Does anyone with Fibro/CFS suffer with annoying skin rashes, particularly when out in the sun?

[Pinkhedgehog]

I have suffered with rashes since my diagnosis and cannot really be in the sun much anymore (even with high SPF) and find this very distressing asnothing seems to work.

[Rosepetal60]

Hi, I have to avoid the sun as my face quickly turns bright red if I don’t. It’s not just the sun, it’s the heat that comes with it, so a sun hat doesn’t really help that much for me. I know I have to avoid it and take vitamin D tablets instead. And If out and about, I walk on the pavement with shade.

[Sally444]

Hi Pinkhedgehog. I've had heat rash and prickly heat since I was a kid. I saw a sun specialist on holiday who saw the rash, checked my sun cream and said 'sorry....the sun cream is fine, I think you're just allergic to the sun!!' I'm ok as long as I stay in the shade. However, lots of sun creams cause me major rashes so I go online and buy ones that help prevent prickly heat. They're a bit expensive but well worth it. I also avoid the beach when I'm in hot countries as that will also give me an awful rash. Thank goodness for spray tans and fresh water pools with bars! 😀🍸🍷🍹

[Pinkhedgehog in reply to Sally444]

Hi Sally, yes I too was prone to prickly heat when I was younger but it always eventually went away then. I have tried the more expensive sunscreens you mention but I do miss being able to sit for a short time in the sun but a good idea to stay in the pool and keep cool!🙂

[denny_the_wench]

You don't say what, if any, medication you are on? Is it possible that there is an interaction with one of them with sunlight? (I am an aromatherapist and there are several oils which are phototoxic and can cause reactions - these are generally Bergamot, Orange, Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Cumin. You will note a lot of citrus based so check you sun creams for these ingredients also)

[Pinkhedgehog in reply to denny_the_wench]

Hi - ok thank you. I am using sunscreens that are made for people with allergies. I also take Levothyroxine but haven't had any issues in the past.

[LisaSnow FMA UK Volunteer in reply to denny_the_wench]

I am finding EO for pain like Copaiba, black pepper, frankincense, or camphor to be not helpful at all for fibro pain, unfortunately.Have you found any oil or blend helpful?

[Pinkhedgehog in reply to LisaSnow]

Hi - I don't really use oils but do find that arnica gel (from SBC Skincare) is something that does help with some of the pain. Also, their leg soothing gel is very good if you suffer at all with Restless Leg Syndrome.

[LisaSnow FMA UK Volunteer in reply to Pinkhedgehog]

I have 7% arnica gel. Is yours 7% or higher in concentration?

[Pinkhedgehog in reply to LisaSnow]

Sorry - I don't know the actual percentage but it is high on the ingredient list and seems to work better than others I have tried.

[denny_the_wench in reply to LisaSnow]

I'm not familiar with Copaiba in UK.

With Fibro being such a mish-mash of different problems I tend to treat the following symptoms - but not all at the same time!

NB if anyone else reading this & you've never used oils before please see someone qualified before using - I studied initially for 2 years and have been qualified for 15 now - you never use oils neat (with 2 exceptions), nor ingest them, and need only one or two drops in a carrier oil for massage or in your bath.

Fatigue and Brain Fog

Air spritz of 2 of the following - Basil, Geranium, Rosemary , Thyme, Pine.

Arthritis

Detoxifying oils, Cypress, Juniper - 2 or 3 drops in a bath; Fennel or Lemon. I drink Fennel seed tea. (NB not lemon if you have issues with Blood Pressure)

Painkilling - massage in an arnica base oil (mine is 8%) Chamomile, Lavender, Rosemary

Aching joints from arthritis, same base oil but with Black Pepper & Ginger - both of which have a warming effect. Also effective as a hot compress.

[LisaSnow FMA UK Volunteer in reply to denny_the_wench]

When I use EO in bath I already dilute it in carrier oil first. Otherwise there is a risk of neat oil getting on the skin. Thank.you for sharing your recipes!

[BoL20]

I have to be careful in the sun because my skin becomes very itchy, regardless of using sunscreen.

[Pinkhedgehog in reply to BoL20]

Hi - thanks for your reply.

[Midori]

Yes, I have become more sun sensitive since getting Fibro. Even with a high Factor, I feel like I am burning while in sunlight.

[Pinkhedgehog in reply to Midori]

Hi - I agree with you. It does feel like your skin is extra sensitive and burning regardless of what factor sunscreen you apply.

[Minxy6969]

Hi I have rash when in the sun and been diagnosed with a condition called PLE and have steroid cream and SPF 50 and advised to not have prolonged time in the sun

[Pinkhedgehog in reply to Minxy6969]

Hi - thanks for your reply. I did wonder whether it might be PLE.