. I just Googled that and it looks interesting - I might order some of that. It's called Propolis Skin Repair Creme, from a place in Wales.
I'm not sure it is psoriasis. And it's not behaving like shingles, either, so I don't really know what it is. I think mine is being irritated by the pants line, too. In fact I was half wondering if I could have become allergic to elastic.
mookiehantamom: The doctor mentioned early on that it was a 'type of shingles' but it's really not looking like it to me. I'm sure it would have responded to the creams by now if it was - I don't know. It certainly came on after my stressful time last year and my diet did go downhill then, too. Thanks for your good wishes.
Oh my goodness! I feel for you. My first idea too would be shingles. But like you say, doesn't seem to be behaving like them. Shingles are extremely painful to the touch and you can't stand having anything touching them. I had excema as a child and sometimes would get weeping ulcerating wounds, bubbles, itchites, dry flaking skin, a nightmare. It went away as soon as I moved away from a pesticide laden area where we were living. I would immediately start consuming a walloping soup spoon full of flax seed oil, organic daily. On top of that I'd take vit E, vitamin D, and cod liver oil or fish omega 3 capsules. I'd also look in to a glandualr support for your adrenals. I don't like taking them but they do work. You need an extra boost to overcome this histamine itchy scratchy routine, your adrenals are working overtime and probably exhausted which sets off more stress physically and mentally...I'd do a full body de-tox with liquid bentonite clay shaken in to psyllium seed and flax seed powder, daily enemas or a series of colonics, the works. Sonnes intestinal cleanse has great products and system, they've been around forever. Clean everything up, shake it up and work on de-stressing your life, maybe some physiological quieting tapes to listen to before bed where you go through all areas and muscle groups of your body and bring your awareness there to relax....Skin conditions need plenty of nutritional support and a relaxed mind, and a clean intestinal system...You'll feel better besides! Hope this helps!
oops also forgot to say, when I was young I was EXTREMELY allergic to elastics!!! Shoes dyes, perfumes, etc. But elastic was a big no-no. Especially sweating with it around the legs, waist, bra straps etc., I'd have welts for weeks and weeks. Please consider the nutritional approach. It really is the only way to treat the symtpoms and causes ultimately, and can't hurt.
fofura,
Just curious. What can you use to support your adrenals? I have had a really nasty itchy rash on my forearm for almost 4 years. It looks gray when it is dry and after I shower it looks like a burn or a bruise. It itches sometimes so bad I make it bleed. Other times it don't itch, it's just really dry and it's really flaky. I can't get rid of it. I went to a dermatolagist 3 yrs ago and he said it is neurodermatitis but the stuff he gave me didn't get rid of it and it cost me almost $400.00 for the apt. and the meds so I didn't go back. Just wondering. I don't know if it is exzema or psoriasis or from hormones. I don't have it anywhere else.
Susie
Just curious. What can you use to support your adrenals? I have had a really nasty itchy rash on my forearm for almost 4 years. It looks gray when it is dry and after I shower it looks like a burn or a bruise. It itches sometimes so bad I make it bleed. Other times it don't itch, it's just really dry and it's really flaky. I can't get rid of it. I went to a dermatolagist 3 yrs ago and he said it is neurodermatitis but the stuff he gave me didn't get rid of it and it cost me almost $400.00 for the apt. and the meds so I didn't go back. Just wondering. I don't know if it is exzema or psoriasis or from hormones. I don't have it anywhere else.
Susie
QUOTE (DH59 @ Aug 28 2007, 03:42 PM)
ozki: PS is indeed a great resource for us. I have found so much useful information here, and the support is immense. I get encouragement just reading the posts sometimes, as just a moment ago when I read about the yo-yo moods just coming on without warning.
That emu cream sounds interesting, and a quick Google tells me I can get it here in the UK. Might be something else to try!! That's good that it's stopping the spread of the rash. My rash is still driving me mad. It actually eased a bit while we were on holiday, but flared up again when we arrived home. Could be something in the water, I suppose. The cream and tablets from the hospital didn’t really do much, so I am now using comfrey cream with some tea-tree oil mixed in - and it seems to be soothing it better than the prescription stuff. It’s not getting rid of it though. I’m beginning to think I have this for some time to come. I’m going to the doc’s again this week, even though he didn’t want to see me for another three months (to review the Premarin he put me on last time I went). I have heard nothing from the hospital regarding the skin scraping results, as they said I would if the test was positive, so I’m presuming it wasn’t fungal, but I want to make sure they haven’t contacted the surgery and the doc is waiting for me to go and get something. I suppose it’s too much to hope that the surgery would have contacted me to come in, if they had received information from the hospital that it needed something other than steroid cream. A friend just 'phoned and mentioned a cream she used for bites. I just Googled that and it looks interesting - I might order some of that. It's called Propolis Skin Repair Creme, from a place in Wales.
I'm not sure it is psoriasis. And it's not behaving like shingles, either, so I don't really know what it is. I think mine is being irritated by the pants line, too. In fact I was half wondering if I could have become allergic to elastic.
mookiehantamom: The doctor mentioned early on that it was a 'type of shingles' but it's really not looking like it to me. I'm sure it would have responded to the creams by now if it was - I don't know. It certainly came on after my stressful time last year and my diet did go downhill then, too. Thanks for your good wishes.
That emu cream sounds interesting, and a quick Google tells me I can get it here in the UK. Might be something else to try!! That's good that it's stopping the spread of the rash. My rash is still driving me mad. It actually eased a bit while we were on holiday, but flared up again when we arrived home. Could be something in the water, I suppose. The cream and tablets from the hospital didn’t really do much, so I am now using comfrey cream with some tea-tree oil mixed in - and it seems to be soothing it better than the prescription stuff. It’s not getting rid of it though. I’m beginning to think I have this for some time to come. I’m going to the doc’s again this week, even though he didn’t want to see me for another three months (to review the Premarin he put me on last time I went). I have heard nothing from the hospital regarding the skin scraping results, as they said I would if the test was positive, so I’m presuming it wasn’t fungal, but I want to make sure they haven’t contacted the surgery and the doc is waiting for me to go and get something. I suppose it’s too much to hope that the surgery would have contacted me to come in, if they had received information from the hospital that it needed something other than steroid cream. A friend just 'phoned and mentioned a cream she used for bites. I just Googled that and it looks interesting - I might order some of that. It's called Propolis Skin Repair Creme, from a place in Wales.
I'm not sure it is psoriasis. And it's not behaving like shingles, either, so I don't really know what it is. I think mine is being irritated by the pants line, too. In fact I was half wondering if I could have become allergic to elastic.
mookiehantamom: The doctor mentioned early on that it was a 'type of shingles' but it's really not looking like it to me. I'm sure it would have responded to the creams by now if it was - I don't know. It certainly came on after my stressful time last year and my diet did go downhill then, too. Thanks for your good wishes.
Google is fabulous for finding things isn't it thats how i 1st read about emu oil.... how did we ever get on before the net and google. 
Im still using the emu and t tree oil and even though it has taken the red weltiness of it away and i have had some more spreading, but i did also have a couple of day when i only used the cream once a day thinking it was improving and that could be when the spread started, or could also be that it spread on my back where its harder to put cream on and maybe i was missing the end bit, who knows ... sure wish some1 did LOL ... i cant believe how it still so irritating, and for me the irritation feels like it is under my skin more than on top( if u know what i mean ) hard to discribe.
NZ is big on bees and Propolis stuff and i tried some a while back now and was not as effective as steriod creams or the emu & t tree oil .. another thing i tried was pawpaw ointment which also only easied it stightly... but who knows it may work for u. Hope u get some imput from ur Dr when u go, so frustrating not knowing how to treat it or what it is. Hope ur still not scratching at it as u were last time u wrote here.
Something i have been wondering latly, is if mine is actually a reaction to FLuox (prozac) ... i have to check with my dr as to her records as when it started in relation to me being on fluox for depression for about 1yr , about the time, i think the rash started ... this most recent flare up of it definatly restared when i have again been put on Fluox in much lower does (20MG daily) for hot flushes and night sweats.... I no longer have any flushes or night sweats at all ... which is awsome but this rash has worsened. Am wondering as u were going though a rough patch in life when urs started if by chance u were taking prozac at all.
Totally agree with u about PS ... awsome site and have recomended it to many friends whom like myself r menaposal and looking for ways to cope with symptom that seem to come with it.
take care and try not to scratch
QUOTE (fofura @ Sep 7 2007, 08:23 PM)
Oh my goodness! I feel for you. My first idea too would be shingles. But like you say, doesn't seem to be behaving like them. Shingles are extremely painful to the touch and you can't stand having anything touching them. I had excema as a child and sometimes would get weeping ulcerating wounds, bubbles, itchites, dry flaking skin, a nightmare. It went away as soon as I moved away from a pesticide laden area where we were living. I would immediately start consuming a walloping soup spoon full of flax seed oil, organic daily. On top of that I'd take vit E, vitamin D, and cod liver oil or fish omega 3 capsules. I'd also look in to a glandualr support for your adrenals. I don't like taking them but they do work. You need an extra boost to overcome this histamine itchy scratchy routine, your adrenals are working overtime and probably exhausted which sets off more stress physically and mentally...I'd do a full body de-tox with liquid bentonite clay shaken in to psyllium seed and flax seed powder, daily enemas or a series of colonics, the works. Sonnes intestinal cleanse has great products and system, they've been around forever. Clean everything up, shake it up and work on de-stressing your life, maybe some physiological quieting tapes to listen to before bed where you go through all areas and muscle groups of your body and bring your awareness there to relax....Skin conditions need plenty of nutritional support and a relaxed mind, and a clean intestinal system...You'll feel better besides! Hope this helps!Fofura, thanks for ur imput :)my diet is definatly not the best ... so next week i will be off to heathfood store to see what is available here from things u say. Im already taking fish omega caps and primrose caps and a multi vit tab .. and meditate twice a day most days sometimes only once if things r too rushed .... but know a full detox would do no harm and been long time since i have done 1
Im off to google a glandular support for your adrenals now as i know nothing about them at all
cheers ozki
Hi DH59,
I had a rash just like that on the side of my neck, I don't know how it started but I think the seat belt in my car aggravated it -- anyway the only thing that
helped was baking soda. I would make a baking soda and water paste -- it's hard to put on because you have to do it a bit at a time in layers. Then I'd try
not move around too much for as long as possible, because when it dries it flakes off. However after it flakes off there's still a thin coating of baking
soda that stays. The rash is almost gone -- I haven't done the baking soda thing for about a week so I have to do it again.
I know it's a weird remedy - not very convenient - but it also works really well for bad insect bites, bee stings etc.
Hope you find something that works!
Jocelan
I had a rash just like that on the side of my neck, I don't know how it started but I think the seat belt in my car aggravated it -- anyway the only thing that
helped was baking soda. I would make a baking soda and water paste -- it's hard to put on because you have to do it a bit at a time in layers. Then I'd try
not move around too much for as long as possible, because when it dries it flakes off. However after it flakes off there's still a thin coating of baking
soda that stays. The rash is almost gone -- I haven't done the baking soda thing for about a week so I have to do it again.
I know it's a weird remedy - not very convenient - but it also works really well for bad insect bites, bee stings etc.
Hope you find something that works!
Jocelan
Well, I haven't been on in a couple of days, and I came on to post an update and find these new posts! Thanks for all the comments and advice everyone.
fofura: I've been taking vit E, vit D and omega 3 oil capsules, although I have stopped everything now in order to get back to basics, see which symptoms return (other than the rash which is ongoing) and then decide what to recommence. After reading a thread here on PS, I looked into Adrenal Fatigue and looked up a therapist in my area. I actually had a consultation with her the other night and she's worked out a dietary regime that includes some adrenal support. She explained more or less what you mention in your post, about the body working overtime and causing physical and mental stress. I've ordered some supplements on her instructions, which came today, and this includes something called Adrenogen (others are a multi-nutrient and a vit C complex). I also have to do a hair mineral analysis and see her again in 4 weeks. The regime also includes a liver detox and blood sugar regulation, based on other information I gave her. I have also had a couple of hypnotherapy sessions, which I am trying to use at home where possible. I think that has helped to calm me down a little from all the other stresses I've been under this past year. So, I do hope that these things I'm now doing are the answer.
ozki: I tried the propolis cream and it soothed it a bit, but not a great amount. Also a bit greasy. I know what you mean about the itch being under the skin - very hard to relieve even with vigorous scratching! I can't reach mine at the back to get cream on, so hubby creams me up every night and morning!! It has spread more, though, even though he goes beyond the border of the rash with whatever the 'cream of the day' is.
I wasn't taking any medication when this started. The rough patch I had (discovering my H's affair) was sudden and these symptoms came on immediately at that time. The doc did later put me on ADs, but I didn't take them for very long, and this rash was already well established then.
Jocelan: That sounds an interesting remedy, if not very convenient. I think it would be too much on a work-day, and I would need a tub each time, as it covers quite an extensive area around my middle.
Anyway, as well as visiting the hypnotherapist and the nutritional therapist, I also had to visit the doctors this week, as I was getting quite depressed about this rash not improving, and having to wait so long for the follow up appointment at the hospital dermatology clinic. He told me to immediately call the clinic to get an urgent appointment and to tell him if I had any problem. They have fitted me in on Monday afternoon of next week.
After making this appointment, I tried a lotion that I bought some time ago and only used a couple of times, in between the other things I was trying. It is 15% tea tree lotion - very liquid as it's in alcohol rather than a base oil - and it evaporates quite quickly when applied. This time I used it for a couple of days, rather than intermittently, and I have to say that the rash is already looking better. Not perfect, and there is a long way to go, but it looks and feels better, making me think that it may be fungal after all, even though neither myself or the doc had heard from the hospital with any results from the skin scraping. Then again, it could be coincidence that it's improved slightly. Either way, I don't care as it's a lot less irritating. Even when it's not making me scratch it, it still had that 'crawling' feeling. We'll see what this and the nutrition regime does. I am more hopeful now.
fofura: I've been taking vit E, vit D and omega 3 oil capsules, although I have stopped everything now in order to get back to basics, see which symptoms return (other than the rash which is ongoing) and then decide what to recommence. After reading a thread here on PS, I looked into Adrenal Fatigue and looked up a therapist in my area. I actually had a consultation with her the other night and she's worked out a dietary regime that includes some adrenal support. She explained more or less what you mention in your post, about the body working overtime and causing physical and mental stress. I've ordered some supplements on her instructions, which came today, and this includes something called Adrenogen (others are a multi-nutrient and a vit C complex). I also have to do a hair mineral analysis and see her again in 4 weeks. The regime also includes a liver detox and blood sugar regulation, based on other information I gave her. I have also had a couple of hypnotherapy sessions, which I am trying to use at home where possible. I think that has helped to calm me down a little from all the other stresses I've been under this past year. So, I do hope that these things I'm now doing are the answer.
ozki: I tried the propolis cream and it soothed it a bit, but not a great amount. Also a bit greasy. I know what you mean about the itch being under the skin - very hard to relieve even with vigorous scratching! I can't reach mine at the back to get cream on, so hubby creams me up every night and morning!! It has spread more, though, even though he goes beyond the border of the rash with whatever the 'cream of the day' is.
I wasn't taking any medication when this started. The rough patch I had (discovering my H's affair) was sudden and these symptoms came on immediately at that time. The doc did later put me on ADs, but I didn't take them for very long, and this rash was already well established then.
Jocelan: That sounds an interesting remedy, if not very convenient. I think it would be too much on a work-day, and I would need a tub each time, as it covers quite an extensive area around my middle.
Anyway, as well as visiting the hypnotherapist and the nutritional therapist, I also had to visit the doctors this week, as I was getting quite depressed about this rash not improving, and having to wait so long for the follow up appointment at the hospital dermatology clinic. He told me to immediately call the clinic to get an urgent appointment and to tell him if I had any problem. They have fitted me in on Monday afternoon of next week.
After making this appointment, I tried a lotion that I bought some time ago and only used a couple of times, in between the other things I was trying. It is 15% tea tree lotion - very liquid as it's in alcohol rather than a base oil - and it evaporates quite quickly when applied. This time I used it for a couple of days, rather than intermittently, and I have to say that the rash is already looking better. Not perfect, and there is a long way to go, but it looks and feels better, making me think that it may be fungal after all, even though neither myself or the doc had heard from the hospital with any results from the skin scraping. Then again, it could be coincidence that it's improved slightly. Either way, I don't care as it's a lot less irritating. Even when it's not making me scratch it, it still had that 'crawling' feeling. We'll see what this and the nutrition regime does. I am more hopeful now.
wow Diane, what a busy week u have had with all those visits, So glad to hear u got another appointment with clinic so fast and that ur dr sees it as being urgent. Will b thinking of u on monday - fingers Xed for some resolution for u.
after reading fofura post today and googling Adrenal Fatigue, I will be trying to get an appointment next week with a natrapath here in Nz to look into getting some suplements or an assement at least.
Way past my bed time here as i have been watch world cup rugby, but after a sleep i may even try a tub of baking soda ... even though is sound very messy and time consuming.. sunday here todaay so in no rush to go anywhere.. may need more than a pack to cover mine... but if it stops the crawling underskin feeling would be worth a try, only time i donty have that crawling feeling is about 30mins after an antihistamine.
wish u a good week end now ur feeling more hopeful.
after reading fofura post today and googling Adrenal Fatigue, I will be trying to get an appointment next week with a natrapath here in Nz to look into getting some suplements or an assement at least.
Way past my bed time here as i have been watch world cup rugby, but after a sleep i may even try a tub of baking soda ... even though is sound very messy and time consuming.. sunday here todaay so in no rush to go anywhere.. may need more than a pack to cover mine... but if it stops the crawling underskin feeling would be worth a try, only time i donty have that crawling feeling is about 30mins after an antihistamine.
wish u a good week end now ur feeling more hopeful.
QUOTE (ozki @ Sep 8 2007, 04:19 PM)
wow Diane, what a busy week u have had with all those visits, So glad to hear u got another appointment with clinic so fast and that ur dr sees it as being urgent. Will b thinking of u on monday - fingers Xed for some resolution for u.
after reading fofura post today and googling Adrenal Fatigue, I will be trying to get an appointment next week with a natrapath here in Nz to look into getting some suplements or an assement at least.
Way past my bed time here as i have been watch world cup rugby, but after a sleep i may even try a tub of baking soda ... even though is sound very messy and time consuming.. sunday here todaay so in no rush to go anywhere.. may need more than a pack to cover mine... but if it stops the crawling underskin feeling would be worth a try, only time i donty have that crawling feeling is about 30mins after an antihistamine.
wish u a good week end now ur feeling more hopeful.
after reading fofura post today and googling Adrenal Fatigue, I will be trying to get an appointment next week with a natrapath here in Nz to look into getting some suplements or an assement at least.
Way past my bed time here as i have been watch world cup rugby, but after a sleep i may even try a tub of baking soda ... even though is sound very messy and time consuming.. sunday here todaay so in no rush to go anywhere.. may need more than a pack to cover mine... but if it stops the crawling underskin feeling would be worth a try, only time i donty have that crawling feeling is about 30mins after an antihistamine.
wish u a good week end now ur feeling more hopeful.
Thank you for your kind thoughts. Yes, it's been a busy week. Just chilling out now. We were going to do some shopping today, but I awoke with a headache, not sure why, and haven't felt like going out at all. The 'muzziness' stayed till about lunchtime. Hubby is watching football now and I'm trying to update my blog, which is well behind with my news. I had to go and put some more lotion on my rash a while ago, and that seems to have eased it again - it's just a bit at the front that still looks a bit livid and itches most.
There is another thread on here about AF, the one that got me thinking about investigating it further. Hope you get to see someone and find out if it is a problem for you.
Well, I think I would have to buy shares in the baking soda companies, I would have to use so much!!
Take care.
Well, another update, and I'm not a happy bunny!!
At my hastily arranged dermatology appointment yesterday, the first thing the doctor asked was whether I had received her letter, sent a couple of weeks after the appointment where they took skin scrapings. On my blank look, she deduced that I had not received any letter. Apparently she wrote to me and my GP to say that there were signs of a fungal infection. I don't know whether she was instructing me to go to my GP for further treatment or back to the hospital. However, I am pretty annoyed that there is a letter sitting somewhere that could have meant I get some treatment a lot earlier than now. And goodness knows what I would have been like had I waited till my official follow-up appointment of the 24th October, and had not gone to my GP's last week to try and get something done.
She prescribed some anti-fungal tablets for six weeks, and I will keep that October appointment as a follow-up to yesterday's visit. I am going to continue to use the 15% tea tree, as that is the best thing I've used so far that keeps the irritation at a bearable level (even more of a sign that it's fungal).
I think, as I have always suffered on and off with Athlete's Foot, that somehow the shock and stress of last year may have caused the fungus to spread to other areas of the body and come out in this rash. My feet are fine at the moment, apart from some obvious involvement of the toe nails, which I have always had. So, hopefully, this treatment will clear that up as well.
So, I'm not happy about the hospital mess-up, but I'm happy that I now have a definite diagnosis which can be treated correctly.
At my hastily arranged dermatology appointment yesterday, the first thing the doctor asked was whether I had received her letter, sent a couple of weeks after the appointment where they took skin scrapings. On my blank look, she deduced that I had not received any letter. Apparently she wrote to me and my GP to say that there were signs of a fungal infection. I don't know whether she was instructing me to go to my GP for further treatment or back to the hospital. However, I am pretty annoyed that there is a letter sitting somewhere that could have meant I get some treatment a lot earlier than now. And goodness knows what I would have been like had I waited till my official follow-up appointment of the 24th October, and had not gone to my GP's last week to try and get something done.
She prescribed some anti-fungal tablets for six weeks, and I will keep that October appointment as a follow-up to yesterday's visit. I am going to continue to use the 15% tea tree, as that is the best thing I've used so far that keeps the irritation at a bearable level (even more of a sign that it's fungal).
I think, as I have always suffered on and off with Athlete's Foot, that somehow the shock and stress of last year may have caused the fungus to spread to other areas of the body and come out in this rash. My feet are fine at the moment, apart from some obvious involvement of the toe nails, which I have always had. So, hopefully, this treatment will clear that up as well.
So, I'm not happy about the hospital mess-up, but I'm happy that I now have a definite diagnosis which can be treated correctly.
QUOTE (DH59 @ Sep 11 2007, 07:09 AM)
Well, another update, and I'm not a happy bunny!!
At my hastily arranged dermatology appointment yesterday, the first thing the doctor asked was whether I had received her letter, sent a couple of weeks after the appointment where they took skin scrapings. On my blank look, she deduced that I had not received any letter. Apparently she wrote to me and my GP to say that there were signs of a fungal infection. I don't know whether she was instructing me to go to my GP for further treatment or back to the hospital. However, I am pretty annoyed that there is a letter sitting somewhere that could have meant I get some treatment a lot earlier than now. And goodness knows what I would have been like had I waited till my official follow-up appointment of the 24th October, and had not gone to my GP's last week to try and get something done.
She prescribed some anti-fungal tablets for six weeks, and I will keep that October appointment as a follow-up to yesterday's visit. I am going to continue to use the 15% tea tree, as that is the best thing I've used so far that keeps the irritation at a bearable level (even more of a sign that it's fungal).
I think, as I have always suffered on and off with Athlete's Foot, that somehow the shock and stress of last year may have caused the fungus to spread to other areas of the body and come out in this rash. My feet are fine at the moment, apart from some obvious involvement of the toe nails, which I have always had. So, hopefully, this treatment will clear that up as well.
So, I'm not happy about the hospital mess-up, but I'm happy that I now have a definite diagnosis which can be treated correctly.
At my hastily arranged dermatology appointment yesterday, the first thing the doctor asked was whether I had received her letter, sent a couple of weeks after the appointment where they took skin scrapings. On my blank look, she deduced that I had not received any letter. Apparently she wrote to me and my GP to say that there were signs of a fungal infection. I don't know whether she was instructing me to go to my GP for further treatment or back to the hospital. However, I am pretty annoyed that there is a letter sitting somewhere that could have meant I get some treatment a lot earlier than now. And goodness knows what I would have been like had I waited till my official follow-up appointment of the 24th October, and had not gone to my GP's last week to try and get something done.
She prescribed some anti-fungal tablets for six weeks, and I will keep that October appointment as a follow-up to yesterday's visit. I am going to continue to use the 15% tea tree, as that is the best thing I've used so far that keeps the irritation at a bearable level (even more of a sign that it's fungal).
I think, as I have always suffered on and off with Athlete's Foot, that somehow the shock and stress of last year may have caused the fungus to spread to other areas of the body and come out in this rash. My feet are fine at the moment, apart from some obvious involvement of the toe nails, which I have always had. So, hopefully, this treatment will clear that up as well.
So, I'm not happy about the hospital mess-up, but I'm happy that I now have a definite diagnosis which can be treated correctly.
Fantastic new Diane hope the anti fungals do there work, make me wonder if mine is fungal too as the emu oil also has 15% t.tree in it. Is anti-fungal tablets for six weeks the momal time of taking it or is that cos treatment was so late in coming?
Very slack about the letters i dought they were written as strange both go missing
I did try the baking soda PMSL without much succes ... a lot of mess though, but have continued with emu/t tree oil and seems to be settleing down and not crawling.. fingers Xed ... i cant get appoint at natrapath for 3weeks *sighs* but have read some of thread on AF here, will co back and finish reading when i can.
Will also try to get dr to refer me for a scarping if i havent fixed it first ... she has always said it not worth doing ... plus hate to think what waiting list is like for that .. i waited a yr to get an urgent bone scan done .. ur health system has really gone down the tubes.
keep us posted Diane on how its working, I hope 4 u that some quick results r seen.
Hi ozki,
The doc went for a six week course in order to treat my feet as well. Otherwise, she was thinking of four weeks. Although I suspect that, had it been discovered the rash was fungal a few months ago, i.e. when I first went to the doctors with it, it would be well and truly cleared up by now, as it wasn't so extensive an area then.
Wow, a year for an urgent scan. That's not very good. My first appointment at the dermatology clinic (when I had the scrapings) came through for about six weeks after seeing my doctor, but then they postponed it a couple of times, so it ended up being a couple of weeks longer. All in all, this has been a real mess up. I think if it's something you have had for some time, then a scraping IS worth doing, if only to rule out fungal. Sounds like they can't be bothered.
The doc went for a six week course in order to treat my feet as well. Otherwise, she was thinking of four weeks. Although I suspect that, had it been discovered the rash was fungal a few months ago, i.e. when I first went to the doctors with it, it would be well and truly cleared up by now, as it wasn't so extensive an area then.
Wow, a year for an urgent scan. That's not very good. My first appointment at the dermatology clinic (when I had the scrapings) came through for about six weeks after seeing my doctor, but then they postponed it a couple of times, so it ended up being a couple of weeks longer. All in all, this has been a real mess up. I think if it's something you have had for some time, then a scraping IS worth doing, if only to rule out fungal. Sounds like they can't be bothered.
Hi Diane
hope the anti fungal have started to ease ur rash.
I think with me the problem is my dr see my rash as least of my problems, I also have progressive MS which i had my 1st attck of when i was only 21, now 50 and quiet disabled by it. Plus i am also a breast cancer survior twice, now having lost both breasts but at least i am still alive ... so to the dr a rash seems like a non event in my medical history ... when i go to dr next time ( to get my scan results in 2 weeks) i will be asking for a scraping or some anti fungal treatment after reading ur story as im sure mine is fungal too ... until then i will conitune with emu/t tree oil which seems to be making it improve slowly
hope ur week is going well and ur rash is disappearing, take care
ozki
hope the anti fungal have started to ease ur rash.
I think with me the problem is my dr see my rash as least of my problems, I also have progressive MS which i had my 1st attck of when i was only 21, now 50 and quiet disabled by it. Plus i am also a breast cancer survior twice, now having lost both breasts but at least i am still alive ... so to the dr a rash seems like a non event in my medical history ... when i go to dr next time ( to get my scan results in 2 weeks) i will be asking for a scraping or some anti fungal treatment after reading ur story as im sure mine is fungal too ... until then i will conitune with emu/t tree oil which seems to be making it improve slowly
hope ur week is going well and ur rash is disappearing, take care
ozki
OK, another update. I am quite nervous about saying things are improving, because every time I've done that in the past it's all gone horribly wrong again!! But, the rash is getting better - still itching occasionally, but better, nevertheless, and after only one week of the six week course.
I mentioned this (via email) to the nutritionist that I saw the other week, and she said that she thought it looked fungal and was going to suggest some nutritional support for this once she saw how I responded to the dietary regime she gave me. I have done some research myself, and will consider it after my next appointment with her. On that note, I am feeling better overall, and I have had a couple of nights of reasonable sleep for the first time in ages. I started taking a magnesium powder drink (which I saw recommended on here somewhere), and the nutritionist said to continue this. I was taking it late at night, before going to bed, but the last couple of nights I've taken it a bit earlier, mostly due to the fact that I also have to have a drink of hot water with lemon and root ginger in, and it was a bit much taking them both together. I don't know whether that has had the desired effect, or whether it's all the other things I'm doing that are helping. I don't care, I am just glad of the sleep!!
I still have some itching in other areas, but no rashes. One in particular around the lower leg just below knee joint, which mostly comes on when I have worn full length pop-socks (elastic or nylon allergy?), but then again the whole lower leg was irritating me the other day. This was possibly still the nylon irritation calming down, but I did think it could be the anti-fungal side effect. Anyway, a bit of hydrocortisone or some other cream from my stock and it calms down.
A letter came from the hospital on Saturday. It was about my skin scraping results. Surprise, surprise, it told me I had a fungal infection and was to see my doctor if the cream they gave me (back in July) was not working. The letter was dated 11th September, my emergency appointment was on the 10th!! Do you think maybe this was sent as a result of me losing my temper at that appointment when told that I should have received a letter three weeks previously?? If so, they could at least have worded it to reflect that appointment, not act as if nothing had happened since I went in July. I'm not sure whether my doctor has received one.
I mentioned this (via email) to the nutritionist that I saw the other week, and she said that she thought it looked fungal and was going to suggest some nutritional support for this once she saw how I responded to the dietary regime she gave me. I have done some research myself, and will consider it after my next appointment with her. On that note, I am feeling better overall, and I have had a couple of nights of reasonable sleep for the first time in ages. I started taking a magnesium powder drink (which I saw recommended on here somewhere), and the nutritionist said to continue this. I was taking it late at night, before going to bed, but the last couple of nights I've taken it a bit earlier, mostly due to the fact that I also have to have a drink of hot water with lemon and root ginger in, and it was a bit much taking them both together. I don't know whether that has had the desired effect, or whether it's all the other things I'm doing that are helping. I don't care, I am just glad of the sleep!!
I still have some itching in other areas, but no rashes. One in particular around the lower leg just below knee joint, which mostly comes on when I have worn full length pop-socks (elastic or nylon allergy?), but then again the whole lower leg was irritating me the other day. This was possibly still the nylon irritation calming down, but I did think it could be the anti-fungal side effect. Anyway, a bit of hydrocortisone or some other cream from my stock and it calms down.
A letter came from the hospital on Saturday. It was about my skin scraping results. Surprise, surprise, it told me I had a fungal infection and was to see my doctor if the cream they gave me (back in July) was not working. The letter was dated 11th September, my emergency appointment was on the 10th!! Do you think maybe this was sent as a result of me losing my temper at that appointment when told that I should have received a letter three weeks previously?? If so, they could at least have worded it to reflect that appointment, not act as if nothing had happened since I went in July. I'm not sure whether my doctor has received one.
QUOTE (ozki @ Sep 12 2007, 03:18 AM)
Hi Diane
hope the anti fungal have started to ease ur rash.
I think with me the problem is my dr see my rash as least of my problems, I also have progressive MS which i had my 1st attck of when i was only 21, now 50 and quiet disabled by it. Plus i am also a breast cancer survior twice, now having lost both breasts but at least i am still alive ... so to the dr a rash seems like a non event in my medical history ... when i go to dr next time ( to get my scan results in 2 weeks) i will be asking for a scraping or some anti fungal treatment after reading ur story as im sure mine is fungal too ... until then i will conitune with emu/t tree oil which seems to be making it improve slowly
hope ur week is going well and ur rash is disappearing, take care
ozki
hope the anti fungal have started to ease ur rash.
I think with me the problem is my dr see my rash as least of my problems, I also have progressive MS which i had my 1st attck of when i was only 21, now 50 and quiet disabled by it. Plus i am also a breast cancer survior twice, now having lost both breasts but at least i am still alive ... so to the dr a rash seems like a non event in my medical history ... when i go to dr next time ( to get my scan results in 2 weeks) i will be asking for a scraping or some anti fungal treatment after reading ur story as im sure mine is fungal too ... until then i will conitune with emu/t tree oil which seems to be making it improve slowly
hope ur week is going well and ur rash is disappearing, take care
ozki
Hi ozki,
You certainly appear to have been through the wars!! I would push for the skin test, too, if I were you. It certainly can't hurt so that at least you can get the correct treatment if that's what it is. I know how debilitating this was/is for me, so to get a definitive diagnosis would, I am sure, ease your mind. I think the tea tree and similar natural remedies would work eventually, but natural remedies do take longer than 'proper' medication, and I don't think I was very keen on waiting that long, after over a year of it.
QUOTE (DH59 @ Sep 18 2007, 09:20 AM)
OK, another update. I am quite nervous about saying things are improving, because every time I've done that in the past it's all gone horribly wrong again!! But, the rash is getting better - still itching occasionally, but better, nevertheless, and after only one week of the six week course.
I mentioned this (via email) to the nutritionist that I saw the other week, and she said that she thought it looked fungal and was going to suggest some nutritional support for this once she saw how I responded to the dietary regime she gave me. I have done some research myself, and will consider it after my next appointment with her. On that note, I am feeling better overall, and I have had a couple of nights of reasonable sleep for the first time in ages. I started taking a magnesium powder drink (which I saw recommended on here somewhere), and the nutritionist said to continue this. I was taking it late at night, before going to bed, but the last couple of nights I've taken it a bit earlier, mostly due to the fact that I also have to have a drink of hot water with lemon and root ginger in, and it was a bit much taking them both together. I don't know whether that has had the desired effect, or whether it's all the other things I'm doing that are helping. I don't care, I am just glad of the sleep!!
I still have some itching in other areas, but no rashes. One in particular around the lower leg just below knee joint, which mostly comes on when I have worn full length pop-socks (elastic or nylon allergy?), but then again the whole lower leg was irritating me the other day. This was possibly still the nylon irritation calming down, but I did think it could be the anti-fungal side effect. Anyway, a bit of hydrocortisone or some other cream from my stock and it calms down.
A letter came from the hospital on Saturday. It was about my skin scraping results. Surprise, surprise, it told me I had a fungal infection and was to see my doctor if the cream they gave me (back in July) was not working. The letter was dated 11th September, my emergency appointment was on the 10th!! Do you think maybe this was sent as a result of me losing my temper at that appointment when told that I should have received a letter three weeks previously?? If so, they could at least have worded it to reflect that appointment, not act as if nothing had happened since I went in July. I'm not sure whether my doctor has received one.
I mentioned this (via email) to the nutritionist that I saw the other week, and she said that she thought it looked fungal and was going to suggest some nutritional support for this once she saw how I responded to the dietary regime she gave me. I have done some research myself, and will consider it after my next appointment with her. On that note, I am feeling better overall, and I have had a couple of nights of reasonable sleep for the first time in ages. I started taking a magnesium powder drink (which I saw recommended on here somewhere), and the nutritionist said to continue this. I was taking it late at night, before going to bed, but the last couple of nights I've taken it a bit earlier, mostly due to the fact that I also have to have a drink of hot water with lemon and root ginger in, and it was a bit much taking them both together. I don't know whether that has had the desired effect, or whether it's all the other things I'm doing that are helping. I don't care, I am just glad of the sleep!!
I still have some itching in other areas, but no rashes. One in particular around the lower leg just below knee joint, which mostly comes on when I have worn full length pop-socks (elastic or nylon allergy?), but then again the whole lower leg was irritating me the other day. This was possibly still the nylon irritation calming down, but I did think it could be the anti-fungal side effect. Anyway, a bit of hydrocortisone or some other cream from my stock and it calms down.
A letter came from the hospital on Saturday. It was about my skin scraping results. Surprise, surprise, it told me I had a fungal infection and was to see my doctor if the cream they gave me (back in July) was not working. The letter was dated 11th September, my emergency appointment was on the 10th!! Do you think maybe this was sent as a result of me losing my temper at that appointment when told that I should have received a letter three weeks previously?? If so, they could at least have worded it to reflect that appointment, not act as if nothing had happened since I went in July. I'm not sure whether my doctor has received one.
HiDiane
Good to read ur update and that u r seeing and feeling results, i do understand ur nervousness about saying things are improving - its almost like u dont w3ant to jinx it as u know u have though it improving before. Hope the itcyness on ur leg doesn't come to anything and ur healing continues.
The letter sound like hospital covering up for not sending it ay all, otherwise they would have send a copy of the original and another about the emergency app u had , IMHO .. there neglegence has made u suffer longer.
fingers Xed ur on the way to being rash free.
ozki
QUOTE (DH59 @ Sep 18 2007, 09:30 AM)
Hi ozki,
You certainly appear to have been through the wars!! I would push for the skin test, too, if I were you. It certainly can't hurt so that at least you can get the correct treatment if that's what it is. I know how debilitating this was/is for me, so to get a definitive diagnosis would, I am sure, ease your mind. I think the tea tree and similar natural remedies would work eventually, but natural remedies do take longer than 'proper' medication, and I don't think I was very keen on waiting that long, after over a year of it.
You certainly appear to have been through the wars!! I would push for the skin test, too, if I were you. It certainly can't hurt so that at least you can get the correct treatment if that's what it is. I know how debilitating this was/is for me, so to get a definitive diagnosis would, I am sure, ease your mind. I think the tea tree and similar natural remedies would work eventually, but natural remedies do take longer than 'proper' medication, and I don't think I was very keen on waiting that long, after over a year of it.
LOL no war just life as i know it
... i think i am here to learn patience, but keep on mixing it up with perserverance lol*nervously say* I think the emu and t tree is working, my rash is much improved, even the browness on my stomach has gone, but still have dry brown skin from hip to mid back right side and only a wee bit of red blotches on top edge on ribs, higher than its ever been before. ichyness not as bad either, usually a couple of itchy time during day - which i pinch through or pop emu/tt on and still taking anti/hist at night as i dont trust myself not to scratch yet.
Have my parents who r in mid 80s arriving to stay today for 3 weeks so may put my dr appoint and natrapath off for wee bit and hope by time they have left that the emu/tt has worked it magic and i am rash free ( dreams r free lol) ... but i am feeling very possitive about rash best its been in 2yrs .. which is awsome.
take care and keep thinking possitive as im sure power of possitive thinking helps.
ozki
Still improving slowly but surely. Leg itch is almost gone with the hydrocortisone cream, so it must have been irritation from the pop-socks which has taken some time to ease. And my boob itches are not as bad, either, even though I've gone back to my new bras, which I thought were irritating me.
I was going to put in a complaint at the hospital, but decided I can't be bothered. I used to work for the Health Service anyway, and I just know they'll send some standard response and deny all wrongdoing. It's not as if I lost a limb, or anything.
Ozki, glad to hear your rash is improving. That's very good news that it is better than it's been in 2 years. I did find out that I can get emu oil here, but can't find it with tea tree in. What brand is yours? I am sure it may help with the skin condition once my rash has gone. I would even add it to my arsenal to use alternately with all the other lotions and potions in my cupboard! You've mentioned both cream and oil - which is it you have?
Hope you have a good time with your parents and that your rash improves even more.
I was going to put in a complaint at the hospital, but decided I can't be bothered. I used to work for the Health Service anyway, and I just know they'll send some standard response and deny all wrongdoing. It's not as if I lost a limb, or anything.
Ozki, glad to hear your rash is improving. That's very good news that it is better than it's been in 2 years. I did find out that I can get emu oil here, but can't find it with tea tree in. What brand is yours? I am sure it may help with the skin condition once my rash has gone. I would even add it to my arsenal to use alternately with all the other lotions and potions in my cupboard! You've mentioned both cream and oil - which is it you have?
Hope you have a good time with your parents and that your rash improves even more.
Hi. Not sure if I'm in the right spot...but was reading alot of this string and some stuff sounded familiar. I came home and had a itch, when I scratched, felt some bumps. After taking a look, noticed some red bumps on to the right of my stomach, then saw the same on the left side. I'm half way thru my period (which keeps starting earlier each month now) and was very warm when I got home today (walk from bus) plus my husband had the fireplace going, so I was boiling. It was within about 10 minutes of getting home I noticed something. Also wondering if it was something I wore or ate, but thought I would have noticed it earlier. Put some allergy cream on it and will see what happens.
I had a bout of shingles a few years ago, and about 15 years ago had weird welts on my legs that went away on their own after about 6 weeks (same with the shingles).
My reaction of course is 'NOW WHAT!' Have an appt for a physical in a couple weeks, and hoping it will go away by then, but argh!!!
I had a bout of shingles a few years ago, and about 15 years ago had weird welts on my legs that went away on their own after about 6 weeks (same with the shingles).
My reaction of course is 'NOW WHAT!' Have an appt for a physical in a couple weeks, and hoping it will go away by then, but argh!!!
I came to the conclusion that all my other bodily itching was being caused by the anti-fungal tablets, so having taken them for four weeks (the original time the doctor was going to recommend), I decided to stop them. The fungal rash has all but gone anyway, and I'm continuing to use the tea-tree lotion which helped a lot with the itching. She only gave me six weeks with the hope that they would help my toenail infection also, and I can do other things for that.
I found that, whenever I wore knee-length pop-socks, I would get red lines and an intense itch around the band, so I switched to ankle-length ones. This was OK at first but then they started to irritate. I have also had some irritation around my bra strap and waistline.
I looked at the side effects of the anti-fungals and, lo and behold, one was 'allergic skin rashes'!! Anyway, I stopped the tablets a few days ago and all the incidental itching has eased off now. I think my nutritional therapist will start me on some support for fungal infections, just to make sure my body isn't harbouring anything, along with the other nutritional supplements I'm taking.
I found that, whenever I wore knee-length pop-socks, I would get red lines and an intense itch around the band, so I switched to ankle-length ones. This was OK at first but then they started to irritate. I have also had some irritation around my bra strap and waistline.
I looked at the side effects of the anti-fungals and, lo and behold, one was 'allergic skin rashes'!! Anyway, I stopped the tablets a few days ago and all the incidental itching has eased off now. I think my nutritional therapist will start me on some support for fungal infections, just to make sure my body isn't harbouring anything, along with the other nutritional supplements I'm taking.
So, it does appear that the anti-fungals were causing all my other irritations, as, apart from an isolated incident where the band of my pop-socks made an itchy band around my leg, all other itching has subsided. The fungal rash has gone, although I'm still putting some tea-tree lotion on it just to be sure it doesn't return. In the meantime, I went to the hospital for a follow-up and the doctor prescribed some Loceryl to paint on my toenails to hopefully eliminate the source of the fungal infection. I'm hoping this will stop the recurrent athlete's foot I've suffered from for years.
Again, there was no surprise when I mentioned the letter that never arrived, which I mentioned in an earlier post. "Typical" was the response from the main doctor I saw. I told her that didn't really alter the fact that I could have commenced treatment three weeks earlier, had the department got their act together. She didn't seem too concerned about that.
The nutritionist has started me on some adrenal support and some other supplements intended to help with my other issues, mainly the insomnia. I have to say I am feeling better than I have in a long time, apart from the lack of enough sleep.
Again, there was no surprise when I mentioned the letter that never arrived, which I mentioned in an earlier post. "Typical" was the response from the main doctor I saw. I told her that didn't really alter the fact that I could have commenced treatment three weeks earlier, had the department got their act together. She didn't seem too concerned about that.
The nutritionist has started me on some adrenal support and some other supplements intended to help with my other issues, mainly the insomnia. I have to say I am feeling better than I have in a long time, apart from the lack of enough sleep.
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