I Can’t Keep Track: Scratch That Itch!
On my legs I have at least three different skin issues. There’s the dry skin that just doesn’t want to soak up the moisture from even the hardiest of lotions. There are the splotches of a fungal infection I developed while on antibiotics for the spinal cord stimulator trial. And there are the areas that quite recently bubbled up when I developed serious edema two or three months ago. Yes, my skin bubbled. Then it hardened. Then it began a low level ooze. The edema is gone (the only benefit of being off most of my medications), but my skin remains in healing mode.
My arms have a minimum of two things going on. I have areas that are rough and itchy. There are cat scratches that don’t want to heal. Then there’s this ongoing itching that springs up on my hands and wrists.
Shall I even dare tell you about the rawness under and between my breasts? The itching, the erosion of skin, the persistent need for barrier cream (read: diaper cream), or the spreading of this… I’m guessing… fungal infection that threatens to become bacterial due to the diffuse, raw skin in delicate areas. It’s enough to drive one over the edge.
I almost took some quick pics because WORDS are not adequate to describe what’s happening to me and my skin. I didn’t do it, though. At least, not yet. I spared you the horrors of this creeping crud.
Oh, and while I was attending to my skin issues, I noticed a spot on my underboob. It had been a teensy weensy mole a couple years ago. It was measurable in millimeters. Now? It’s almost two inches in length and almost an inch in width. It looks a bit like one of those trilobite fossils found in most natural history museums. It’s quite rough and has the oddest quality to it. I am not pleased. I’m not even in the same state as “pleased”! Being without any health insurance, I can’t just run to a doctor to decide if it’s something I should worry about.
I’ll never be remembered as a one hit wonder. I have far too many complaints and needs for my legacy to be that I was boring. The facts don’t add up at all.
Until such time that I’m no longer using diaper cream and medicated powder to try to keep this body from becoming a much bigger problem than it is.
I think this is the part of the movie where some stunt woman would take my place and throw herself from the tallest window or ledge in utter frustration and as a means of ending the itch.
I’m so very over this bullshit. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that something good, something NOT irritating, happens to alleviate all the bad feels in my body.
But enough about me, let’s talk about you. Have you ever heard such things? Could you tell how any of this is necessary?
Oh,I hope your skin issues resolve! Have you thought about warm salt water baths? You’d know more than me about it, but salt water has a healing quality to it…
That rough patch? Yeah, I have those under a boob and on my back. The dermatologist told me that it’s age-related. I got one on my shoulder last year and picked until it was all gone. Weird, right?
Comment by pam — 2017/09/20 @ 08:03
The spot under my breast isn’t”pickable”. I’ve tried. It only bleeds and returns to the same state as before.
I don’t take baths. Showers are the only thing I can handle. Plus, with the fungal infection I have going on, it’s best not to expose more of my body to it. Thus, showers, barrier cream, powder, and repeating ad nauseum.
Ugh. I’m so very sick of myself and these various ailments. Wish I could vacation separate from my body.
Comment by Da Goddess — 2017/09/20 @ 08:27
Oh, the fungus. Sorry!
I only take showers; who wants to sit in dirty water, right?
Comment by pam — 2017/09/20 @ 09:23
Exactly! Why is that considered relaxing?
Currently trying to decide if I should shower or just apply more cream. I mean, I WANT to shower, but sometimes it hurts more than it helps. Stupid fucking back!
Comment by Da Goddess — 2017/09/20 @ 16:36
I’m still home nursing a new knee, so I can commiserate on the pain part. I can’t sleep more than an hour or so at a time, and my mom went home so I can’t take any pain meds if I have to go anyplace because I have to drive myself. Goodness knows what I’m going to do in 2 weeks when I have to go back to work.
Anyway, I hope things start looking up for you soon!
Comment by Jan — 2017/09/20 @ 19:12
I tend to get fungal infections on the steamy area of the body…such as underboob. To treat it, I buy one of those kits for vaginal yeast infections and rub that cream on the affected areas once a day. I alternate that with hydrocortisone cream. You probably have already tried all that, but if not, it’s worth a shot.
Sending you all the healing vibes. Hoping you can find some relief. ((hugs))
Comment by DogsDontPurr — 2017/09/22 @ 11:09
Not to be alarmist but get that mole looked at asap. Sounds like a possible skin cancer
Comment by Chris — 2017/09/22 @ 12:15
Welcome to the new knee, Jan! Take your meds as they’ll help the healing process. If you need to go somewhere, get an Uber.
Marcie, one of my creams is the same as that used in treating vaginal yeast infections, but slightly stronger. Yes, steamy parts are real buggers to keep dry and free of skin issues. I’m glad you understand but sorry you know what I’m talking about.
Chris, that’s my concern as well. Having no regular insurance means I’ll be waiting to see a doctor until I get coverage. With Trump in office, that may be years!
Comment by Da Goddess — 2017/09/24 @ 16:14
It isn’t the pain that’s the problem at this point, it’s the inflammation. I’ve done everything that they’ve told me (ice/elevation/compression/reduce sodium etc) and it’s still so swollen that I can barely bend it 90 degrees. I see the surgeon next week; I’ll see what he says…
Comment by Jan — 2017/09/27 @ 17:09
I’d hate to find out you have an infection deep within the knee. Fingers crossed that it’s just slow healing, which is entirely possible. Keeping you in my prayers!
Comment by Da Goddess — 2017/10/01 @ 03:41