does anyones hands itch with lymphodema

[angelbabe]

[morganite]

after i was diagnosed with lyphodema in both legs i developed itching and dermatitis and eczema in my hands yes, why who knows but probably due to the lyphatic systenm and body fighting infection compromised at that time

[angelbabe in reply to morganite]

thank you o much it helps a lot

[norberte]

hi angelbabe

yes, my hands do too but not all the time

partly i think cos they were used to having more access to moisturiser - apart from giving them a good oil slick in the evenings, there isn't a possible time to moisturise during the day without ruining the gloves, so they can get pretty dry

& partly cos when my arthritis flares up my skin gets a bit sensitive anyway so doesn't cope as well with the gloves but has to put up with them anyway

i use distraction techniques - think of somewhere else, do something that keeps your hands busy, & you could try giving somewhere else a good scratch (seriously, it does work - let me know if you want the psychology theory why!)

or on arthritic days i waft my hands about in tepid water, with the gloves on, then let them dry off while still on - doesn't take long

[scottymeg]

I can have probs with hands, red, itch, blisters, allergy test says I am allergic to a chemical in soap, QUATERNIUM (polyquaternium) it is in Johnsons baby soap, Carex, even Simple Soap. Also shampoo's, I use a magnifying glass to check small print on all liquid soap and avoid the above. Dont know if this is any good, angelbabe may be worth asking for allergy test??. got lymph both legs and cellulitis. would be frantic if hands were bad ongoing, may be worth a try.

scottymeg

[angelbabe]

thank you all and scottymeg i am off to doctore weds so wll ask him

[scottymeg]

all the best angelbabe, hope you have a sympathetic GP. It took months for me to get app't for allergy tests at hospital, just may be worth looking for this chemical and avoiding it while you are waiting for the official tests. I have multiple alllergies, you name it, Anti B's, anti inflammatories, penicillin, tetanus, sticking plasters, micro pore, morphine patches etc. Good job I dont have to use patches to give up smoking LOL

scottymeg

[angelbabe]

u will be fine i know u will speak soon

[scottymeg]

if you do get a result it means you carry a small bottle of liquid soap in yr bag and use it anywhere, anytime when you are out and about,dont ever use soap dispensers in pubs, clubs, hotels anywhere, even soap in friends houses. You need to be vigilant, not as hard as it seems, been doing it for years. best of luck

scottymeg

[angelbabe]

thanks would love to get to know u

[scottymeg]

I cause a few raised eyebrows, standing for ages at a shelf of soap and shampoo, lifting a bottle, use magnifying glass, put it down pick up another, yet another, then out of the corner of my eye a member of staff is watching me, they all wonder what on earth I am up to.

You cannot rely on the same make being the same. Used Carex for years and suddenly had the itching, swelling, blisters. A tiny little sticker said 'new improved formula' Guess what?they had added the chemical I am allergic to. I phoned the help desk number on the label and they said oh yes thats right we have changed the formula. So I had to stop using it. So vigilance is important. Will be keen to know if this helps at all. Dont want to give you false hope as every one has different skin and reactions.

scottymeg

[ninewells]

I thought all my itching was down to my Bath products, nobody has ever linked the two together for me.

My legs have come out in big red lumps everytime i remove my compression stockings, my Consultant has now connected this to a bowel problem i am suffering from, this is nothing to do with the Lymphoedem.

Just shows you, we shouldn't take things for granted. Now speaking to the Bowel consultant about the large inflamed areas, Not what i need have enough to deal with in this area without my skin breaking out, or tearing.

Thanks guys for all your little comments, its nice to be able to pick up on others questions. I tend to think its just me and don't mention things, how wrong have i been all this time.

.

[norberte]

hi ninewells

i had small inflamed areas in my bowel - didn't affect the lymphoedema, but the arthritis didn't enjoy it & there were days when being near a loo at all times was pretty essential!

camera up the bum time - uncomfortable but they let me watch on the monitor, which made it more interesting - & they diagnosed microscopic colitis

3 months of steroids & i was cured!

i was gobsmacked - usually when i get a new diagnosis it's added to my little collection for ever!