Long term antibiotics and dry, tight skin?

[hopefulmama]

Hi all,

I know this is a question for Dr. F and believe me I will be asking him at our next appointment.

I’ve been on antibiotics for almost 9 weeks now… and about 2? 3? weeks ago I noticed that in the shower the skin around the inside of my arm joints was feeling tight. It only happened in the shower, so I figured it was due to dryness from the soap – possibly exacerbated by the long term abx.

I switched to a different kind of wash and promptly forgot about it. In the last few days though, I’ve noticed that this tight feeling around the soft parts of my elbows (inside) and knees (inside) is happening to a degree even when I’m not in the shower.

Obviously I’m the first person to be aware of the possibility of scleroderma, so I’ll follow through on that. Still, this only started after being on antibiotics for over six weeks and I’ve never had the problem before… despite all of the other ups and downs of the last two years.

Am wondering if anyone – say someone with RA for example – has had a dry/tight skin reaction to the long term abx they are on for their Antibiotic Protocol? And if so, is there a moisturizer that you could recommend?

Thanks so much 🙂 I’m going to let go of the worry now that I know that my question is in the hands of my capable and kind forum friends, and move on. No time to dwell on tight elbows 😉

[chrysalis]

Hi I noticed that the skin on my legs started to resemble lizard skin about a year before i was diagnosed with RA. I am always covered up when outside so was not from the sun. All of the specialists I have seen said it was part of the RA-rheumatologist, homeopath and nutritional specialist all agreed on something-that was a surprise. For a while I was taking Qsilica to help with reforming collagen in my muscles this also has a reputation for improving skin condition and hair. I cannot say that I noticed a difference but only took it for 3 months. I have been on the antibiotics for about 7 months I think and although my skin has not improved it has not gotten any worse except for pigmentation from the antibiotics for which vitamin c is the recommendation-yet another thing to remember to take. Hope you get some good info regards chrysalis

[mkay]

Hi Hopefulmama~

I have had this off and on, lastnight infact. I find this happening when I’am doing horrible (joint pain wise)…lastnight my hands were killing me, after doing dishes my skin was extremely tight and dry. I lotioned with Johnson’s baby lotion and then on top of that, rubbed cocoa butter vaseline on them. It always happens to me like I said, when I’am sore and when my hands are in water alot. Not even sure how to describe it— a tight swelling with dry skin is the only way I know how! It is a very annoying and frustrating feeling but the lotion/vaseline does seem to help..maybe you could try it. This disease (ra) has some crazy symptoms! Hope your feeling better 😀

[hmom]

Hi A,

I had some of that happen too when I went onto additional abx along with the minocycline. For me it was on the outsides of my elbows and knees, and my face. They got dry and felt tight. Don’t know if it was a collagen thing or swelling or what, but it kind of freaked me out, and I ordered a lotion over the internet that supposedly assists in skin regeneration. Also has nano CoQ10 in it, natural ingredients and no fragrance, so I figured hey that’s a good thing if nothing else! A month or so later, my skin is fine, but I still feel good using it instead of regular lotion after a shower. Have no idea if the dryness and tightness was just a temporary thing anyway, but the company looked interesting and you can PM me if you’d like details.

M

[gordbentley]

hemp cream is by far the best I find for dry skin, my skin dries in the winter and my hands get dry from handling wood all day (I am a carpenter). the best product i have found was the hemp cream 🙂

[Krys]

@gordbentley wrote:

hemp cream is by far the best I find for dry skin, my skin dries in the winter and my hands get dry from handling wood all day (I am a carpenter). the best product i have found was the hemp cream 🙂

Interesting! And no wonder:
http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/oilprofile/hempseed.php
“Specifically, Hemp Seed Oil has been shown to assist with the following medical conditions:
*Eczema
*Psoriasis
*Acne
*Osteoporosis
*Menopause
*Cancer
*Multiple Sclerosis
*Rheumatoid Arthritis
*Premenstrual symptoms
*High cholesterol
*High blood pressure
*Weight loss
*Poor circulation
*Crohn’s disease
*Cardiovascular disease
*Gall stones
*Kidney degeneration
*Dry skin
*Immune deficiency
*Irregular hormone levels
*HIV virus
*Tuberculosis
*Low energy levels
*Low metabolism
*Dry skin and hair conditions
In cosmetic and bodycare products, Hemp Seed Oil is anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing, balances dry skin, …helps heal skin lesions, has anti-oxidants and contains moisture balancing properties. The oil is non-greasy, readily absorbs into the pores, is an emollient,……”
Dr. Mercola has written about Hemp Seed oil:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/05/07/medical-marijuana-becoming-blockbuster-drug.aspx
http://blogs.mercola.com/sites/vitalvotes/archive/2007/05/08/Soys-New-Competition-Hemp.aspx
Warm wishes, Krys

[gordbentley]

yup hemp is really where it is at. but on the other hand if i smoke the “other stuff” it actually makes any pain I have worse, even if I have no pain at the time if I smoke the stuff it can bring on a flare :S so I just stay away from it other than the cream lol

[Krys]

@gordbentley wrote:

yup hemp is really where it is at. but on the other hand if i smoke the “other stuff” it actually makes any pain I have worse, even if I have no pain at the time if I smoke the stuff it can bring on a flare :S so I just stay away from it other than the cream lol

You are so sweetly funny, Gord. As Mercola explains, it is not really the same stuff, but the name does call the other one to mind…Thanks to you, I’ll get some Hemp Oil for my skin.

Andrea, my LLMD suggested the use of Neem oil as the best for dry skin. But it does stink. I’ve been adding it to Calendula and Chamomile oil (I make them myself) and even though I add lavender and a tiny bit of rose essential oil, it still stinks. I can smell the Neem Oil on me all day long.
I asked my LLMD if all patients had severe dry skin problems while on AP, he said I was kind of unique in this respect (maybe: unique in severity?). But, if I remember correctly, Dr. Schaller mentions dry skin in “Bartonella” book (maybe it was the book on Babesia) while describing side effects of antibiotics. And I think (sorry! my memory has a long way to go yet) that I did find references on the internet (did not bookmark the link) that abx have this effect on the skin. Don’t you feel thirsty all the time? I do.
Hope everything improves for you soon.
Warm wishes, Krys

[hopefulmama]

Thanks so much everyone… the fact that you’ve experienced this and your great suggestions have put me 100% at ease.

Yes, Krys – I do feel thirsty all the time. I’ve never drunk enough water in my life but didn’t notice it until going on the abx.

And thanks! I hope to feel better soon as well. My arthritic symptoms and Raynaud’s have come back to some degree since going off the Doxy and I do miss it… but my esophagus is much better so I’m just taking it day by day and we’ll see if the future brings me any more tetracycline class abx.

Sometimes I wonder if my Hashimoto’s is related more to a bacteria like Yersinia Enterolitica (commonly found in Hashimoto’s patients) and not the mycoplasma… in which case, doxycycline would take care of it but azithromycin wouldn’t. Something I’m going to discuss with Dr. F… surely there must be a blood test for Yersinia…

Take care everybody!

A

[Krys]

While searching the web for lard based ointments I’ve found a great site (if you are up to making a great ointment/salve yourself). I think it rocks!!!:
Making Ointments with Lard vs Oil”: http://www.healingwiseforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=5043&p=44012&hilit
“The reason lard is so effective is because it is very similar to human fat, allowing for more efficient absorption…the extraordinary healing properties of calendula ointment for skin problems are ONLY present if the FLOWER EXTRACT AND LARD ARE COMBINED – present at the same time! Using either the flower extract or the lard by itself is of little use. The caledula extract by itself has very little effect and without the lard cannot be absorbed well enough to heal as intended.”
A chiropractor once used a lard based ointment on me and it was vastly superior to what I had ever used. So finally I searched the web and Yeepee!!!
I’m thinking that it also could be a great way to take some herbs transdermally!!!
Or just plain Calendula and Chamomile, and towards the end, when it is almost room temperature, adding vit. E and D, or any other healing oil? If it is too thin, some beeswax can always be added.

Also, Quilter mentioned here on the forum the use of Bag Balm.
“Scleroderma Elbow Tip Pains”: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=13043

Warm wishes, Krys

Edited by Krys to fix the link (didn’t work right).

[Jan Lucinda1]

This is an interesting thread. I’ve had dry skin all over, recently behind my knees. I’ve been using an oatmeal lotion which helps.

[Author]

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