Vasculitis

[Yan0808]

Is it okay to take a bath if you vasculitis?

[Bremmen]

I have EGPA I take an occasional bath but not too hot, leaves me feeling weak. Should be fine.

[grindhaus]

Hi Yan0808,

I have EGPA and occasionally enjoy our hot tub for 15-20min at a time. Quite soothing. Distraction from the achy pain in my legs. However, I won't do hot baths if my legs are showing any inflammation, redness or swelling. In that case I may apply my big cold packs.

[zoe69 Administrator Volunteer Vasculitis UK]

If you have ulcers you need to talk to your doctor about this. Otherwise I would say try it. If it is agitating your vasculitis avoid it.

I couldn't take baths the first 18 months of illness, but only because I couldn't get in and out of the bath tub. I am in medical remission now and I enjoy my hot baths.

[sand120]

Yes, but be careful with hot baths. You want to avoid those because they leave you weak. If you have trouble getting in or out of the tub, then no bath. Also, if you have ulcers, no bath.

[Christophene47]

Ok; if you don't mind your skin quite red after a hot tub. I do on occasion take a 15-20 min bath. I was originally thought to have vasculitis b/c I was PR3 antibody positive, or C-ANCA + with a titre of in US terms of 1.6 highest for me. Started on Prednisone which was like a magic bullet for awhile.

I sought other rheumatologists' opinion. A vasculitis specialist at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore spent well over an hour with me and all testing redone. According to their lab parameters, I was negative.

A second rheumatologist well respected locally had his tech make whole blood smears (to be interpreted by human eyes, rather than machine testing) all negative. So given my symptoms, my diagnosis was changed to polymyositis rheumatica; I love a hot bath, but reserve them for when it is cold. I know my skin, will be very red, but it goes away in a short term. If you are on prednisone, remember that the drug causes fragility of skin; if your skin is dry, you will need to be diligent about moisturizing your skin that is something hypoallergenic.

[lou1972]

I have not had baths for many months. And when i do start to feel better and I try to have one its has to be plain and simple or with some soothing salt. I dont stay in for long but most times regret having one as dont feel right after. Also showers I am in and out as quick as possible.

I do smell nice though......

[AndrewT]

Dear Yan0808,

I have just read your 'Post', from two weeks ago. To answer, your question, as far as I can....Basically YES you can bathe, so long as it 'Feels Right'- this really is the Key here. If Five minutes, Feels 'Good', ten minutes, feels 'Fine' but fifteen minutes feels 'Strange/ Odd/ Uncomfortable' then you have your answer. I would also keep 'Half An Eye' on the Temperature too, again do what 'Feels' right. As regards 'Things' to add, to the Bath water, again be Careful here. Some people 'Swear BY' bath oils, others 'Swear AT' them- generally speaking the Fragrance Free, 'Simple' type, products are your Safest Bet. (Personally speaking, I don't have a bath....because I DON'T HAVE A Bath, if you see what I mean.)

Do let us know how you Get On, please Yan, and what, if any, Product(s) you added to the Tub. Warmest 'Bathy' wishes, from us all

AndrewT