Bad rashes

LegacyUser

Hey all, long time reader.

Just a quick thought on your opinions. For the last 12 months I've had a steadily increasing rash on my arms and legs. I've had no more than 4 different views from doctors telling me that I'm suffering from stress and that it is the main cause of my stress. However, I feel that I have been under no stress recently.

Not that I'm going against their opinions, but can stress be a subconcious thing? I'm very confused by the matter, I've tried a large number of creams and techniques, but none of them have worked thus far

dudara

Yes - stress can be quite subconsious. Are you experiencing any other difficulties in your life such as insomnia etc?

cafecolour

Wait, that the stress is the main cause of the rash or that because of the rash you're getting stressed?

I assume doctors would've said this, but make sure you've tried different laundry detergents and all that. i.e. I'm allergic to some, so I only use like the ecover liquid stuff, since most of the normal store ones give me a rash.

LegacyUser

No, I haven't had insomnia nor any sleeping issues. I had changed my diet a few months back and now on a higher veg diet, I thought it was the cause and reverted back to my older diet a few weeks ago, but the rash is not getting any better. I've tried different detergents and the such too.

Well the rash doesn't give me stress, nor do I feel stressed about the whole thing. If it got serious and hampered me (itchy etc) in my day to day life, then maybe I'd be quite concerned. I'm just confused at the moment as to why the doctors may think its stressed, when in fact the last 2 months have been the calmest months in my life in a while.

foxinsox

Stress could cause it I would imagine, even if you don't feel stressed.

But, I would check all other options also..

Allergies could also be what is causing the rash.. maybe..

Certain food additives can cause me to get a rash, but the main culprit I have found is either washing powder/liquids or soap.

Try and think if you have changed any of these things in the last 12 months. Often soaps/shower gels etc. will have NEW on their packaging which generally means they have changed the ingredients, half of us wouldn't even pay any attention to this. But I know the soap I was using for years did this and made me become allergic to it, so if I use it I would get a mild rash. The same happens if I use a different washing powder.

Maybe switch back to the soap and washing powders that would have been used in your house when you were a kid and try sticking to them. Also check your diet, usually the thing/food you crave the most is the one that is the one causing the reaction.

It could take a few weeks for the adjustment to take affect.

Best of luck

Zen65

Variations wrote: »

However, I feel that I have been under no stress recently.

Stress is very often entirely subconscious, by which I mean it can sneak up on you with little or no symptoms. I'm guessing the docs have already explored allergies etc. with you?

You cannot get medical advice here (and frankly I couldn't offer it as I'm not in any way qualified) but if lifestyle & stress are factors, here's some practical advice which may help.

Be sure you have a healthy diet, avoid processed foods (the "instant meal" type of food) as much as you can. Get exercise regularly. Get plenty of sleep. In short, try behaving as though you actually do suffer from stress, and see if these techniques help you with your rash.

If you have changed your diet or lifestyle recently (before the rash appeared) that may be a clue as to why this has happened to you.

Other things to watch out for include:

- Perfumes & cosmetics: avoid or minimise. Don't use perfumed detergent for your clothes, perfumed make-up removers, soaps, etc

- Deodorants: use sparingly (if at all) and only where needed.

- Avoid sugary snacks.

- Don't scratch the rash!!

If it persists, you might consider seeing a different type of medic? I have found some success with Chinese herbalists in the past, though I'm told there's a lot of dodgy ones out there. I know of a few acupuncturists who have been very astute with this sort of thing, and can give very good advice.

Best of luck,

Z

Hank_Jones

Do you have a diet that is high in sugar intake?

If so it could be eczema.

Don't want to be giving medical advice, but ask about Fucibet cream for rashes, it's great for rashes.

Think it is supposed to only available on subscription.
Course your doctor has probably already given you it, sorry if they have.