dermatitis/rosacea

[LBolt]

My GP's can't seem to make up their mind - one says I have dermatitis and one says is rosacea.

The area around my eyes and across the bridge of my nose became very red and the skin very flaky - first GP prescribed steriod cream with an antibiotic. Used it for about 10 day - cleared up. Came back after a couple of weeks very red and burning - in fact used anfter sun to cool it down - back to GP saw another one prescribed cream for rosacea - made matters worse so I've stopped that.

However, just noticed first redness in my groin and across a tummy scar (I have an overhang there from two major operations!!!).

Sitting at work today with VERY loose knickers on to avoid any chaffing - any ideas anyone?

Lynn:worried:

[millykitty]

Have mercy! I hope it heals pretty quick! For chaffing the only thing I can think of that might not irritate you further would be vaseline or aquafor (spelling?) to coat it and prevent your clothig from rubbing. I don't think is would be so great on your face though. I am no doc though! Hoping for a speedy resolution for you.
Erin

[Clare.T]

How annoying about the face rash :( Could it be some sort of allergy?
You were right to stop using the rosacea cream. Maybe try the steroid/ antibiotic again since it helped until you can get dermy advice.

I suggest using nappy rash cream for relief of the chafing. It is healing too. I might mix a couple drops of tea tree oil in with it.

Have you had any change in UV exposure ? More fluorescent lights in a new office for example ?

This just might be a fungal infection if you are on immune suppressants.
I have been told that vaseline wasn't a good idea because it is occlusive, stops air getting in and will prevent natural healing.

Even Plaquenil, although it's not an immunosuppressant can make skin fold (warm moist dark places) infections more likely. Don't wash just splash with tepid water and pat dry, or better still use a hair dryer whenever possible.

The only autoimmune disease I know of that affects round the eyes is dermatomysositis. I am sure there are many other possible reasons but you could look at the pictures and read up about it just to be informed and see if you have any other symptoms that might suggest it.
From the online info it looks as if people usually have rashes elsewhere too like on the cheeks but there's a limit to the conslusions that can be drawn from online info

Let us know how you get on

Clare

[LBolt]

Thanks for the replies - things seem to be easing a bit. The rash under my tummy is easing and so is the one in my groin. Neither of them were sore at all - been letting the air get to them - if you get my drift!

See my rheumie next month and will have a word with her about it.

Take care

Lynn