Not that serious in the scheme of things!

[AnniesRyder5]

I wonder if the inflamed looking rash at the corners of my mouth and at the side of my nose are PMR or pred related by any chance?

I have had it for about the same period as my PMR diagnosis which is 2 years. Various GPS have not made such connections. Rosacea was ruled out. They prescribed Daktatort ( for possible angular cheilitis) , Aciclovir in tablet and ointment forms, Betnovate, and most recently Fluticasone ( over the last 6 weeks). None of these have had any positive effect.

Finally a nurse agreed to refer me to a dermatologist who she reckoned might get back to me in about a year.

The rash looks quite inflamed and although not debilitating I am self conscious about it as it competes with the wrinkles.

Many thanks in anticipation,

Ann

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Difficult to say without being able to see it.

[AnniesRyder5 in reply to PMRpro]

The photo doesn’t really show the level of lividity or the area next to my nose. The fact I am starting my second stye within a few weeks probably points to low immunity.

[suzy1959]

Could it be thrush? My husband was taking a steroid inhaler and kept getting sore in his mouth and at the corners of his mouth. he has solved it by using a mouthwash after taking the medicine, but of course this was more obvious because the steroids were in his mouth, so not sure if that idea is at all helpful!!

[winfong]

The mouth part maybe angular cheilitis. I had it at one time, and the doc recommended multi-vitamins (it can be caused by low B-12). Haven't had problems since. Not sure about the nose.

[AnniesRyder5 in reply to winfong]

Thanks for that - I will check what’s in my multivitamins

[Blearyeyed]

Seeing a Dermotologist is probably the best thing you can do to work out how to treat that.

They don't get the credit they deserve really , as they are often able to work out very quickly what it is , and are usually very knowledgeable about other illnesses or medications that have caused it.

There are so many different options.

Have you had your Iron, Vitamin B and D levels checked with a blood test at the GP ?

Are you taking a Vitamin D supplement and a multivtamin and mineral, these can often reduce symptoms that effect your skin and mouth.

Vitamin deficiencies can often happen on steroids and can cause flare ups and reactions in your skin.

Did you often have cold sores in the past?

If you are prone to cold sores , thrush or other skin related conditions they can flare up while taking steroids.

Steroids can make our skin more fragile and prone to various conditions , rashes and dryness.

Increasing your fluid intake helps reduce the symptoms too. Heal the cause from the inside as well as the outside.

If you are still using any make up or facial moisturizers , lip balms with added scent or flavours or cleansing wipes I would suggest you stop using them around the nose and mouth area at the moment because they will make the condition worse.

The ingredients are often drying or can increase irritation , even if they were great before, and these reactions can increase the chances of some sort of dermatological issue.

Try using plain water to cleanse around the eyes, nose and mouth and just gently padding it dry.

For the time being a cream like Epaderm can be used to moisturize your face and might bring some relief to the effected area as well until it is properly diagnosed, it is also a good general body moisturizer for anyone with fragile skin caused by age or medication . You can buy this at the Chemist , online , or get your GP to prescribe a large bottle of it .

[AnniesRyder5 in reply to Blearyeyed]

Thanks for a very thoughtful and helpful response

[Purplecrow]

Hi, I keep a small bottle of mild salt rinse on my counter, and rinse my mouth 2-3 times a day. The saline changes mouth ph and helps manage things like thrush. Also, plain yogurt, a spoonful several times a day, also helps. Old wives remedies, but free and no drugs. Worth a try.

[AnniesRyder5 in reply to Purplecrow]

Thank you and I’ll give it a try

[Zebedee44]

Hello Ann, I feel for you. I have struggled for a long time with angular cheilitis at the corners of my mouth and was prescribed Canestan HC by a dermatologist. As long as I apply it regularly with a clean cotton bud it keeps the worst of the soreness under control. This might help you, although I can’t say whether it might help at the side of your nose.

[AnniesRyder5 in reply to Zebedee44]

Thank you Zebedee - worth a try

[Norski1]

Hi AnnieI get this at the corners of my mouth and find that Clotrimazole cream clears it up in a matter of days although you should use it sparingly for about 10 days. You can buy it on ebay or an online chemist for about £2 to £3.

Hope this helps, N xx

[AnniesRyder5 in reply to Norski1]

Thank you NorskiIt’s definitely worth a try