RSD Skin Rash

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If your doctor has ruled out side effects or adverse reactions to medications, you might be experiencing the RSD Rash. This is an immune system response that is very common in Stages 1 and 2 of RSD. It resembles Chicken Pox. The way to tell the difference between the RSD Rash and Chicken Pox/Shingles is that the RSD Rash has blood filled blisters whereas the Chicken Pox/Shingles has fluid filled blisters. It does itch and it can burn but does not always burn unless you break the blisters open. Although some people have reported that they also feel burning along with the itching. The rash may also appear as solid raised bumps. Also, please be aware that since this is an immune system response, the rash can appear anywhere on your body and not where the RSD happens to be. Please do not think that the RSD is spreading to the area where the rash appears -- there is no connection. There are prescription topical medications that you can ask your doctor to prescribe to help with the itching or you can use over the counter antihistamines if your doctor says it is OK - please check with him/her first before trying these. You can also use some home remedies such as witch hazel or Milk of Magnesia dried to a paste. To dry Milk of Magnesia to a paste -- just put it on a paper plate and let it dry out a bit. Put either the witch hazel or the MOM on the affected area to help stop the itching. Another home remedy that helps with the itching is Epsom Salt baths. Epsom salt baths also help with RSD pain. Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate U.S.P) is a 100% Natural Mineral long been considered a trusted natural remedy for everything from the winter blues to a laxative. First, Please do not try this before asking your doctor if this is OK for you to do - ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE DIABETES! Also do not use if you have any open infected wounds. Epsom salts are great for non infected wounds. Soak in the tub with warm (85-95 degree) water with Epsom Salts. This will help improve circulation which will reduce inflammation, pain, and itching. It will also very quickly bring warmth to your limbs if you suffer from "cold" limbs. Some may feel uncomfortable for the first few minutes when first getting in the warm water -- this is common. But if you continue to feel uncomfortable -- this is not and you should discontinue. This is why it works: While you are soaking, the Epsom Salts removes the poisonous and irritative chemicals from the involved extremity through the skin. The Epsom salts acts as a calcium channel blocker which helps reduce the pain, inflammation, edema and breakdown of tissues. Another great home remedy is Banana Boat's Sooth-A-Caine which can be found at your local grocery or drug store. It is a non greasy spray gel that contains lidocaine and menthol. Many RSDers have reported that they get relief from not only the burning pain but also from the crushing type pain as well as helping with the rash. If you try this product and get relief from it, you might want to ask your doctor about Lidoderm 5% Lidocaine patches which require a prescription but seem to help people that have had success with the Sooth-A-Caine for their RSD pain.http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/wPUYQKe3IpfA_wY4BKBdz_d8hl_REcRQVEBW5l1fdNO4DBkr6V5AcIVNHG6e6tLY46A2QkF8Js1ynRuHpdE/Rsd%20Rash.rtx

Hugs and a pain free minute,Deb (Deborah Genatossio)Debgena@...Founder of RSD-CRPSofAmerica