Skin Sensitivity

[LhasaMomma]

Had a doctor's appointment this morning, but not my usual doctor. I mentioned how horrible the sensation of shower water is on my head and shoulders - it literally makes me shudder and feels like all my nerves "jangle". I have always put this down to Fibro. I try and avoid standing under the shower except to quickly rinse, but of course, I have to rinse my hair ..... Anyway, she said that skin sensitivity isn't a symptom of Fibro (news to me!). Just wondering if I am the only one it bothers this way, and what things irritate you?

[Dizzytwo Moderator]

Hi, your GP may have been thinking of something called allodynia. I also can not take showers for the same reason.

Momo

[LhasaMomma in reply to Dizzytwo]

I won't say that I am glad you have the same, because it is an awful sensation ..... But it is a relief to know that I am not the only one. I used to really enjoy a lovely hot shower.

[Cat00]

I would think allodynia was a symptom of fibromyalgia, I would have thought it was classic fibro?

[Macdoual]

Oh it feels like needles jabbing into me some days, it can be horrendous so I empathise with you. SometimesnI just have to wash at the sink, the thought of going through that is just a no no for me. Gentle hugs x

[Jegreen]

I have the same sensation immediately after i get out of the shower, i try to apply vaseline oil but anyway it takes about 15-30 minutes until it calms down, i thought it is the effect of the water never thought it is about the shower idea. I just feel it is too much hassle to get a bath

[Patdoyle]

we’ll I have it and always get a bath. My legs are the worst. All tingly and sometimes get very itchy and want to scratch till they bleed

[KimiJay]

I used to get problems with the shower needles, LM. It seems to be ok at the moment in spite of stress making my allodynia worse. I like magnesium baths but not everyone has a bath and hot water is at a premium now. Usually wash hair in basin or sink as gentle enough if your body not too stiff or painful. My mother in law (ex-landgirl) taught me the virtues of strip washing so resort to that sometimes and you can do your back and shoulders with a flannel very nicely. I put in a bidet when we did we put in a bathroom way back. It's been really worth having especially when my hips were locked up years ago - the g'kids love it -. Maybe straight out of bed and into shower is just a bit sudden for your skin and should we should all pay more attention to our hair/skin talk? Choose what you put on it carefully and let the natural oils in it do their thing. We are all perhaps too clean? No-one really smells of themselves anymore. - Hope it sorts itself out soon anyway.

[Trippys]

Feel the same, also put it down to fibro 🤔

[Merrrm]

I disagree with your doctor as would my doctor. I have awful skin sensitivity since Fibro made itself my unwelcome visitor that just won't leave. Showering is such a drama (a very painful one). I'm cringing just thinking about the sprayed water touching my head and body and I get stuck in the bath and have to be helped out (humiliating and embarrassing). My skin is so sensitive that almost any and everything triggers welt like itchy rashes. 180mg fexofenadine every day helps a bit. I feel for you, the simple pleasure of a shower or bath....

[DodgeDhanda]

Hi LM.

Allodynia comes under the umbrella of fibro according to the NHS website.

Quick question have U changed products U use in the shower at all & as for what the doctor said ask to speak to ur regular GP & see what he/she says .