Feeling ugly

[floisaac]

Severe redness and flaky around eyes. Also some swelling

My ears are also flaky with dry wax and my nose green mucus and most times bloody.

I'm using a steroid ointment but it doesn't clear it up only calms it

I'm very frustrated

[SjogiBear]

Sorry to hear that you are feeling that you don't look at your best right now. Just remember that when we look in the mirror we always focus in on the small imperfect details rather than the whole picture and I'm sure you don't look anywhere near as bad as you think you do. It's frustrating that our bodies conspire against us to make us feel unwell and not look at our best either. Have you seen a dermatologist about your skin issues? If not it might be worth speaking to your GP and letting them know that the steroid cream is not working as well as you'd hoped. Why not treat yourself to something to make yourself feel better - maybe some special make-up - a nice tinted lipbalm (or lipstick if you like them) a lovely new perfume if you tolerate them or just a new scarf or top. Do you have Sjogrens as well as SLE lupus as that often causes a lot of dryness problems with ears, skin and nose as you have mentioned?

[floisaac in reply to SjogiBear]

Yes to Sjogrens in fortunately drops, creams, ointments the whole nine yards. I was diagnosed in 1984 with lupus but it's just been the last couple of years with Sjogrens and now the arthritis is an issue as well. Cortisone shots help. Just feeling tired of feeling sick and tired. It's been a long struggle but I know there are a lot of people worse off than I am. I am fortunate but bad days happen and I let it get to me when I know I shouldn't

[SjogiBear in reply to floisaac]

Similar scenario for me as I was diagnosed in 1982 with Still's Disease which was subsequently reclassified as lupus. Once I turned 40 it was the Sjogrens symptoms that reared their head. I know what you mean about knowing there are people out there worse off but that doesn't change the fact that we have these chronic health conditions that won't get better and affect the way we lead our lives. It's ok to moan and complain and then we just pick ourselves up and carry on. Hope you are feeling a bit better today.