I've Been in Hot Water...: ... but this past week... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

21,317 membersβ€’40,425 posts

I've Been in Hot Water...

β€’66 Replies

... but this past week was rediculous!

Too many Max baths, hand dish washes, counter top disinfecting, and washing hands after nappy changes! My fingertips are disintegrating, before my very eyes!

Sore as hell, cracked, red, rough, dry, discoloured. Ouch!

😩

A few of you posted that Canesten Cream had helped to heal these symptoms, but I can't find the Post and can't remember the frequency or method of application?

Any recommendation?

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66 Replies
β€’
Footfairy-1 profile image
Footfairy-1

Sorry but I can't help re the Canesten cream. I just wanted to let you know about a really good ointment that can be used for eczema, dry itchy skin, psoriasis, dermatitis etc etc. It's call Skin Salvation by purepotions. 100% natural ingredients. You can get it on line. I've recommended it to lots of people who have all benefitted.

β€’ in reply toFootfairy-1

Cool, thanks!

β€’ in reply to

I think you are beyond canestan. I used a cream called emovate. It was the only thing that even touched my contact dermatitis etc. Small tube used sparingly.

β€’ in reply to

Cheers!

β€’ in reply to

Please keep them out of water as much as possible too. I got a bit OCD when first on a dmard and washed my hands raw and chapped. Keep an eye out for infection if you get some nice cracks.

β€’ in reply to

Ohhhh, I have some NICE, big, ol, ugly, cracks already! Thanks, I will!!!!

You really are suffering for having grandchildren around. Hope these creams help. I use Neutogena which is good but may not be strong enough!

β€’ in reply to

Thanks... I have tried it and E45, and Eucerin, and something that sounds like Dermatol? Nothing has really worked although a few have stopped the cracking for a bit.... but it always comes back! With a vengeance!

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS

I found something called Impruv works, but I also used food grade hemp oil and I believe this is what turned things around for me. I still use both of these products but a lengthy spell of dry itchy cracked hands is long over.

β€’ in reply toHeronNS

Hmmmm, cool! Thanks.

HeronNS profile image
HeronNSβ€’ in reply to

Originally I was using a cortisone ointment prescribed by the doctor but discovered very quickly that when you stopped using it the condition flared up worse than ever and had spread (a dress rehearsal for the PMR to follow about ten years later?) So I switched to otc cortisone ointment as being less strong, and started trying other things. Nothing really worked until the hemp oil which I was given by an aromatherapist. She'd been given a bottle as a sample in case she wanted to try it as a carrier oil. It wasn't suitable (too much character, I think) so she gave me the bottle. And about the same time I discovered Impruv. A naturopath suggested the shea butter in it is the active ingredient, so you might consider getting a little pure shea butter from your pharmacist.

karools16 profile image
karools16β€’ in reply toHeronNS

Yes, Raw Shea, body lotion, Boots, is good.

I get the same thing. I use Sudocreme, which coincidentally doubles as nappy cream πŸ˜ƒ

β€’ in reply to

Ha! Cool... Max and Grandma can use the same cream!!! : )

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

Where’s his mum Melissa? Has she scarpered?

I went out to OZ to be the best Nursery Nurse ever for the birth of my eldest grandson, I could hardly walk with sciatica at the end and I didn’t have GCA or PMR - silly old fool. The joy though.

I can’t really advise on creams, I use E45 cream and occasional 0.1 cortisone cream to keep Psoriasis at bay. Maybe you should see the doctor because of the compromised immune system? If you insist on being the best grandmother on earth maybe a pack of those thin surgical gloves would be an idea. Poor you, I should be more sympathetic but I am sooo jealous.

β€’ in reply toSheffieldJane

Hahahaha! No, both Arielle and Rich were here! ... but I'm a "control freak" by nature, and they are exhausted, new parents, so it was Max and me a lot of the time... It wasn't too bad and my hands were in bad shape already, so this visit just pushed them over the edge.

I have two packages of the thin surgical gloves under the kitchen sink... do you think I remembered????

Don't feel sorry for me... it was all worth it!

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJaneβ€’ in reply to

I bet he blisses you out for ages.πŸ’™πŸ’™πŸ’™πŸ’™

β€’ in reply toSheffieldJane

They are just so damn cute... He would just look at me with those smiling, green eyes and I would melt. What is this sorcery?

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJaneβ€’ in reply to

Mother Nature at her most powerful, the great answer to β€œ what’s it all for”?

Chrissy1953 profile image
Chrissy1953

I use a cortisone treatment. You can buy hydrocortisone 1 per cent over the counter to get it under control then a good unperformed hand creme. Body shop do a hemp one. Whatever you use do a good dollop at night after washing hands. Buy some cotton gloves and wear in bed. As you're not having to use them asleep it helps with healing.

β€’ in reply toChrissy1953

Good idea, thanks!

β€’ in reply toChrissy1953

Cotton gloves and socks a godsend indeed. I just spray my foot foam into the socks and slide feet in. Bliss

β€’ in reply to

Ordered the gloves today... will be here tomorrow! : )

Telian profile image
Telian

The cotton gloves are a godsend, they help moisturise to the full, and wear marigolds or similar for kitchen/bathroom chores, think you should see a doctor though..or speak to the pharmacist as there's so much stuff out there - it's what suits you...I was prescribed Epaderm

it's a bit thick but good for severe cases and don't forget the gloves particularly at night.

β€’ in reply toTelian

Thanks!!!!

Telian profile image
Telianβ€’ in reply to

Also which Canesten have you tried, it's the blue one and should only be used short term and not on cracked skin. The red box is more for thrush think you'll need more than otc assistance now it's taking a hold...atb.

β€’ in reply toTelian

I just bought the Canesten Cream 1%... Ahhhh it's the red box. Damn

Yeah... it's taken hold, big time!

Telian profile image
Telianβ€’ in reply to

I can only give you guidance from my lifetime of skin problems, take the bits that might help you from this potted version.

I have both creams, in fact every cream for every eventuality, but seriously from what you say I wouldn't use the red on your hands as they are, you need something fast acting as already mentioned.

The blue is very good for short term use if it works but for persistent problems you need to see your GP. The gloves and the thicker emolients eg Epaderm will soften the skin quicker = relief. Not sure if GP would prescribe at as Dermy gave me mine, they called it the rolls royce of skin treatments. Unfortunately GPs are no longer prescribing emolients, money saving, but you still need to see someone. In the meantime, if I were you, I would have another chat with pharmacy while waiting.

Lighter creams didn't work on me as they don't penetrate your skin the same. Thick skinned I am according to hubby!! Epimax cream is a light one for dry skin conditions such as eczema/psoriasis - Diprobase cream emolient is a light one but for red and inflamed/damaged skin including dryness and chapped hands - again didn't work on me. What works for one doesn't work for another, hope you get some relief soon, but same as our AI it will not be bullied so cut down on those chores if you can...a day with the right cream and those cotton gloves on WILL makes such a difference - the soreness is like being burnt isn't it?

If you haven't opened the Canesten they might exchange it.

Best wishes Melissa

Telian profile image
Telianβ€’ in reply toTelian

Tesco sells the Epaderm now: 500g Β£12 or a taster tub 50g Β£3.06

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassadorβ€’ in reply toTelian

The thought of a taster tub of epaderm just made me laugh!!!!

Telian profile image
Telianβ€’ in reply toPMRpro

Thought it might - chose not to excuse myself as too hot here - not complaining though....

β€’ in reply toPMRpro

Yum!

Telian profile image
Telianβ€’ in reply to

Rub it in why don't you! - got you back!

β€’ in reply toTelian

Cool!

Telian profile image
Telianβ€’ in reply toTelian

Sorry Melissa replied to myself...see message below re Tesco selling Epaderm

β€’ in reply toTelian

Great info Telian! Thank you!

I will be asking for a referral to my Dermatologist, as I have a suspicious looking growth on my face, I want checked out, so will show fingertips to him at same time. I have had pre-cancerous things removed before, numerous times, so GP shouldn't reject request....

The soreness is like NOTHING I have ever experienced... and I have had skin issues all my life! I told my husband today I would not with my finger tips on my WORST enemy!!!!

Telian profile image
Telianβ€’ in reply to

What have you got on your fingertips, is it very sore and red, is it on the palms of your hands too with no broken skin and very intense pain where the redness is that makes you feel like cutting these areas open to release that pain?

β€’ in reply toTelian

The extreme dryness, discolouration and cracks are just on my fingertips and mostly around my nails. Where the cracks open up, it gets swollen and red and if you bang that area, OUCH it kills!!!! Like a wicked nerve pain...

My palms are always red (so were my Mom's) and I know that's Palmar erythema, but it does not hurt, or itch, or anything! It's just there.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassadorβ€’ in reply to

They are effectively open wounds - and they always hurt.

Telian profile image
Telianβ€’ in reply toTelian

Not what I thought - I have Pompholyx eczema and that is painful, was admitted to hospital with it - it only affects the hands and the feet - mine was just hands, that was enough, they appear like very hard blisters along your fingers, mine were mainly on the palms of my hands I used to put them in the freezer to cool or would have cut them off. They were similar to chilblains only worse, stress caused mine. Sounds silly but the Epaderm was prescribed as it goes deep into the skin and miraculously helped the pain, no other treatment was given and it went eventually, get it occasionally now if I'm stressed. I flared with whole body psoriasis afterwards. Strangely I was diagnosed with the AI illness shortly afterwards then the cancer followed - think the body was trying to tell me something.

Hope you get the correct treatment very soon, trouble with dermy it's such a long NHS waiting list.

β€’ in reply toTelian

Sounds awful! 😫 I can't complain about my cracked fingertips, really!!!! You've had it all, huh? I do think your body was trying to tell you something, YES!

Yeah, I won't wait for NHS Dermatologist, if wait time is crazy.... this thing on my face is weird and I want it checked sooner rather than later.

How are your hands and feet now?

Telian profile image
Telianβ€’ in reply to

They're good thanks and why can't you complain you're hurting aren't you? What you've got is painful and it's not as if you can't use them for a day or so to let them ease, do use gloves though to help while you get to see someone. You should get in with the iffy thing on your face, hope it's alright, but the appointment might not include the hands as it will be a cancer clinic won't it? - you know what to do then - just cry...

β€’ in reply toTelian

Yeah, I know... but I feel bad complaining about "cracks" when I hear stories like yours! I am being very kind to them since the kids left and the white glove and rubber glove treatment starts today!

For the "iffy" thing on my face, if the NHS wait is too long, I'll see my guy (at Hove Skin Clinic) privately and make him look at EVERYTHING! : ) It will cost me, but I'll make sure I leave there having a the full MOT!

Telian profile image
Telianβ€’ in reply to

You're doing all you can now, hope it all happens soon even if you have to pay but suspicious things should be seen within 2 weeks on NHS! ATB

β€’ in reply toTelian

Ahhhh, I did not know that! Thanks!!!!!

Hollyseden profile image
Hollyseden

My daughter uses Child's Farm moisturiser. It's organic and as a bonus it has helped her psoriasis much more than even prescription stuff has. Worth a try maybe 🀞

β€’ in reply toHollyseden

Cool, thanks!

Hi Melisa

Pop into the Chemist & ask to see the Pharmacist, they’ll recommend something to help heal your hands & buy a thick emollient as overnight cream & wear cotton gloves.

Next time, prevention rather than cure l think & hand cream after every hand wash.

Hope the hands feel better soon.

Angela xx

β€’ in reply to

Thanks!!! ... and YES, prevention rather than cure!

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Unless Max had nappy rash that was being caused by thrush you shouldn't need canesten - it is an antifungal cream and for use when there is fungal involvement causing the damage. Your sounds more like too much hand washing and not enough hand care.

β€’ in reply toPMRpro

No, Max's little tush is fine!

I'm just confused, because last time I asked about my sore, cracked, fingertips (4-5 weeks ago) several people here mentioned using Canesten... so I bought it. I guess I'll try one of the other suggestions and the white gloves...

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassadorβ€’ in reply to

If your hands are very dry you may need to use a product containing urea - ask the pharmacist, The urea really does an amazing job on hard and cracked skin.

β€’ in reply toPMRpro

Cool. Thanks

Janicep profile image
Janicep

Hi,

Epiderm ointment and cotton gloves at night and apply as often as you can during the day and surgical gloves in kitchen etc have helped my fingers heal. My finger prints crack and of course it’s winter here in NZ now and they crack the same every winter.

β€’ in reply toJanicep

Cheers.

sennetta profile image
sennetta

I just don't specially "disinfect" anything when babies are around. Never have. It's been proven to increase incidence of allergies, excema and asthma in the children. Properly cleaned and thoroughly dried with clean cloths which are frequently hot washed (min 60 deg.) and dried is all that is necessary. For sore hands such as you describe, I would massage in neat esential oil of lavender topped with organic coconut oil and cotton gloves. You will notice a difference very quickly. Lavender is brilliant for burns aswell

β€’ in reply tosennetta

Thank you.

5lupins profile image
5lupins

This may sound too simple to try. After years of repeated sore fingers (no prints left). I started working using machinery, stains and varnishes. All day everyday not a hobby. An old woodcarver I met told me to rub a bit of vegetable oil in to remove varnish etc and then wash as usual. I could not believe it. Within days they were fine. ,!!! His theory was too much cream left on makes the skin too soft. I only do it after messy jobs now and wear gloves for prolonged work in water. I don't use heavy cleaning products,. Or do much cleaning for that matter. πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„πŸ˜„ jen

β€’ in reply to5lupins

Hmmmm? My ex-husband was (is) a woodworker... in fact I used to work in the shop when I was like 20, as the shop Admin; but I also babbled in restoration and refinishing of old rustic/antique furniture that came in... He never told me that trick!!!! That's why he's my ex! Makes sense that too much cream/moisture makes them too soft! Hmmmm. Thanks!

Sandy1947 profile image
Sandy1947

aquafor and cottons socks on your hands at night

LarryLeek profile image
LarryLeek

I had this issue a few yrs. & nothing worked as far as completely clearing it up EXCEPT Aquaphor. It completely healed the condition & it’s never returned.... Try it.... google.com/search?q=aquapho...

β€’ in reply toLarryLeek

Thanks!

GOOD_GRIEF profile image
GOOD_GRIEF

An ounce of prevention...get those surgical gloves out from underneath the counter and leave a pair next to every place in your house where you're going to get your hands in water. Think of it as OCD for hands - need those gloves where they're going to do some good!

PS: if you're latex sensitive, make sure the gloves do not contain latex.

β€’ in reply toGOOD_GRIEF

I like it... OCD for hands!!!!

morrison profile image
morrison

I found the best thing was any hand cream with aragon oil was great . Applied at night with cotton gloves over. Your hubby will love it. Ha ha.x keep enjoying your family 😊x

β€’ in reply tomorrison

Gloves arriving tomorrow! Cheers!!!!

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