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Really, really, really sensitive skin...

kryslalee
kryslalee
I know a lot of us struggle with sensitive skin. Or very dry skin. Or tactile issues. Or a combination of the above like me. Let's just say I think I may have taken it to a new level.

Six days ago, within an hour stretch and for no apparent reason, I broke out over about 40% of m body, with spotting on both legs, both arms, my face, back,feet, chest, stomach, yep- just about everywhere. Small red painful dots, some blistered, some not. It got worse. Tried benadryl, calamine, and atarax. Day three, informed my ultra-busy, overstressed already hubby how bad things were. We tried oatmeal baths, which turned pain to itching and red rash brown but new dots keep showing up that hurt. Hydrocortizone cream...nada.

Yesterday, day 5, I gave in and called my doc, who could not see me but sent me to urgent care. So there I am in my cute pjs, with a nice lady doctor telling me that-duh- I am allergic to something. Very allergic to something. (Wow, really?). So I have to take a six-day course of steroids (prednisone) and bump up to vistiril to get this under control.

Here's the kicker- what I could not tell the doctor. I did not come into contact with an object that caused this reaction. This is not even the first time it has happened, although it may be the worst. I am physically allergic to stress. It is not just hives, it is a dermatologic and systemic reaction to very high levels of stress. (my friend/roommate got married after 5 weeks of knowing a guy and left me with about $900 in bills...I kinda needed that money for Christmas. She does not see why it is a problem).

So, if you made it this far, what I really want to know is, does anyone else have to deal with this craziness? If you do, how do you handle it? I really hate the way the steroids make me feel. Any feedback would be great. Thanks.
LeoX3
LeoX3
I don't get it on my skin. I develop GERD. Epic GERD. Acid reflux that feels like the tides in the Bay of Fundy raoring up to my nose. It's horrible. But no, not my skin.

I have no idea what would help but am glad your doc knows about it. Hugs,
Leo
MAGICpill
MAGICpill
I never had that problem. One would think the dermatologist would take a test sample of the bums and get it examined. Has it gotten worse since you have been on predisone? Maybe its the predisone making it worse/

Maybe a blood panel might show something.

Wish I could help.
Fantod
Fantod
I am sorry that you feel so horrible. And, taking steroids is not the most comfortable solution either. I'd like to suggest that you look into a condition called Lichen Planus as the culprit. My best friend has it and your description sounds mighty familiar to me. It is not common and only a board certified dermatologist may recognise it. I hope that you feel better soon. Take care.
AnnNY
AnnNY
I would also suggest seeing a dermatologist. Urgent care or primary care physicians are not really qualified to diagnose these rashes, and getting them correctly diagnosed can be important.
Fantod
Fantod
You should also have a biopsy done. I forgot to mention that in my earlier post about Lichen Planus. BTW - it can be triggered by stress. Take care.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yes, I break out at the drop of a hat, I have had three episodes of anaphylaxis. I now have to carry an epipen. My immune system goes nuts. The weird thing is many times I do not know what causes it. And yes many times it has been during a stressful situation. The worst part of it is, every time I have an episode they have to use stronger doses of steroids. And Leo, it also gets my stomach in an uproar to.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have broken out many times like that at least once a year I need steroids to get through it. But then I started reading up on the effects of steroids and they are very bad for you! So I do understand you taking them if you have tried everything else. But please be careful! since you started them you have to complete the course. good luck with the rash!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Found this http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23691965
referenced here http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1112877149/fibromyalgia-tissue-pain-hands-feet-fatigue-061813/
and here http://guardianlv.com/2013/06/fibromyalgia-mystery-finally-solved/comment-page-18/#comments
brendaelk2013
brendaelk2013
Oh yes, I get bad rashes, usually on on lower arms, sometimes spreads to hips and other places. Hydrocortizone does nothing!! sometimes a cream called tri something helps. I think it is stress as well. But it is embarassing when people can see it.
tloree
tloree
I understand exactly where you are coming from I stress out then hive and rash up. My doctor took a punch skin test of the rash one time and had it sent to a specialty lab and it came back as an unknown Lichen. No help No cure just have to deal with it. I still get it and will continue to as long as I stress, so I try really hard to limit my stress, which is almost impossible. so I meditate, still stress but less and less. Sorry you have to deal with it to. but still get it checked in case it is shingles. good luck
deleted_user
deleted_user
Krysalee, I am SO SORRY you're going through this. I can relate. When all of this began (horrible, horrible body pain), my skin went haywire too. I've had to be on burst therapy a few times (fortunately, I don't feel any different, but it got me started on eating a pint of ice cream at one sitting, a habit I'm afraid I've been unable to shake since!), and each time my skin clears up. At least once, I've had to be on a longer, stronger dose of prednisone after the first burst didn't do the trick. I gained weight for sure, but OH what a relief.

I currently have itchiness all over, and scratch without even being aware of it. Not so good, as scratching only exacerbates the problem, of course.

I do take one Claritin every morning--and sometimes a benadryl at night--which does seem to help keep the flare-ups to a dull roar.

Please know that you are NOT along. I'll be interested to learn what ends up working for you.

Lamb
kryslalee
kryslalee
The steroids helped dry things up, but even now I am still itchy...

I take an allergy med in the morning, and visitril at night, which is a lot like benedryl. So no luck there.

You all are great and I appreciate all of the support and comments.

We never did find the culprit, but it is my belief it has something to do with someone welshing on a large sum of money they were supposed to pay back on a certain date...so I could do my Christmas shopping!
Still no dough, which is gonna put a crimp in the Ho ho ho! But I did what I thought was right at the time. I just trusted the wrong person.

I am working on controlling stress. I can't think of anything else to do.

Gentle hugs to all.

Krysla
BarbiD
BarbiD
My rash is only on arms, mostly upper and half of forearms. First the skin gets really HOT, burning, prickling, like being stung with 1000 bees at once. Then tiny red bumps that itch intensely!!! I have had this for 2 1/2 years. Been diagnosed by 1st dermatologist with folliculitis and treated with oral antibiotics, and clindomycin lotion. Cleared up, but came back over and over. 2nd dermatologist said it was neurodermatitis and told me to quit itching and treated it with sterooid creams and atarax for the itching. Didn't work. I finally went to a 3rd dermatologist who said first upon seeing it: usually people with chronic intense itch for a long time is from a chronic pain syndrome. She diagnosed it as nodularis pruritis (itchy bumps).....and lichens/simplex. vs. brachioradialis pruritis (nerve)....... I have been studying and it hit me that this is NEUROLOGICAL not dermatological. So, going to inquire about treatmet with the pain clinic and see about going to a neurologist if that doesn't work. ICE packs work wonders!!!!! I go to bed witn one every night.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Just be optimistic about your condition. I know the allergies would soon be over and practice yoga to control stress.
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