Dry, crinkly, ashy skin.

[awhitsend]

I hello I'm a 31 year old black male. When I was about 26 my skin started to feel very tight around my eyes, mouth area and scalp. I was trying different products on my hair as it was thinning and think I may have irritated it. 

Ever since my skin has been very very ashy and constantly dry. I have dry aqueous creams, cocoa butter, bio oil, olive etc and nothing has changed. When I smile I have crinkles all over my face. I also have wrinkles around my lips. My scalp and hairline feel constantly tight at the moment the skin is irritated and the hair not growing properly. My neck and upper chest are also dry and ashy. 

At one point I would wash my face for 3 + hours because it feels like there is residue. During this time my hands got quite dry asif the residue had run onto them

Sorry about that. Even after long showers there was a residue along my entire hairline and around my mouth and chin specifically where the hair grows. But my whole face feel tight and my eyes alls feel affected and the have wrinkling along the browline upper and lower eyelids. I cant grow and facial here with lower 15 years older as the residue seems to adhere to it.

It even my lips feel as if there is a residue on them no matter how much I wash very thick which I can taste. I get a grey scum all over my lips and my tongue looks as if i have a yeast infection. In photos my lips look grey with a silvering greyish saliva where the lips meet. And even in my mouth. I had numerous occasions where ive been to hospital because I couldn't swallow but my saliva was so thick or my mouth so dry I nearly choked. At first I thought it a chest infection but ive had thick saliva and trouble swallowing almost as long as mt skin has been like this. I have literally nearly died ans had check ups from ENT and cardiology. 

I want to get fraxel but want to try and find out what this is first. Its ruined my life and whats worse I have absolutely no clue how to address it. 

Im using witch hazel foaming face wash and palmers cocoa butter. If anyone can offer any help please please please do. 

Thanks

[lovesradio]

Oh dear God what a time you are having. Have you at any time been referred to a specialist team that might include a dermatologist and nutrition specialist with specific expertise in your skin type? Please see posting on this as your first step to support and healing and please do not give up on getting proper and appropriate treatment. We are all with you in your search.

[jamy]

HI

It sounds like you are having a really rough time of it. If you wish to call me on 07580301675 or email me on [e-mail] I feel confident I can help. Take care for now Jacqueline

[Shell567]

Hi awhitsend,

As lovesradio says, it sounds as if you need to be referred to a specialist. Skin conditions can be very complicated, and they cannot always be diagnosed via description or visual examination. Investigations such as a skin biopsy and blood tests are often necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

There are a few skin conditions that can cause some of the symptoms that you describe. For example, scleroderma can cause skin tightening and wrinkles, reduced saliva production, dry mouth, swallowing or breathing difficulties.

Sometimes, skin conditions can be a sign of an underlying illness. As you've had some very serious health problems, it's probably best that you see your doctor.

All the best,

Shell.