Posted by Susan J on October 6, 2003, at 11:07:41
In reply to Compulsive??Skin Picker, posted by LoriCA on October 6, 2003, at 2:09:23
Hiya,
>>Well, not actually a rash, but skin wounds, irritation – hard to describe. Sometimes it itches so terribly, I want to cut off my arms; and sometimes I pick when it doesn’t itch.
<<Has this condition been diagnosed by a doctor? Just wondering, cuz if you could rapidly clear up the rash, it would help (but not cure) the compulsion to pick at it.
>> It’s not acne, but I have tried oxy whatever to dry them out. I have tried every itch cream in the store I can think of and a couple of prescribed cortisone things...even the stuff for allergies such as Benedril (spelling?). Can anyone recommend anything?
<<I think Jackster had some great recommendations. I had a tendency to pick at the skin on my fingers and I've never been diagnosed OCD. And even when there wasn't a blister-like thing there, I still picked. Yuck. But for me, getting *rid* of the problem severely cut down on my need to pick.Anyway. I was diagnosed with eczema. My doc gave me a prescription hydrocortizone cream, which I know you tried, but he also gave me this over the counter skin sealant stuff which seals in moisture and seals out irritants. I'll get the name of that if you are interested. I've forgotten it, but it's at home.
I'd treat your skin as super sensitive. Wash with Cetaphil, which is a very mild skin cleanser, and mositurize with fragrance free Lubriderm or Eucerin, which were also recommended by my dermatologist. I think acne type medications probably are irritating it further. I also have rosacea, and my dermatologist told me that traditional treatments for acne like benzoyl peroxide, dry it out way too much and irritate the skin way too much. ****And change your laundry detergent to something hypoallergenic, like Dreft.**** Try wearing all natural, breathable fibers. Also, wear sunscreen outdoors in the summer. Kiehl's water-based sunblock is for sensitive skin, and works really well for me. The sunblock will help the little white scars fade in time.
Good luck, and let me know if you are interested in that skin sealant stuff. I think it's silicone based, but not sure.
Susan
poster:Susan J
thread:265860
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031004/msgs/265940.html