Skin issues

[Divs]

Hi all,

I am currently on 25mgs MTX injection, 5 tablets a day salfasalazine and for last 3 months Benepali injection weekly. That and the usual folic acid and etodolac. All going well, however my skin is so dry and I keep getting lots of spots particularly on my face and shoulders and hairline. I am 54 so not an adolescent lol! Also not menopause as I had a total hysterectomy 10 years ago! Starting to get me down so wondered if anyone else has experienced this. Not seeing my consultant till next month

[Littlemunch]

Yes, mine was caused my mtx. Currently taking low level antibiotics from Dr and it's really helped.

[Denise64]

Hi

Yes I'm on benapali n Mxt, my skin so bad spots n very dry too.

just try drinking more water n I'm just trying lots of different moisturisers.

Aveno is very very good try that.

Can I just ask do you get rashes at the Benapali injection site mine are getting worse using ice anti hystamine cream the anti hystamine tabs help but can't be taking them all the time.

xxx Dee

[Divs in reply to Denise64]

Hi Dee, no rash at site so been lucky with that. Will definitely try Aveno - was looking at that the other day! Thanks xx

[Denise64 in reply to Divs]

no worries .I'm trying the one for itchy dry skin as think it's itchy because it's so dry xx

[nanapat61 in reply to Denise64]

Dee - I am also getting rashes at the Benepali injection sites (which didn't happen until week 20!) and at my 6-month review with Rheumatologist recently he specifically asked me about local reactions, then told me that a rash was an indication that I was developing an allergy to the drug. He put me on Prednisolone 5mg. for three months and will review me again then, with a view to changing my treatment to Rituximab infusions if I'm no better, or worse. The rash has definitely reduced in severity with the 3 injections I've done since being on Pred. I would perhaps suggest that you contact your Rheumy team about your rashes, as you might need some intervention like me!

[Denise64 in reply to nanapat61]

wow ! thank you that's so interesting. I'm not with my RA nurse until 1st may I've been keeping a diary of all this but may ring her before. Generally I feel like it's working n the sinus problems finally gone. couldn't stand

to start something else n suffer again as I had a good 3 months of sinus problems n it was bad. apparently another side effect of this drug . xxx I may ring her tomorrow.

Thanks again xx

[AgedCrone]

If your doctor has no answers .....Speak to your pharmacist...explain what drugs you are on....it may be that a good fragrance free moisturiser would help with the dry skin on your body.....my doctor also recommended to not use soap, but something like Epiderm...but run all past your rheumy nurse before spendjng out!

[nanapat61]

Hi - I'm on 20mg Mtx and Benepali (and Folic Acid) and have the same problem as you have with random spots and dry skin - plus weak, splitting nails. Also like you, I had a hysterectomy many years ago. I'm prescribed Cetraben for the dry skin, which does help. I use Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour cream on hands and feet at night (great, and I love the weird smell!), Aveeno on hands during the day and just Sudocrem on the spots but they still hang around for a few days. Have you found anything that gets rid of them quickly? Pat

[Divs in reply to nanapat61]

Hi

No I had a total hysterectomy. Just so frustrating- I have always had ‘good’ skin and now this. Not really attempted anything apart from usual cleansing routine - was just trying to figure out if it could be meds related - thanks x

[Biofreak]

This sounds a lot like psoriasis. Has your GP suggested that it might be?

[Leics]

Instead of Aveno cream which if I’m not mistaken may contain wheat so not suitable for anyone with an intolerance. I don’t have this issue but lots do. I find the best natural remedy for really dry skin is coconut oil, it’s cheap and natural too ?!!

[Gnarli]

I don't wish to be overly personal but during your hysterectomy did the surgeon remove your ovaries? In my so-called total hysterectomy they were left. If left these could easily be menopausal symptoms. I'm on MTX 20mg and have very dry and sensitive skin but I always have had. I have recently tried pure shea butter and it's suiting me very well. Reasonably priced from the Internet it is food grade, has a very mild natural fragrance and - so far- had no adverse reactions. If it's really bothersome perhaps a visit to your GP would help.

[Divs in reply to Gnarli]

Thanks for the comments - they took everything 😂 will try some of the recommendations and see how I get ( or my bank book) gets on! More lotions and potions - hubby will be pleased 😃

Thanks all xxx

[AndrewT]

Dear Divs,

I don't have the same 'Condition', as you, but I DO get 'All Sorts' of Skin problems. My Dermatologist, I can't remember her name but she's lovely, suggested using 'Dermol 500 Lotion' to wash with. YES it has 'Helped'! I now get this on Prescription. This is what it 'Says' on the Pack...."Dermol 500 Lotion an antimicrobial emollient and moisturiser for the management of dry and pruritic (itchy) skin conditions, especially eczema and dermatitis, and for use as a soap substitute. The Back states "FOR USE AS A SOAP SUBSTITUTE: Use as a cleanser in the bath or shower, or for other toiletry purposes, instead of ordinary soap or shower gel". The Pack is a 500ml plastic bottle, that comes in a box. If you need it and you, almost certainly won't, the P(roduct) L(icence) number is is 00173/0051.

I would recommend that you, at least, speak to your Dermatologist about this, or similar, Product(s) Divs. Whatever you decide I, really do, wish you well.

Warmest Wishes

AndrewT

[Ssmart]

Hi I’m a bit late to the party and the only medicine I’m in other than nsaids is hydroxy but I do keep getting breakouts on my face and something that’s really clears it up for me is soap free not toooo expensive as lasts ages and it’s called cetaphil... oily skin cleanser from boots. I use it nightly in bath on a Muslin cloth which was 70p I’m home bargains!, I keep it washed every other day in machine sticking it in with another washing!

I’m 39 and had not had spots since a teen and I think less then than I got recently, well these ones were sore and big yucky spots, almost boils!

The cetaphil plus just light moisturiser was perfect. Any moisturiser that isn’t heavy would be fine, I just don’t use it on spotty areas TIL they dried out! Only occasionally get one now.

Hope you find something that works, my teenagers also use The cetaphil and are less spotty!

Good luck we have enough going on without worrying about spots 😊 x

[AndrewT in reply to Ssmart]

Dear Ssmart,

sorry to 'Pick Holes' or be pedantic/ stupid, with you but....I think you mean a MUSLIN cloth not a Muslim one! Sorry but you DID make me Chuckle, the thought of a Muslim 'Headscarf' soaked in an emollient……

Sorry, once again, I'm NOT 'Making Fun' of you Ssmart honestly- you just made me laugh. I hope, that you too, can see the Funny Side of this.

Kindest Wishes, sorry again.

AndrewT

[Ssmart in reply to AndrewT]

😂 I’m going to edit my post

My goodness I love my iPhone but autocorrect is so annoying at times! I’m guessing that’s what happened😂

Apologies!😊

[Divs]

Thank you! xx

[wishbone]

Apparently some skin conditions can be difficult to diagnose even for a dermatologist never mind a GP. So it might be best to ask for a referral if it's starting to get you down. My GP referred me without asking, I think he knew his limitations in that field, which was fine by me.

I definitely have rosacea and probably folliculitis, which I treat with Ivermectin cream and Dermol 500 like Andrew, though I'm not sure it's doing much good. I've never had a 100% diagnosis and was discharged after refusing long term antibiotics as there was nothing more they can do for me. I don't think my problems are due to any drugs, though it's possible hydroxy may have aggravated things. Mine seems to be more related to my autoimmune disease - when my RA flares my skin tends to as well.

Hope you get some help soon.

[Divs]

Thanks Wishbone appreciated