Suffering with bad/sore/cracked skin

[Ste372]

My turn to pour my heart out to strangers.....

I've always struggled with sore/dry skin/eczema but in the last 12/18 months this has accelerated massively. Entire body is covered in dry red blotches/blisters/sores etc.., behind knees, calves, feet, shins, torso, arms, neck, face, scalp are all extremely dry to the point my clothes are full of flakes and anywhere I've been is left full of skin flakes. It's getting embarrassing now. I am in constant pain from the minute I wake up to when I go to sleep

It's soo itchy I continuously scratch/rub untill it's red raw and weeping. Tried all sorts of various creams etc... centraben ointment is the only thing that soothes but doesn't heal.

I waited 3 months for a dermatologist appointment yesterday. All that was said is she doesn't know how I'm still working etc... referred for further help and possible light therapy.

Just been put on 2 types of steroid creams these are mometasone and tacrolimus which Ive been told to apply daily for the next 4 weeks. I know the steroid creams are a short term fix with long term issues

I had 4 weeks off work on November and was on 12 tablets a day on a 8 week course of oral steroids. This made me worse not only physically but also mentally had many side effects put 2 stone on over 4 weeks, total loss of sex drive, really bad mood swings, really anxious to the point I wouldnt even leave the house to pick the kids up from school, just generally low mood and everybody suffered family wise. Had to shave my head to get the cream applied which in turn made me even more anxious

This is likely to cost me my relationship as partner said yesterday she can't take anymore and TBF looking back she was left literally doing everything working, picking kids up, running around after me. She's hit breaking point as I've not opened up to anyone and just ignored all the issues. Last 12 months I've not been a nice person to be around and everyone has suffered

I have only returned to work as I work nights shifts I'm still super anxious about people seeing my cracked/flaking skin. I think it's the first time in my life where I can see how mental health is a big factor.

Not really sure what I'm expecting from writing this really. Just feel really down and my heads fell off with it all I'm struggling to see light at the end of the tunnel. I was hoping we'd have some solutions from the dermatologist but right back to square 1 waiting for another appointment t that is likely to take months.

[CCCS]

I’ve little to add (I’ve had mild psoriasis for years) this post is a ‘bump’ really to move it back up.

Post in the current “eczema” thread.

I appreciate why you work a night shift but would a week or two in the Canary Islands right now be possible. Sun light improves things for many with some skin conditions. You probably know this already.

[LimmerickLad]

https://pheeal.com/


https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

you won't regret reading this and I would 100% recommend this.

Edited by LimmerickLad on Friday 21st February 18:15

[stackmonkey]

Ste372 said:

I've always struggled with sore/dry skin/eczema but in the last 12/18 months this has accelerated massively. Entire body is covered in dry red blotches/blisters/sores etc.., behind knees, calves, feet, shins, torso, arms, neck, face, scalp are all extremely dry to the point my clothes are full of flakes and anywhere I've been is left full of skin flakes. It's getting embarrassing now. I am in constant pain from the minute I wake up to when I go to sleep

It's soo itchy I continuously scratch/rub untill it's red raw and weeping. Tried all sorts of various creams etc... centraben ointment is the only thing that soothes but doesn't heal.

I've suffered from eczema all my life too, up to and including the severity that you have now. You have my sympathy; it's horrible and debilitating.

I'm guessing that you already have half a pharmacy's worth of assorted creams etc.
Eurax works me for me, just for the itching. Takes about 30 minutes to work and then works for 4-8 hours, for me. Does nothing for the actual eczema, just means that you can function at a certain level for a while.
Medicated talc works much quicker (but for a much shorter time) when I have a 'hot' itch, like waking up in bed at 2am, mid scratch.
For dryer eczema, I use Unguentum M (over the counter). Very thick ointment, but not a steroid.

Ste372 said:

I waited 3 months for a dermatologist appointment yesterday. All that was said is she doesn't know how I'm still working etc... referred for further help and possible light therapy.

Just been put on 2 types of steroid creams these are mometasone and tacrolimus which Ive been told to apply daily for the next 4 weeks. I know the steroid creams are a short term fix with long term issues

I've had that response too. The only person that didn't visibly recoil at the sight of some eczema was the consultant dermatologist.
I've had light therapy at my local hospital. That worked well, in combination with creams.
Mometasone is now my 'go to' steroid; never tried tacrolimus.

Ste372 said:

I had 4 weeks off work on November and was on 12 tablets a day on a 8 week course of oral steroids. This made me worse not only physically but also mentally had many side effects put 2 stone on over 4 weeks, total loss of sex drive, really bad mood swings, really anxious to the point I wouldnt even leave the house to pick the kids up from school, just generally low mood and everybody suffered family wise. Had to shave my head to get the cream applied which in turn made me even more anxious

I've not had the oral steroids for eczema before, but I'd be going back to my GP, given those side effects. They read like the worst side effects of some anti depressants, which I have had.

Ste372 said:

This is likely to cost me my relationship as partner said yesterday she can't take anymore and TBF looking back she was left literally doing everything working, picking kids up, running around after me. She's hit breaking point as I've not opened up to anyone and just ignored all the issues. Last 12 months I've not been a nice person to be around and everyone has suffered

Then this, more than at any point in your life, is the time when you NEED to open up to your wife (and kids, if they're old enough).
Not a nice process, but you don't really want to lose your marriage due to eczema, or steroid side effects.
Get any extra help that you can from family and friends.

Ste372 said:

I have only returned to work as I work nights shifts I'm still super anxious about people seeing my cracked/flaking skin. I think it's the first time in my life where I can see how mental health is a big factor.

Not really sure what I'm expecting from writing this really. Just feel really down and my heads fell off with it all I'm struggling to see light at the end of the tunnel. I was hoping we'd have some solutions from the dermatologist but right back to square 1 waiting for another appointment t that is likely to take months.

At least you now know that you are not the only person suffering from this, and that other people HAVE gone through it, and DO know what it feels like, physically and mentally.

The mental health side of severe eczema is pretty much ignored I think, especially for men.
You are literally in pain and itching during your entire waking day, your entire body skin is radiating heat from all the inflamation, and trying to prevent infections.
It is absolutely exhausting just trying to function on a bare minimum level.

See if you can get some mental health assistance too, from wherever suits your circumstances.

HTH
SM

[jules_s]

I had something similar last Spring - no idea what caused it - but it was mainly arms/thighs/back of knees (hugely) feet, calves (badly)

I tried all sorts of treatment with moderate success. I have to say it was stressing me quite a bit..

Diprobase helped a lot at first, but I found you have to be really methodical (esp behind the knees) to make it work

After that Megababe...sounds stupid but that really has been a life saver (Boots have it)

[Tisy]

Ste372 said:

My turn to pour my heart out to strangers.....

I've always struggled with sore/dry skin/eczema but in the last 12/18 months this has accelerated massively. Entire body is covered in dry red blotches/blisters/sores etc.., behind knees, calves, feet, shins, torso, arms, neck, face, scalp are all extremely dry to the point my clothes are full of flakes and anywhere I've been is left full of skin flakes. It's getting embarrassing now. I am in constant pain from the minute I wake up to when I go to sleep

It's soo itchy I continuously scratch/rub untill it's red raw and weeping. Tried all sorts of various creams etc... centraben ointment is the only thing that soothes but doesn't heal.

I waited 3 months for a dermatologist appointment yesterday. All that was said is she doesn't know how I'm still working etc... referred for further help and possible light therapy.

Just been put on 2 types of steroid creams these are mometasone and tacrolimus which Ive been told to apply daily for the next 4 weeks. I know the steroid creams are a short term fix with long term issues

I had 4 weeks off work on November and was on 12 tablets a day on a 8 week course of oral steroids. This made me worse not only physically but also mentally had many side effects put 2 stone on over 4 weeks, total loss of sex drive, really bad mood swings, really anxious to the point I wouldnt even leave the house to pick the kids up from school, just generally low mood and everybody suffered family wise. Had to shave my head to get the cream applied which in turn made me even more anxious

This is likely to cost me my relationship as partner said yesterday she can't take anymore and TBF looking back she was left literally doing everything working, picking kids up, running around after me. She's hit breaking point as I've not opened up to anyone and just ignored all the issues. Last 12 months I've not been a nice person to be around and everyone has suffered

I have only returned to work as I work nights shifts I'm still super anxious about people seeing my cracked/flaking skin. I think it's the first time in my life where I can see how mental health is a big factor.

Not really sure what I'm expecting from writing this really. Just feel really down and my heads fell off with it all I'm struggling to see light at the end of the tunnel. I was hoping we'd have some solutions from the dermatologist but right back to square 1 waiting for another appointment t that is likely to take months.

What is your diet? List all the things you eat and drink. A lot of skin problems are caused by poor diet and all the toxic crap they put in food these days. Skin needs good hydration, sunlight and nutrients/vitamins to be healthy. For your skin to be so bad suggests there are large deficiiencies in your diet that need to be addressed.

I suffer with eczema and finicky skin myself. It's a very fine balance trying to keep it all in check as a bit too much fat/greasy food has my pores literally oozing stinky grease out, or too little hydration/too little nutrition has my skin flaking off like a snowstorm.

[Ste372]

CCCS said:

I’ve little to add (I’ve had mild psoriasis for years) this post is a ‘bump’ really to move it back up.

Post in the current “eczema” thread.

I appreciate why you work a night shift but would a week or two in the Canary Islands right now be possible. Sun light improves things for many with some skin conditions. You probably know this already.

Thanks for bumping it back up.

At the moment I'm exchanging contracts on a house so I'm reluctant to make any big purchases for the time being. But I have made a start to get out more trying to take more sun light in.

[Ste372]

LimmerickLad said:

https://pheeal.com/


https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

you won't regret reading this and I would 100% recommend this.

Edited by LimmerickLad on Friday 21st February 18:15

Only got walk on shower at minute. A new bathroom suite is on the list of priorities to do when funds allow

[Ste372]

stackmonkey said:

At least you now know that you are not the only person suffering from this, and that other people HAVE gone through it, and DO know what it feels like, physically and mentally.

The mental health side of severe eczema is pretty much ignored I think, especially for men.
You are literally in pain and itching during your entire waking day, your entire body skin is radiating heat from all the inflamation, and trying to prevent infections.
It is absolutely exhausting just trying to function on a bare minimum level.

See if you can get some mental health assistance too, from wherever suits your circumstances.

HTH
SM

I've read your reply and will reply as best as I can. Eurax works for a while but as you say doesn't fix anything just calms down the itching sensations

Yes I've sat down this last week and just reassessed where I am and what I want. Realistically the relationship is done. It's been on rocky ground for a while with me working nights and also she's decided to seek attention elsewhere which is the final nail in the coffin.

Truth be told it's only when the dust settles and everyone goes their separate ways that you realise loneliness is a big factor in it. Apart from the now ex partner, my kids and parents (who are retiring down to Devon in may) I don't have a social circle. Spent so many years trying to keep the family together I've pushed friends away over the years to the point I've got no one and it's only when your relationship breaks down you realise this. Working nights is a killer as when your awake everyone is asleep and also when your asleep everyone is awake.

Yeah been offered 6 sessions of therapy/counselling through work and they are offering to see if any shifts can be accommodated to suit me abit better. I've been quite naive towards mental health always assumed it was a case of come on stop being morbid but now I can see the strains it has on people/families etc....

[Ronstein]

Might be worth checking out https://www.ichthyosis.org.uk/ Ichthyosis in its varying forms is often mis-diagnosed and missed by medical professionals.

[Ste372]

Tisy said:

What is your diet? List all the things you eat and drink. A lot of skin problems are caused by poor diet and all the toxic crap they put in food these days. Skin needs good hydration, sunlight and nutrients/vitamins to be healthy. For your skin to be so bad suggests there are large deficiiencies in your diet that need to be addressed.

I suffer with eczema and finicky skin myself. It's a very fine balance trying to keep it all in check as a bit too much fat/greasy food has my pores literally oozing stinky grease out, or too little hydration/too little nutrition has my skin flaking off like a snowstorm.

Diet hasn't been good since I started nights nearly 4.5 years ago. I've put on nearly 4st since I started. And my diet is poor at best.
Macdonald's/takeaway on shift as that's the only place for warm food plus a fizzy drink etc...
Eating habits and times are all over the place. Often I'll get a takeaway late at night when everyone else is in bed as I can't sleep.

I've tried to have a reset this week. I've been going on a 4 mile bike ride every morning and a walk on the same route every afternoon if I can get out.

Drinking 2-3L of water a day and just generally cutting out al the sweet, unhealthy stuff.

Signed up for the gym starting tomorrow with access to the swimming pool and the sauna/steam room.

Admittedly my skin has cleared up quite well in the space of a week but I am also on steroids creams for the next 4 weeks so hopefully carries on clearing up.

My head space is alot clearer at the moment. Like I say I've been offered the 6 free sessions of therapy but I honestly wouldn't even know where to start. There's so much that is going to come flooding out over the last 15-20 years. I'm absolutely terrified of opening those flood gates with no way of shutting them again

[Tisy]

All that crap you are eating isn't "food". It has virtually zero nutrition in any of it. It's just 'feel good' chemicals that trick your body into thinking you're full for a while and then the process repeats. None of that will be doing your skin any good, and you are seemingly not getting any sunlight either - so you're gonna be all out empty of the very essential vitamin D.

You must have a fridge at work when the staff can store their lunch boxes. Start getting food in at home and take either a cold lunch (meat / tuna salad with plenty of greens, peppers/onions/veggies and some apples/pears/oranges to finish off) or prepare a curry or pasta and heat that up in the micro at work. Citrus fruits and onions have high anti-oxidant properties which strengthen the skin's protection, as do probiotics and fermented foods, so try eating natural unsweetened yogurt.

Another thing to consider is your washing powder/liquid and shower gels. A lot of these have nasty chemicals in them which can cause havoc to your skin and you could have an allergy. It's worth trying different bio/non-bio powders and/or changing to liquids to see if there's any change. Same with your shower gels and soaps for washing your face and hands.

[Ste372]

Tisy said:

All that crap you are eating isn't "food". It has virtually zero nutrition in any of it. It's just 'feel good' chemicals that trick your body into thinking you're full for a while and then the process repeats. None of that will be doing your skin any good, and you are seemingly not getting any sunlight either - so you're gonna be all out empty of the very essential vitamin D.

You must have a fridge at work when the staff can store their lunch boxes. Start getting food in at home and take either a cold lunch (meat / tuna salad with plenty of greens, peppers/onions/veggies and some apples/pears/oranges to finish off) or prepare a curry or pasta and heat that up in the micro at work. Citrus fruits and onions have high anti-oxidant properties which strengthen the skin's protection, as do probiotics and fermented foods, so try eating natural unsweetened yogurt.

Another thing to consider is your washing powder/liquid and shower gels. A lot of these have nasty chemicals in them which can cause havoc to your skin and you could have an allergy. It's worth trying different bio/non-bio powders and/or changing to liquids to see if there's any change. Same with your shower gels and soaps for washing your face and hands.

Unfortunately I'm on the road doing recovery work. I have been making a considerable effort this week to make a start and get on top of the basics. 2-3L of water a day and cutting out all the junk food. I'm on a yogurt drink, nutrigrain bar and 2 bananas for breakfast, single sub with a beef/chicken/tuna for dinner with multigrain crisps etc... so I am making a conscious effort to make an improvement

My skin has improved massively over the last week. I am on steroids creams for the next 4 weeks but hopefully having a controlled diet will help me keep on top of the process

[asfault]

Steroid tablets will perform a miracle. Unfortunately it won't last. But you have to use that time to get some focus in your life.
Strangely steroid tablets or creams never made me put on weight at all.
Moisturising starts from within. Water not surgery drinks. Suger late on is bad and stops you sleeping.
Ultimately you are going to have to change jobs to have any chance of this not ruining your life further.
I speak from experience on this front and lost 5-8 years of my life from the aftermath of a total physical and mental breakdown.

[TwigtheWonderkid]

Try using organic unrefined shea butter.