Guest guest Posted November 21, 1998 Report Share Posted November 21, 1998 I've heard Zinc Oxide helps with cea related symptoms, but isn't zinc oxide white and difficult to get off of the skin? Also I have not found a cleanser that I can use on my skin it gets to dry and red if I use anything. Also It seems like Antihistamines totally dries me up along with Aspirin, is this normal? Thanks, Ian ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 21, 1998 Report Share Posted November 21, 1998 Ian, Have you tried Cetaphil moisturizing cleanser? It works great for me-in fact, it seems like it does almost as much for my skin as the medications. Margaret, Thanks for the tip about fish-I was suspicious that it was a problem, but hadn't verified it yet. As I understand it, sweet potatoes and yams are not related to white potatoes, so it's not a problem. I actually am not sensitive to potatoes, but my husband is allergic to them, and so are both our daughters (including the one I'm nursing). Do you mean that having a shower is a problem for you? I noticed that my shampoo bothers my skin, and the water can't be too hot. For a while I was using shampoo that didn't work for me and taking practically cold showers, and I was saying to myself-there has got to be a better way! Now I take an almost hot shower, but don't let the water touch my face, and I tilt my head back when shampooing and rinsing so that it doesn't get on my face. When it's time to wash my face, I turn the water temperature way down to rinse it. It's such a relief to almost enjoy a shower again! Donna G. Thanks for the info about latex. As I mentioned above, it's actually my spouse and daughters who are allergic to potatoes, but since I'm nursing one of the girls I avoid them. I will have to watch for a problem with latex. I would love to hear any other suggestions you have in the way of food-it sounds like you saw a good nutritionist. I like pomegranates but thought it would bother my skin-I don't know why. I should give them a try! You're right, I should see a nutritionist myself, but I'm so tired of doctors who can't or won't help with food related problems that I just don't bother anymore. Kerry Kerry ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 22, 1998 Report Share Posted November 22, 1998 In a message dated 11/21/98 2:33:39 PM Eastern Standard Time, isammis@... writes: << I've heard Zinc Oxide helps with cea related symptoms, but isn't zinc oxide white and difficult to get off of the skin? Also I have not found a cleanser that I can use on my skin it gets to dry and red if I use anything. Also It seems like Antihistamines totally dries me up along with Aspirin, is this normal? >> Ian, I love zinc oxide but it's really not for everyone. You're completely right. It's white and a pain to get off. Heck, it's a pain to rub in. I have to use vaseline to get it rubbed in. Calamine lotion, desitin and even some sun screens all use zinc oxide and are easier to deal with. Try one of them, at night before bed. When others can't see you and be concerned that you have lost your mind for good. It takes a few days. Test it first, like always. Just on the jawline, two or three days running. If it's safe, give it the old college try for about a week. Doesn't help everyone but it does help enough people that I will always post it as worth a try. Esther ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 22, 1998 Report Share Posted November 22, 1998 In a message dated 11/21/98 11:41:53 PM Eastern Standard Time, pcohen@... writes: << I use Allegra, but Claritin works well too. They can be a little drying, but usually the benefit outweighs the problems. >> Me too. I love Claritin and it doesn't case me any problems. Zrytec is far better for skin problems though. I have no clue if antihistamine dry me out or not, to be honest. I can deal with dryness. I just can't deal with a flare. Esther ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 30, 1998 Report Share Posted December 30, 1998 I finally tried the Zinc-Oxide a few days ago, and I'm having good results. I still have pinkness on my cheeks and nose, but it seems to be a lighter color. I use the Zonc-Oxide ointment instead of the Desitin. After I wash my face at night and use my Metrogel I mix a little bit of the Zinc-Oxide with my moisturizer and put it on my face. Not only has it made my face less red, but it reduces the redness of the few spider veins I have on my face. Since I am coming off 8 years of cortisteroids use I am hoping that the Zinc will give my skin a chance to heal and strengthen. I am also going to ask my dermatologist about the safety of Zinc-Oxide and if there might be other products that contain Zinc which are not quite as greasy as the ointment. The Zinc-Oxide and Antihistamines are both great suggestions, but it makes me wonder: why haven't our dermatologists suggested any of these things? So far the things I've read about through this support group have helped me more than my last three dermatologists. Thanks for all of your help! Margaret H. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 1, 1999 Report Share Posted January 1, 1999 Margaret, Your point is well taken. It may sound like an excuse, but your derms probably know all these treatments but must have been under time constraints. Sometimes we dermatologists and physicians in general, can learn a lot by LISTENING to patients. That's why I was fascinated when I was just a " fly on the wall " eavesdropping to this group. Patients have a very personal interest and approach to their well-being and sometimes, they intuitively find the answers or are able to help their physicians do so. It is a rare opportunity for physicians to have a forum of patients w/ like problems all together, for an extended period of time, discussing problems, doing research and trying to figure things out. I feel privileged. BTW, I suspect that antihistamines help probably because they block histamine which causes vasodilatation and flushing. As you all know, antihistamines also cause drying of the eyes and mucous membranes which may exacerbate symptoms. The same mechanism (control of flushing) is probably why clonidine and beta-blockers such as propanolol also help. It is a good idea not to take the latter meds without the guidance of your internists as they have systemic implications, indications and cross reactivity w/ other drugs. Sy M.D.http://www.lindasy.com re:zinc-oxide The Zinc-Oxide and Antihistamines are both great suggestions, but it makes me wonder: why haven't our dermatologists suggested any of these things? So far the things I've read about through this support group have helped me more than my last three dermatologists. Thanks for all of your help! Margaret H. Heart Disease. Family Medicine. ADD. Arthritis. Asthma. Neuroscience. Hundreds of expert human guides to lead you through thousands of topics. Explore The Mining Co. http://home.miningco.com/health Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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