Posted by chloe on June 27, 2001, at 18:23:59
In reply to Re: Dry itchy skin/Moodstabilizers/Neurontin » chloe, posted by Chris A. on June 26, 2001, at 22:40:23
Thanks for the helpful info. I am so impressed that you are able to manage the side effects with such imagination and fortitude. I tried Lamictal, and my skin felt like it was on fire. I didn't develop the dreded rash, but every time I went outside I would get a bright red reaction from the sun even with sunscreen. Even if I walked from the car to the mall in the middle of the day. It worried me too much that I would develp the true rash, since I was getting this actinic rash at 12.5 every other day!
I am so glad you have found a way to "live" on this drug that works for you. I did find some relief on my own today, however. I live by the ocean, and it was finally warm enough to go in the water with a wet suit. Wow, did that cold salty water feel good on my scalp! Numbing! But I highly recommend it!Many thanks and keep up the good fight!
Chloe> > My dry/rashy stuff doesn't seems to be resolving. Have you noticed any increased skin problems when you raise the dose?
>
> I'm sorry to hear that. Rashes were more of a problem when I raised the dose of Lamictal too fast. I'm not sure what the normal response is to other ACs.
> >
> > Also, I went to the store for aveeno soap. I found one for acne and one for "combination" skin. Is there a soap for dry?
>
> Yes, there is one specifically for dry skin, a moisturizing bar that contains oatmeal.
>
> >You also mentioned you use the oatmeal baths on your scalp. Do you wash you hair afterwards? I think that would negate the purpose.
>
> Yes, I wash my hair with a mild shampoo afterwards and it doesn't seem to negate the anti-itch effect of the oatmeal bath. Perhaps it's all in my head - or on my head :-)
> >
> > I just wish aveeno make a shampoo. I looked and looked. There just don't seem to be shampoos for dry scalp and hair that aren't dandruff shampoos which I find very harsh. What do you use for shampoo?
>
> Dandruff shampos just seemed to make it worse for me too, and I do better sticking to something mild. I'm using Redken Climatress for normal to dry hair, but don't think it matters much. I buy shampoo for my scalp and use it sparingly. It would be nice if Aveeno made a shampoo.
> >
> > I hope this isn't too many questions. I am just desperately seeking ways to cope with my "new" body type. I have about an hour extra time in the morning because I am not doing the shower routine. But, God, my hair looks so flat and dull. But not oily!!!LOL
>
> I almost always wash mine in the sink every morning because it never behaves if I don't and bugs me all day.
>
> It is a pain. The itching has been so bad a couple times of that I couldn't sleep, so have taken oatmeal baths in the middle of the night.
>
> Just thinking about it makes me itch! When working as a nurse I thought that oatmeal baths were for old people. I've changed my mind, that is unless I'm getting old. I've thought about taking stock out in the company that makes Aveeno.
>
> Other ACs fog my cognition too much and don't give me the antidepressant effect that Lamictal does, so I'm doing everything I can to stay on it. Sometimes it takes some creativity. So far I haven't drowned in the bath tub.
>
> Hang in there and I hope you find some relief soon.
>
> Blessings,
>
> Chris A.
>
> P.S. I have also used hydrocortisone on my mild rashes sometimes. Of course if a rash progresses or is accompanied by a fever or sore throat it needs to be checked by a doc. I always keep my pDoc informed.
poster:chloe
thread:67816
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010625/msgs/68127.html