M.E. and Skin Problem Enquiry. I have ME/CFS & Fibromyalgia. While I've had these conditions, I also get skin problems. R They Connected?

[Tearsofaclown]

From abscesses & boils, to strange pigment changes, to lumps & bumps, to itches - there seems to be one thing after another to contend with, and I don't know why. Is there any connection between the skin being hypersensitive, and the pain & fatigue hypersensitivity? I don't know anyone else with this, so I haven't asked anyone. Would be great to find out, if anyone knows.

[Raffael]

No idea but I have to same thing, itching and dry, lumps etc. Lanicane cream is your friend for the itching. I would also be interested also if anybody has any ideas.

[Tearsofaclown in reply to Raffael]

Sorry to hear you also have these symptoms, and might not sound good, but I'm pleased to know I'm not alone with this. Thank you.

[Raffael]

chronicfatigue.about.com/od...

that might be useful

[Tearsofaclown in reply to Raffael]

Thank you so much. This is brilliant. Very Helpful.

Regards.

[Wilf1e]

If you haven't already done so have your thyroid checked out. These symptoms are consistent with mine prior to being diagnosed with an autoimmune underactive thyroid. It presents similar problems to CFS but the two are independent of each other, although they can run alongside each other as is the case with me. I was well into 2nd stage hypothyroidism before I was deemed a candidate for a blood test which would have identified this at least months if not several years previously and saved a great deal of unnecessary suffering and confusion for myself and my family.

[Tearsofaclown in reply to Wilf1e]

Thank you for responding, it's appreciated. I've had all those checks done, as my doctor suspected it could be my thyroid causing some of the other problems I experience, but that was about the only group of tests to come back 'normal'. Sorry to hear you have it so bad, and I hope you've found someone to sort it out for you, so it's bearable. I've had this for so long now, that I am reluctant to keep contacting my doctor as they must be fed-up with all my problems.

However, your reply is definitely taken on board, and I will make the suggestion next time I have my regular blood tests. Thanks again. Best Wishes to You.

[myhealthneeds in reply to Tearsofaclown]

But what is classed as 'normal' for thyroid in the UK is treated in the USA. One's condition has to be critical to be treated in the UK as the range of normality is considered differently here. You can have a thyroid problem even though it is considered 'normal'. Please check up on this information for yourself.

[Tearsofaclown in reply to myhealthneeds]

Thank you, I will do that. Best Wishes.

[edmeshscot EDMESH]

Hi,

I've had ongoing skin problems with dryness, redness and eczema - these pre-date the ME, so I'm not sure if there's a connection. I have steroid cream to deal with this, but use it sparingly as it's not advisable to over use-it. Poor circulation in hands and feet also makes life difficult, especially in the winter. It's weird though - I'm sitting with one warm hand and one cold hand at the moment!

Skin issues are not uncommon in ME, according to these links:

meactionuk.org.uk/me_cfs_is...

drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/CFS_-_T...

fightingfatigue.org/mecfs-w...

Hope this helps.

[Tearsofaclown in reply to edmeshscot]

Thanks for your response, and yes, it does help. Lots of info for me to read on the links, so I should be much better informed, fairly soon. Thanks again. Best Wishes.

[RecoveringH]

I had a similar experience to this "From abscesses & boils, to strange pigment changes, to lumps & bumps, to itches" until I showed a boil on my scalp to my doctor, I was put on 10 days strong dose of antibiotics which started to clear my skin within days. They extended my antibiotics to 4 weeks to be sure any bacteria could not hang around. About 3 months previous, I had been put on Acyclovir as I had thought the skin was related to herpes. Apparently some of it related to herpes as it partially cleared whereas some of it was a bacterial infection. Hope this helps. My skin is clear, first time in five years.

[Tearsofaclown]

Thanks for responding and for sharing your experiences with me. It does help me, just to know I'm not alone in having these odd symptoms. I've seen my GP now, and had bloods done. Unfortunately, have just discovered I have liver failure, although I never drink alcohol. Was very shocked at receiving that news, which was most unexpected, particularly as the tests I had were intended for skin problems. I'm due for emergency scan of liver and spleen. Never rains, but it pours, eh?! When you have ME/CFS, etc, etc, it feels like there can't be anything else, as it's so consuming. Yet, here I am with another health issue, to add to my list. I must say, when I read your reply, I was pleased to see that I'm not the only one who has these very odd pigment changes. My doctor had never seen anything like it, when I showed him, so next time I see him, I will let him know there are other people who have these very peculiar symptoms. Thanks for letting me know, and sorry if this sounds like I'm pleased you have these problems. I'm not. Reassuring to know it's not just me.

Best Wishes for your skin to remain clear, and Best Wishes to you, too!

Take Care.

[annebrewitt]

Hi Tears of a clown,

Yes they are related, but some cases are worse than others. My daughter is always itching and scratching and has lumps and bumps in her skin. Sometimes it has been so bad she has caused her skin to bleed. Then her skin is very soar afterwards. Yesterday she bought some Sudocrem, which is very good for all kinds of skin complaints, from nappy rash to bed soars and used a lot in the hospitals. Another solution is to take antihistamines, like loratadin, also known as clarytin. This is very good and after it gets into the system you can go a few days without taking them, but it is worth taking it for the itching relief.

[Tearsofaclown in reply to annebrewitt]

Hi annebrewitt,

Thanks for your response to my question. It's appreciated that you've taken the time to offer me these ideas.

I do hope your Daughter does well, and recovers to lead a full life. Take care.

[annebrewitt in reply to Tearsofaclown]

Thank you and you too.xx