Urticaria update.

[Kendrew]

Thankyou so much to all of you who took the trouble to respond to my previous post. As you can see from the photo taken today, I'm beginning to respond and I can now see definite improvements. The irritation is greatly reduced as is the redness and although there are still some scaley patches these are where I know I scratched when I couldn't hold out any longer, so I guess they'll take a little longer to repair and heal.

This may not be over yet but at least things are moving in the right direction.

Thankyou. ❤

[PMRpro Ambassador]

What a relief!!

[Kendrew in reply to PMRpro]

It is a relief. Fingers crossed things continue to improve with no further setbacks.

[Downbytheriverside in reply to Kendrew]

Hi. I’ve come in late to your posts and am losing the thread slightly. I am suffering these exact same symptoms and steeling myself for a chat with my GP. tomorrow.

I recovered from PMR 18 months ago and no longer take pred. What has been most helpful in easing your symptoms? I can’t pin down any particular trigger for the sudden onset of these itchy lumps on both thighs (not shingles hopefully).

[Kendrew in reply to Downbytheriverside]

My rash was urticaria and presented in the classic way, beginning with arms and chest and then spreading to waist, tummy, legs......mainly those places that are warm and sweat more, such as under boobs, under arms, groin area, etc. It could have been something in contact with my skin that caused it but more likely to be something I've ingested. Apparently 40% of people who develop an urticaria rash will never know the cause!I've taken the prescription antihistamines as advised by GP, increased my steroids for 7dys only, as advised by GP and bathed or showered in a morning & evening using warm water and 'Dermal Lotion' from pharmacy. This can be used as a substitute for soap and also as a moisturiser on towel dried skin.

Declining from rubbing or scratching itchy areas can be very difficult at times but it really helps prevent further inflammation or damage to the skin. Keeping skin cool helps minimise irritation. During the day, I wore loose fitting tracky bottoms and short sleeved t shirt but nothing snug or clingy. The rash is now much improved but skin still sensitive and dry so still being very careful and will be continuing to be mindful of this for some time to come.

Hope this helps.

[Downbytheriverside in reply to Kendrew]

Thank you so much for your reply. I got lost in the 2 threads. The pictures that you and another posted show similar symptoms to mine. I’ll talk to my GP.

I’m glad your symptoms are easing. It’s so unpleasant because it’s difficult to take your mind off the itching and burning. It’s good that this forum is so supportive.

[Telian in reply to Kendrew]

I use Dermol 500 for showering followed by Doublebase for moisturising. Have done for over 30 years for my dry + skin conditions. Would recommend not using soap until your skin settles. You can get the above on ‘script which I’m sure your GP would prescribe as you’ve had a flare. Hope the improvement continues, you’ve done well in a relatively short time, although it wouldn’t have felt like that I’m sure. Skin ailments can be a nightmare.

[Kendrew in reply to Telian]

Thankyou for your advice. I'll definitely be continuing to use the Dermal 500 for showering...I actually prefer it to all the other bath products I seem to have accumulated over Christmas! Do you think Doublebase is a more effective moisturiser than the Dermal? Does it nourish (feed) the skin as well as moisturise it?Sorry for all the questions.

[Telian in reply to Kendrew]

You are most welcome. Definitely, whilst you can use Dermol as a moisturiser I don’t think it’s as effective as Doublebase. What I love about it is you can use it as often as you wish and there is no sticky build up. After showering I smother my whole body in it and within a few minutes it’s completely soaked in and can get dressed. I was having light treatment, for a particularly bad flare of Psoriasis, at Broomfield Hospital and the very knowledgeable Nurse Specialists there gave me these specific instructions. So I’ve continued using the two in that order. It works for me and I have chronic dry and very sensitive skin, even when the psoriasis isn’t there. This regime makes my skin feel well hydrated and normal. Safe on the face too. Good luck.

[Kendrew in reply to Telian]

Thankyou. Appreciate your recommendations. Sending you a PM

[powerwalk]

Oh that looks much better. Hope it continues. Fingers crossed!

[jinasc]

When it settles down, use Double Base Gel. You can get it on prescription as it helps to stop skin thinning etc. Alternatively you can buy it OTC but different prices..........check that company begins with 'A'.

[Kendrew in reply to jinasc]

Thankyou ❤

[Broseley in reply to Kendrew]

I am prescribed this. A large bottle lasts for a couple of years. It's good stuff.

[pal-o-mine]

Happy to see you appear to be on the mend. Take care,

[TheMoaningViolet]

Good to hear this. 🙂

[Meggsy]

Phew, that’s a pleasant relief for you Kendrew. 🌻

[HeronNS]

Excellent!

[SheffieldJane]

That looks a lot better.

[Blearyeyed]

Thank goodness , let's hope it was just a random blip

[123-go]

Good news! That's a massive improvement! 🙂

[Kendrew in reply to 123-go]

It definitely is and it's even better this morning. Just a few dry patches where earlier in the week, I know I rubbed when the itching got the better of me during the night. I've one more day at 30mg before I return to the 6mg I was currently on. Speaking to GP again tomorrow. I was due my 4th vaccination in 2 weeks time but I'm assuming I'm now going to need to wait after experiencing this allergic reaction!

Hope all good with you.

[Pixix in reply to Kendrew]

Excellent news, very pleased for you!! I’m Interested in your 4th jab! My gp says I’m not vulnerable at 5mg & don’t need a 4th jab. I said that I was on 10mg at time of 1st jab, & mentioned JCVI, & he said ‘we’ should focus on the present, not the past, & I’m no longer vulnerable (which he put in writing on my notes). Is this because you had to have a great increase for your current problem, or were you getting 4th jab at 6mg anyway, please? Or are you taking another drug like methotrexate? If you feel well enough, just a very short reply, please? Thanks, S x

[Kendrew in reply to Pixix]

Hi Pixix.

Because I've been on pred long term (for 3yrs) I'm still considered to be immuno-supressed. I was taking 7mg when I received my 3rd Primary vaccination and I was also flagged up as a 'vulnerable patient'. I'm also on AA, propanolol and Atorvastatin, but none of those would probably have affected the decision.

There are definitely others who will be able to answer more comprehensively than myself, but also look up in FAQ's as there may be more information there to help you.

[Pixix in reply to Kendrew]

Thanks! I was on 7mg at third, too. I’ve been on steroids since December 2019, I’m also on AA & atorvastatin, & have had two years (before covid) under the professor in charge of large lung unit, & the result was to shield every winter as I’d been so sick with infections through the previous three winters. He was going to refer me to immunology but shielding works! My hospital name was ‘septic Sara!’ Yes, I read all theFAQs, & thought I was entitled to the 4th jab, & I read the research & the Govt stuff! I received the email & the priority PCR kit & am entitled to the anti viral medicines. That’s what is bizarre. This doctor wasn’t at our practice during my prior ‘infection era’, & my notes from previous place we live are not on computer here as the counties have different computer systems. Thanks very much! S x

[123-go in reply to Pixix]

Hello, Pixix. I'm on Pred dose of 2mg/1mg/1mg (3 day cycle) and leflunomide and having my 4th Covid jab tomorrow. I'm sure you must qualify for yours especially with your past history and the fact that you have received an 'emergency' PCR test kit and letter.

Look at this:

nhs.uk/conditions/coronavir...

If you can find a walk-in centre nearby it would be advisable to take the letter or a copy of the email sent by the NHS with the PCR test information along or your latest prescription.

I would also question the fact that your doctor has written on your notes that you are no longer immunosuppressed ( but try to get your 4th jab first 😉). He should explain why he believes this is the case.

nhs.uk/conditions/coronavir...

[Pixix in reply to 123-go]

Thanks for the info, I think it’s another ‘postcode lottery’ type event. My GP has been excellent in his diagnoses & help to me in the past four years. Perhaps he’s correct? Perhaps you’re no longer vulnerable? We won’t change our way of living so i don’t think me missing another jab will matter too much. If we were planning to go abroad or socialise a lot etc, I may push it. I think my gp genuinely believes I am no longer vulnerable. He doesn’t know my history. If omicron continues to go & no other clever variant comes along, so be it! I would be interested to know how many on here are getting one in my position re steroids, but don’t want to make a separate post. Just waste peoples’ time, really. He doesn’t know I have had the email & kit & I won’t be telling him. If I get Covid I will call 111 after a positive test. I need his help with the next ‘thing’…I’ve just been diagnosed with essential tremor & neurologist recommends me giving up tramadol & amitryptylline, two of the drugs that do help me!! Thanks for your help, S x

[Pixix in reply to Pixix]

PS you need a letter from your GP (unlikely) or hospital specialist (even more unlikely, she saw me last February & said she’d review me in six months & I didn’t get another appointment & now we are a year further on)!

[123-go in reply to Pixix]

Fair enough, Pixix. I understand you wouldn't want to stir things up with your doctor especially if you have faith in him and of course you have to do whatever you believe is best for yourself. 🙂

[Pixix in reply to 123-go]

Leflunomide, coupled with steroids, Puts you into a higher category of vulnerability. Hard luck, S x

[123-go in reply to Pixix]

I'm really fortunate to be taking only two meds and that I haven't had the horrible side effects and PMR 'add-ons' that many of our members suffer: they are the people who have the hard luck. PMR is unpredictable and while I try to stay positive I don't take anything for granted. 🤞🏼🙂

[Pixix in reply to 123-go]

Good for you, staying positive is half the battle sometimes, I reckon! S x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pixix]

Someone hasn't been reading the research!!! They don't really know how quickly anyone's immune response fades so there is no way he can claim that.

[diana1998 in reply to Pixix]

My GCA cousin has been called for a 4th jab and she's on 2mg. No other health conditions.

[123-go in reply to Kendrew]

Looking good for you now.🙂If you have to wait a bit longer for your 4th jab so be it but your GP will advise.

Doing ok, thanks. Trying to be a bit more disciplined with walks now we are seeing more fine days. I don't mind the cold but I'm not keen on lashing rain or high winds.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to 123-go]

That is the main reason I am so reluctant to return to the UK! I am making myself go out every day for a walk and it is rare I have to say no because of rain or wind - maybe once a month if that! If I wait until lunchtime the temp is mostly above freezing and in the sun it is really pleasant - even warm enough to sit in the sun for a drink!!

[123-go in reply to PMRpro]

Stay where you are! ☀️

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to 123-go]

I intend to - but the daughters were making noises ... And it will come to that probably eventually. Hopefully there is time for BoJo and co to have ridden off into the sunset for a very long time ...

[Pixix in reply to PMRpro]

Ah, but we may not get anything better! Not a political comment, I’m not interested, but don’t see a load of good choice!! As for living here, depends, I guess, we had French windows open this morning & have roses still blooming! Live where you’re happy, I reckon…I could enjoy life where you are, i think. We are both missing Italy. S x

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pixix]

Mmm - but you are in the deep south. If I were to come back to the UK there would be little point living there, despite the fact I do have lots of friends and a few family there. My daughters are both in the far north - and the weather there has been dire even if both Yorkshire and Scotland are lovely and nice places to live. Really can't be doing with wet and windy - I'd be stuck in the house more than I'd be out. But there is no point coming back and still living 6 or7 hours away from them to get weather I can live with!

[Pixix in reply to PMRpro]

I quite agree, I didn’t realise both of them are in the north! Yorkshire & s Outland are great for holidays, but I prefer the balmier south, though it was freezing hard on Friday. S x

[Kendrew in reply to Pixix]

Just to put my 'three h'apence worth' in......as a Yorkshire gal I do really enjoy living in the South East of England but I'd happily return to Yorkshire...rain or no rain! I miss the snow in winter too. The only thing I don't do is rain & wind together. My roots and heart are in Yorkshire. We all have our own 'happy place' and that's wherever we lay our hat. ❤️

[Pixix in reply to Kendrew]

My roots are in the Cotswolds, but my heart is in the New Forest! Yorkshire is beautiful. Lots of tv programmes showing that right now! David used to live in Ripon, & we’ve had holidays there. I don’t ‘feel’ like a southerner nor a northerner, I just love nature & where it’s beautiful, I feel happy!

[Telian in reply to Kendrew]

We’ve recently moved back to Yorkshire after 32 years in Essex. No regrets.

[123-go in reply to PMRpro]

They obviously want you near them and who can blame them?........the longer the better 😂.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to 123-go]

I still wouldn't see any more of them - both in the NHS and seem never to stop working, plus they have their own lives ...

[123-go in reply to PMRpro]

That's a consideration. 🤔

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to 123-go]

One of them isn't over-keen on her A&E job - especially at present - but she is tied for 2 years post quali or has to repay the cost of the MSc. I will wait and see what she does then. She is livable with - t'other one would be a struggle! But the balance of being allowed 3 months in the Schengen region, 3 months in the UK and 6 months in Italy appeals more than 9 months in the UK and 3 months here ...

[Canarylady]

Hi Kendrew,so pleased to see your arm is improving,my feet and hands drive me mad,I try not to touch them but as you say it’s very difficult not to touch them.Apart from that I hope your keeping well.take care.

Ruth

[Kendrew in reply to Canarylady]

👍👍❤️❤️

[Tiggy70]

So pleased to hear you are feeling much better🤗

[Broseley]

That's a great improvement! So glad the treatment is working. Was it antihistamines in the end, that helped?

[Kendrew in reply to Broseley]

I'm guessing so...and the increase in steroid dose too.

[Hacey]

Very good news! x

[PMRCanada]

So glad relief has come your way. Wishing you continued healing!

[Kendrew in reply to PMRCanada]

Thankyou ❤

[Hidden]

Looks much improved thankfully

[Kendrew in reply to Hidden]

Definitely is. Thankyou