tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22107372388087227692024-03-18T20:41:09.664-07:00My journey to healthy skinI am a lifetime user of topical steroids and inhaled steroids for the treatment of my asthma and eczema. On May 17, 2013 at the age of 28, I decided to withdraw from the use of topical and inhaled steroids. Here, I will document my Topical Steroid Withdrawal journey to steroid free skin. meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-69057600130981445472020-01-07T14:05:00.002-08:002020-01-07T14:05:18.246-08:00NEW YEAR: An update and overview of my TSWIt's been nearly 7 years since I began this journey to rid my skin's addiction to topical steroids. My current state is manageable but not cured and highly dependent on season (winter is especially bad with heaters and such). There is eczema on half of my fingers as well as my neck and lower face. I sometimes wonder if the length of the process is because in April 2016, my strength and resolve wavered and I went on a 2 week course of topical steroids and antibiotics on the advice of a dermatologist. Though the skin predictably cleared up perfectly after this course, it returned to a flaring state right after to my chagrin and non-surprise. Through that experience, my resolve has strengthened and I've since been determined to allow my body to heal through time.<br />
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What is my skin currently like? It's dry and flaky and my fingers have cracks, but what I'm grateful to not have is red inflamed skin. I attribute this first to time, but also to my routine which includes:<br />
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<li>dead sea salt baths every 3ish days, which I have detailed <a href="https://steroidfreeskin.blogspot.com/2014/04/update-dead-sea-salt-baths-for-dry-skin.html">here</a>.</li>
<li>no moisturizing which calms and dries down the skin, the process of which I detailed starting <a href="https://steroidfreeskin.blogspot.com/2013/12/moisturizing-withdrawal-log-day-1.html">here</a>.</li>
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Some notable changes to the above is that first, my skin is strong enough to allow me to rub flakes off during and after my dead sea salt bath; in fact, I'm now quite aggressive with scruffing off a layer of skin now. I'm also using a different shampoo -- Nioxin Scalp Recovery -- which is slightly more cost effective and slightly more gentle on the skin, though not perfect since they changed their formula.</div>
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I still get incredibly itchy later in the evening but I allow myself the glory of scratching because my skin is resilient enough to take it. </div>
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I certainly do feel like my skin has been resolving itself under those flakes, because it almost feels like zone by zone, the flares are slowly resulting in cured skin underneath, albeit at a snail's pace. For example it took over half a year for the tops of my feet to heal, and my fingers' eczema seems to have persisted for several months now but moved from finger to finger. </div>
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All in all, I'm disappointed that things have taken this long to heal but looking at the calendar, I can imagine that I probably had a major set back using the course of topical steroids in April of 2016. I can only hope that by staying the course now I'm close to healed. For now, the salt baths will have to do. </div>
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I will also do a course of Whole30 AIP and see how it impacts my skin as I've been eating terribly (lots of bread and desserts) and I think that definitely adds some inflammation to my system. Fingers crossed conditions improve! </div>
meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-79670019355312502902016-03-21T23:02:00.001-07:002016-03-21T23:02:30.276-07:00PAIN: Flare has no end in sight Well this is unfortunate. I was so sure that my hell was over but it has returned to haunt me. Currently, my face, neck, shoulders, upper back, upper chest and arms are all flaring. No oozing but painful red dry flaky swollen skin is all over.<br />
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I had forgotten the pain that comes with topical steroid withdrawal and currently my dead sea salt baths are very rare (1-2 per week) and yet each one stings worse than the last. I'm still not moisturizing as the one time I did, my face turned into a desert quite rapidly with thick itchy flakes.<br />
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My sleep is now quite disturbed again and I resort to pain killers and benadryl to catch maintain my sleep schedule.<br />
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I even had to revive my topical steroid withdrawal wardrobe to cover my skin from even stagnant air. Unfortunately less and less companies are making fine cotton spandex clothing so I'm constantly on the hunt for some more soft pieces of clothes.<br />
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Life day to day feels difficult again. My shoulders hunch from pain and my movement is limited. Most frustrating since I had just revived my workout routine and must put it on hold again. Those desperate and sad feelings are back periodically though most of the time I still trust the process despite the pain and discomfort.<br />
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I hope everyone out there is healing and I'd love to hear about those of you that have healed. I can't wait to join u guys soon.meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-1481431332243995032016-03-02T16:14:00.003-08:002016-03-02T16:14:34.180-08:00SURPRISE: I'm flaring again Well, I thought it was over but the end of February has been killer. My upper chest, upper back, arms, neck and face have been flaring the worst I've experienced in a year. I've been revisited with hyper shedding skin and the pain. Oh the pain.<br />
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I feel like I'm slightly less panicked and more able to cope with the symptoms now: pain killers for pain, lint rollers and constant wiping dead skin cells away, no showers baths or lotion for as long as I can take it, and a constant reminder to myself that this is just a temporary set back.<br />
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The following pictures were taken 2/25 after a bath. I started flaring maybe a week and a half before that. Today, I'm still in about the same state but I've avoided bathing so my skin feels marginally thicker.<br />
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This flare makes me think of the "first in last out" model of healing. I definitely started in my upper torso to face region so hopefully this is a sign of the topical steroid withdrawal burning out where it started. In any case, I look forward to being rid of this flare soon!<br />
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Stay dry, </div>
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Megan </div>
<br />meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-24699875896055853952016-01-01T17:06:00.004-08:002020-10-27T23:02:03.138-07:00RENEWED: 99.999999999% healed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm renewed in the year 2016! After a long journey since May 2013, I can finally say my topical steroid withdrawal journey is behind me!<br />
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Not only is my skin no longer a daily issue, but I can do my nails, diet, exercise, use products, pretty much without considering the repercussions.<br />
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Since my last post, I have:<br />
<ul>
<li>grown nails</li>
<li>started a diet/exercise routine</li>
<li>worn lotion on occasion</li>
<li>worn makeup </li>
<li>gone on dates</li>
<li>switched jobs </li>
<li>lost 10 lbs</li>
<li>accepted myself with good or bad skin </li>
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I can't believe how far I've come, looking back at even just the most recent post (6 months ago). And I'm really happy to be where I am, and look at the new year with optimism for a new beginning. In my 30th year, I'm feeling energized to pursue all the things I never did before TSW and I'm pretty grateful that I went through this because it has truly been transformative both inside and out. <br />
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I want to thank all the TSW bloggers for their support and suggestions, especially Dan for urging me to go moisturizer free and trying dead sea salt baths. They were truly the ticket when it came to improving my quality of life as my skin layers restored.<br />
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My current routine is still very much similar to the one covered here: http://steroidfreeskin.blogspot.com/2014/04/update-dead-sea-salt-baths-for-dry-skin.html<br />
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Here is my current skin routine:<br />
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<li>I take a dead sea salt bath every 3ish days, and shampoo with any shampoo. My skin is strong enough for me to rub off flakes now, even on my fingers pictured below.</li>
<li><b><u>My face doesn't need moisturizer.</u></b></li>
<li>I wear eye/eyebrow makeup but rarely use foundation. I remove eye makeup with witch hazel.</li>
<li>I use Jergen's bronzing glow on my legs when I want them to look nice, as there's still residual flakes, but typically this is every 3-4 days. </li>
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As my skin got better, I just realized I was living life again and thus became terrible at updating my blog, but I wanted to let you all out there know where I stand, in case you also need hope that the end of TSW is around the corner, so close you won't even realize it when you're there! Happy new year to all, and stay dry!<br />
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Megan<br />
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meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-60799324912302898212015-06-23T09:58:00.001-07:002015-06-23T09:58:03.895-07:00ANNIVERSARY: a flare to begin another year of topical steroid withdrawal<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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My two year came and went this May and things have been calm. I'm slowly transitioning out of wearing leggings 24/7 and reintroducing non-cotton clothing back into my life. </div>
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My routine has been taking showers (no soap) 2-3 times per week and NO LOTION! And my skin looks normal, albeit a little on the dry side. The last two pictures are my hands with NO LOTION at all. Note how my unaffected skin doesn't look ashy or dry. </div>
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My skin is pretty much all healed except for my left hand, right ring finger and bottom half of my face. The facial skin looks pretty normal but does shed more than the rest of my skin and gets flakes once in a while on the cheeks and chin and upper lip areas. My hands look like typical eczema and just kind of persists with very slow improvement. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Until............</span></b></div>
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Last week, the skin on my fingers just started disintegrating. It felt spongy and was easy to rip off and started oozing liquid. After the first few days, I resumed <span style="color: blue;"><b>Dead Sea salt baths </b></span>and it seemed to help seal over the wounds (see Friday's picture below). This again has shown me the power of dead sea salt baths as I had tried coating my fingers with antibiotic, Penaten, anything that would make a dent. It wasn't until I used the dead sea salt baths that my skin began to stop oozing and turn around.</div>
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<b>IN CASE YOU MISSED IT</b>: <a href="http://steroidfreeskin.blogspot.com/2014/04/update-dead-sea-salt-baths-for-dry-skin.html">This is the link to my dead sea salt routine.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzfRYbu_IjV11qenFMgSDX6CdQ73FHVdkGB1yeR31kKYykkr-w4u6dopQSviYIEQj-P_vumR9cJpBxB0GCmQzxLtr5S9YKTExlNZPNGQ8RZijeVRUMNHVDmZzAH6XTs5o8MKCyymxA4I/s640/blogger-image-1561761280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9NVcn0SCc_er1LMtiY_-kCNtEX5j6t9FllbQhYa6YrLoEKezzd40iiTNZ8ZjH44J6BnfW3Rx3x5JTskoxGn7aEU3WoZDVdG63LGDgIRRP9PlNU7fiG7ubI237crf_DfHjJv7hWpjynU/s640/blogger-image-1512551889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9NVcn0SCc_er1LMtiY_-kCNtEX5j6t9FllbQhYa6YrLoEKezzd40iiTNZ8ZjH44J6BnfW3Rx3x5JTskoxGn7aEU3WoZDVdG63LGDgIRRP9PlNU7fiG7ubI237crf_DfHjJv7hWpjynU/s640/blogger-image-1512551889.jpg" /><br />
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Sunday, 6/14/15</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuwJgeY4hTkCqVLzOt0I4piXrONIxARZZNWAXKdTVjSaVjQ-1OnyMVpG65XQmgTymS7Qcjx4tkIfGOqz7J8NdHtM8-T4UCkpsWi5iIlb03Efm1pL_5AG2_JxLMHWL0nwftZRsBXQzzF0/s640/blogger-image-865694839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuwJgeY4hTkCqVLzOt0I4piXrONIxARZZNWAXKdTVjSaVjQ-1OnyMVpG65XQmgTymS7Qcjx4tkIfGOqz7J8NdHtM8-T4UCkpsWi5iIlb03Efm1pL_5AG2_JxLMHWL0nwftZRsBXQzzF0/s640/blogger-image-865694839.jpg" /><br />
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Tuesday, 6/16/15</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcw8weNlu8MFlyeBsD9bPJvYtMu0k1BLVcuNMRKGVDy00ZYZ9BG5BJ_AdzeJ4v5VvfDmqB0TC1noDVlAm2dPTZzEyjngyK4fRQeEujFl0D6Y37MgDcUBHTvKo7DmLne6QowzUFdQp6SUk/s640/blogger-image--1331456326.jpg" /><br />
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Friday, 6/19/15</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DMG9GXKpFn1NjBofS_LvrDttqerackfYEbOxJfp4flw7O3KeSPoYvAGCzDaO_hHXfnKTI0FQj-CKkahdG55qOxS54-FaPLz7IapNF7oUsIvFCvOhKEmZMfVYsohEbn1zXz5IuA17HLk/s640/blogger-image-1419907634.jpg" /><br />
Tuesday, 6/23/15<br />
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So flares do still happen, just not the devastating ones of yesteryear. I will continue taking <b>dead sea salt baths</b> for the time being but as you can see the skin on the fingers has healed over and very manageable. </div>
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I still can't emphasize enough how much not using moisturizer and taking these baths has impacted my journey. Moisturizer draws out the ooze more, I believe, and keeps the skin in a fragile state. I definitely noticed it this time around, when I was trying to "protect" my skin by using antibiotic creams. The ooze would just break through and keep the area inflamed. Staying dry really forces the skin to stand up for itself, build up its layers and return to normal. </div>
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Until next time, stay dry! </div>
meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-10317664564098919832015-02-12T17:55:00.001-08:002015-02-12T17:56:29.601-08:00CHAPPED: A brief respite, and a flare.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrjj4o_gHJ_JPD17ymbOKpRrgyTPbaPwkBTOn58cVKm6HJXrCCQ4zQE0dkXDQ45VGqbEf6F7byoEQLPWnpPUpMjRkTsSBqZGbqt38qbDYODXG2NKQYPNz7lAfK_28IIIZoHWZdu6dzwY/s640/blogger-image--1556482423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrjj4o_gHJ_JPD17ymbOKpRrgyTPbaPwkBTOn58cVKm6HJXrCCQ4zQE0dkXDQ45VGqbEf6F7byoEQLPWnpPUpMjRkTsSBqZGbqt38qbDYODXG2NKQYPNz7lAfK_28IIIZoHWZdu6dzwY/s640/blogger-image--1556482423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xA99jqUNBbHIiWkP3xzhKRFS5TsYLUVCfupLweBRr7O2Mlou_xSbpQMg8Tf2mjWgHq2qmxSziwwt8TPeBdFDNo_Ibhx2IysmhyphenhypheneehJYNNXBh5YJ58qRBekAs-xCqflnbAhu7-C_Ld5I/s640/blogger-image-685141050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xA99jqUNBbHIiWkP3xzhKRFS5TsYLUVCfupLweBRr7O2Mlou_xSbpQMg8Tf2mjWgHq2qmxSziwwt8TPeBdFDNo_Ibhx2IysmhyphenhypheneehJYNNXBh5YJ58qRBekAs-xCqflnbAhu7-C_Ld5I/s640/blogger-image-685141050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynxdrhEuSU9o_uM4OK3RtqvxM5MUBexeGqvqEJOPQbwtndYyLuBiyuQBZ55VNjYjRkOyUEj_lhVj6qsPDo4ta-DlOuXtvIybYrofbKY-8Bdyf-baFHu-KFQMMJoqECJcpPM-QQljk4ao/s640/blogger-image-221871187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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Well, it was good while it lasted... Month 21!</div>
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Between mid December and mid January, I was doing well, skin-wise.</div>
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So well, in fact, that I may have gone a little overboard. I started wearing makeup and moisturizing my face. My skin felt smooth, but perhaps was still a bit weak. Well, I may have jumped the gun on that one b/c a flare began the last week of January and has still not subsided.</div>
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At least there's no terrible itch or lack of sleep. It's just really peely skin on a few of my eczematic spots of my hands even with slight ooze on one finger and my lips, OH my lips. They have just been terribly chapped for the past few weeks. They would heal perhaps for a day or two then go back to being super chapped again. I'm getting close to a chap cycle and hoping it will subside after this.</div>
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How am I handling this? I'm back to my dead sea salt bath every 2-3 days as needed (It feels SO GOOD). And NO MOISTURIZER. I think this was my mistake in jumping the gun on my facial skin before it was ready. The thing is, my forehead is just fine, as it was not an area affected by TSW. But the TSW affected areas (cheeks, chin, lips and upper lip) are really not happy with me and are super flaky. At least I'm not panicking and I just have to continue to remind myself not to get too excited the next time I get a turn around. </div>
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I'm fairly certain this flare/setback is a result of me moisturizing too early. Why? My legs and feet are just fine. I moisturized very minimally in these areas whereas my hands/face where I got overzealous in moisturizing are really punishing me right now. </div>
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Here are the pix. </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiynxdrhEuSU9o_uM4OK3RtqvxM5MUBexeGqvqEJOPQbwtndYyLuBiyuQBZ55VNjYjRkOyUEj_lhVj6qsPDo4ta-DlOuXtvIybYrofbKY-8Bdyf-baFHu-KFQMMJoqECJcpPM-QQljk4ao/s640/blogger-image-221871187.jpg" /><br />
3rd finger is so unhappy! There's a bit of ooze coming out of the cracked upper knuckle.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xA99jqUNBbHIiWkP3xzhKRFS5TsYLUVCfupLweBRr7O2Mlou_xSbpQMg8Tf2mjWgHq2qmxSziwwt8TPeBdFDNo_Ibhx2IysmhyphenhypheneehJYNNXBh5YJ58qRBekAs-xCqflnbAhu7-C_Ld5I/s640/blogger-image-685141050.jpg" /><br />
Right hand has always been ahead in healing, but still shows a sign of a flare on the ring finger, it was oozing 2 days ago but I've been keeping it taped up for the most part so it's healing nicely.<br />
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrjj4o_gHJ_JPD17ymbOKpRrgyTPbaPwkBTOn58cVKm6HJXrCCQ4zQE0dkXDQ45VGqbEf6F7byoEQLPWnpPUpMjRkTsSBqZGbqt38qbDYODXG2NKQYPNz7lAfK_28IIIZoHWZdu6dzwY/s400/blogger-image--1556482423.jpg" width="400" /><br />
Woe is me. The entire outline of my lips is a mess. With cracks and thick skin, it's hard to even eat a large bite! It looks like I got a lip job from far away. HAH. My jawline has tender flaking skin which shows pink very easily, as is the case with my cheeks. You can probably tell I was just scratching my cheek, with that tell tale piece of white showing through. My upper lip skin has just begun to heal from being cracked all week.<br />
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Moral of the story? Don't moisturize before the skin is 100% healed, if at all!<br />
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Happy healing and stay dry!<br />
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<br />meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-70129946610528310922014-11-10T12:18:00.000-08:002014-11-10T12:21:35.592-08:00UPDATE: Healing from Topical Steroid Addiction<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8lyPXg5eEKcsYg7U4qsYFuSlHYP4msnxmJRW77Ec2dYQ4WCLEnHWUzljxDoayXq1__On-pONyXjr04LYG8kYut_9271cwPgPiy3w4-NwmALMg0SuCgBbVFEwutFVPIBxCuhCX3GE8Xs/s640/blogger-image--1808396430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8lyPXg5eEKcsYg7U4qsYFuSlHYP4msnxmJRW77Ec2dYQ4WCLEnHWUzljxDoayXq1__On-pONyXjr04LYG8kYut_9271cwPgPiy3w4-NwmALMg0SuCgBbVFEwutFVPIBxCuhCX3GE8Xs/s640/blogger-image--1808396430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWL-4KR-BF4CvH-X4WGylmP7yd6dXFqPSETaytsj4HJKOS_PK8csIaq4gv-r40O5XMqp5vaxAUb7DGH4UhckCkbSO8hcnwdpWlBpxh4AJvVlTAlSQNvTDGGjqG-JvVnBA3BjyD0Zwmz8/s640/blogger-image-1603386885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWL-4KR-BF4CvH-X4WGylmP7yd6dXFqPSETaytsj4HJKOS_PK8csIaq4gv-r40O5XMqp5vaxAUb7DGH4UhckCkbSO8hcnwdpWlBpxh4AJvVlTAlSQNvTDGGjqG-JvVnBA3BjyD0Zwmz8/s640/blogger-image-1603386885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmt_lvAKnkBAM6XsXyMpx5TuBcJLj3mFcyqklXnOIb7svzHTzcEevOo3EbcnJUFH_odDKAQAL7_C7Nit-0R6fNlNYuXe49cRd3viz7hOHXNWgDGzzzXa_56cNZc3iyB6v6AriCDs8hqY/s640/blogger-image--985348325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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It's been almost a year and a half since I began this journey. A year ago, the worst was still yet to come and on the other side of that experience, I can only feel grateful that it's (mostly) behind me. </div>
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My skin is now manageable in the sense that there are no devastating itch, ooze or flare attacks, just small cracks here and there due to heavy use during chores. </div>
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<b>What's my current routine? </b></div>
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I'm still not <a href="http://steroidfreeskin.blogspot.com/2014/04/update-dead-sea-salt-baths-for-dry-skin.html">using moisturizer and taking dead sea salt baths as detailed in this post</a>. I'm up to 4 days between baths, washing my hair when I get a little grimy. Still using <a href="http://steroidfreeskin.blogspot.com/2014/09/healing-using-medical-tape-to-help-skin.html">taping for broken skin management</a> as detailed here.</div>
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The difference now is that I <i><b>could </b></i>take a shower if I wanted to but my skin will be a little on the dry side. As for moisturizer, whereas previous lotion use would result in red inflamed skin, I can now apply it without incident. I'm still keeping it to a minimum so as to let my skin's oil content recover itself. </div>
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Speaking of oil content, I'm also breaking out again! Yes that is excitement since it means my skin is oily enough to trap dirt and grime again. </div>
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All in all, everything is progressing slowly but nicely. Here are some progress pictures. </div>
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Feet still have remnants of damaged skin but have not flared since last reported. </div>
<img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFiLLbH7P7K8xjTLeQGbVL_vVXxT3bXLHLPY5H-UsOehUfpLY0If8V23FEbuaYdA0d-c40-S585xkIBQYLFoseN1pw_SobFc-vshAilxcw0eEH5EHsqZUVFGVS2iwZO-Vyt-MdWdp2Ztk/s400/blogger-image-59181484.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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Upper lip cracks are pretty persistent, but slow progress is visible. Jawline still has flakes sticking too it, which I can scratch off without breaking my skin!</div>
<img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEmt_lvAKnkBAM6XsXyMpx5TuBcJLj3mFcyqklXnOIb7svzHTzcEevOo3EbcnJUFH_odDKAQAL7_C7Nit-0R6fNlNYuXe49cRd3viz7hOHXNWgDGzzzXa_56cNZc3iyB6v6AriCDs8hqY/s400/blogger-image--985348325.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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Finger cracks are finer and skin is still poofy around knuckles. Perhaps plenty of white blood cells are there doing their job?</div>
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWL-4KR-BF4CvH-X4WGylmP7yd6dXFqPSETaytsj4HJKOS_PK8csIaq4gv-r40O5XMqp5vaxAUb7DGH4UhckCkbSO8hcnwdpWlBpxh4AJvVlTAlSQNvTDGGjqG-JvVnBA3BjyD0Zwmz8/s400/blogger-image-1603386885.jpg" width="300" /><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8lyPXg5eEKcsYg7U4qsYFuSlHYP4msnxmJRW77Ec2dYQ4WCLEnHWUzljxDoayXq1__On-pONyXjr04LYG8kYut_9271cwPgPiy3w4-NwmALMg0SuCgBbVFEwutFVPIBxCuhCX3GE8Xs/s400/blogger-image--1808396430.jpg" width="300" />meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-58826217339362990892014-09-17T13:17:00.001-07:002014-09-17T13:29:30.924-07:00HEALING: Using Medical Tape to help skin repair, and progress pictures.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_n2T3UmLTC6PM9IdFCU-3XU40hP5DDenH_BMvOyOEsyGoCYylaoBaAvl2BkIFj2Pgqtk3dQPPX46w8DgfZ0f-zjpAbCosQ-F80T3431qcdMNu7mPb1S1XsG1kDmsyHqzQ7FTu4n5ut8/s640/blogger-image-1361793598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_n2T3UmLTC6PM9IdFCU-3XU40hP5DDenH_BMvOyOEsyGoCYylaoBaAvl2BkIFj2Pgqtk3dQPPX46w8DgfZ0f-zjpAbCosQ-F80T3431qcdMNu7mPb1S1XsG1kDmsyHqzQ7FTu4n5ut8/s640/blogger-image-1361793598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PQuiVp_HUwbcZoXd223is3AbTaEXrQTYmfrIgOxvp682tEm7wW-gqDBmjFc-ngTJ26JB0wwYnzgEP_Ce_3-XrlqArNXiaakHeB0NBKCMpzo1nGMqRXCXhLp-ZVsHPI1eOmPoQQKSphg/s640/blogger-image--1140596551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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It's been a while since my last post because I don't feel like much has been happening. Though, there is a progression and I figure I should document it. Since the last post, my finger skin and face has started to "flare" more. I see it as a positive sign because before my feet got better, they got worse and I think it's just the skin turning over until good skin finally appears. <b>Patience has really been key </b>to survive mentally because if I got too anxious to heal, I'd get quite dejected and frustrated. </div>
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My procedure continues to be <b>dead sea salt baths and moisturizer withdrawal</b>. I tried showering early September and my skin was not happy. It just became slightly more dry and flaky until my next dead sea salt bath and then returned to normal. </div>
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A new technique I continue using is <b>Taping.</b></div>
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<b>Taping</b> continues to be a way for me to cope with cracks. 3M Millipore tape or Nexcare Paper tape (I purchase these from Amazon or Drugstore.com) are the only brands that 1. BREATHE and 2. are flexible. Breathing is VERY IMPORTANT because if the tape does not breathe, the skin sweats underneath and loses its integrity and slips off. I tried to save money and buy CVS brand and it wasn't breathable at all which caused my skin to peel off. Flexibility comes into play if you use your hands a lot for work or chores. These tapes are flexible enough to withstand cleaning, moving, etc which I have been doing during my move. </div>
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This month, I also had to move which involved lifting heavy boxes with my cracked fingers and taping is what kept my skin together. If I did not, cracks would form and the next day my hands would be in bad shape.</div>
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Here's the general guideline I use for taping:</div>
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1. Skin must be dry, for the most part intact. This technique is NOT RECOMMENDED for oozing skin. Good for late stage TSW sufferers.</div>
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2. Hold crack as closed as possible and apply the tape.</div>
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3. Leave on for at least 8 hours (the longer the better)</div>
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4. Crack should be somewhat sealed, if not, repeat taping until it is.</div>
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Note: Tape will leave some residue. If so, gently rub glue off in the direction of any cracks (example horizontal crack, rub horizontally) so it does not disturb the crack. I have found benefits of taping far outweigh this issue. Also, if a bath will be taken soon, residue readily comes off in the bath water.</div>
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Tape can also be used to protect delicate skin, especially when you are doing arduous tasks that might cause the skin to crack. Also note that even though a crack is sealed, it might not be fully healed so additional taping helps hold the skin together until it is healed. As a precautionary measure, I use it preventatively on fingers as I'll show below. </div>
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I cover the problem areas with tape to protect them from daily wear. I work in a scientific lab so cover this with gloves but change them often to prevent sweat build up. I use Micropore tape in "Tan" by 3M which is not too obvious unless you are up close. Here, my pinky first knuckle, ring second knuckle, and middle finger whole finger on the right hand and index finger second knuckle on left hand are taped:</div>
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-TDyTCW26_VT2tD97mOFyViKJiZINEjB5SVi-5vcJnRGsAo4TECe0qbMpwNmAdPuiZFYsDaoxpSLRE8B4nzDPmsLlItVjDinUbZswTNQxm6e-hAtOJVp4vU1u4Pmha7RZG92AXYHLVo/s400/blogger-image-1705626306.jpg" width="300" /><br />
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00Huq4ijtA1oee18wQDSVUxgyVqsO16DBPlcm4ZaYzy5_H00bDw_hb2DUu5buq8DglXTssLbUvm58kja1D5NY5tWjkp6hEuEH7Qcl5995st39QiDRIpJ86ul81PWVbqPY4TIFvGcYHlc/s400/blogger-image-1476546044.jpg" width="300" /><br />
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The actual condition of my skin: Very scaly on my pinky and middle fingers of left hand:<br />
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjal5KbvPdwbYuU1ri_pT7HaZ9n4-eb9qyfYNfMohZ1cPYyH_UkjLAZp_wN9Ri7_pp3-CrRCJ6JsKVa50-7OVUir_ZsjDNAJvY45r5zPqKTAmLyw3K3316SNNnvFnVJVdS4uiEZZbofKdQ/s400/blogger-image-1575575400.jpg" width="300" /><br />
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Right hand is pretty much healed, Just pesky index finger spots and a slight patch on ring finger remain:<br />
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcEhUACLzeCdjCkZm9_jGV3gP42tk2KTbtNXyb-HcHSn0V70DX4wW5vFVqfCErWjCKvSXgzFBhq5KX9In7CsNufqt2CZEcFQEsi63FUj_73CKDQqciu2PmHf5nGv6gqOpswXlWpO9tcs/s400/blogger-image-1116257737.jpg" width="300" /><br />
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Left hand close ups, I often tape these at night:<br />
<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YYI4L5KBOg6CIalEzpUUhx_nk3KWZiO5OYeDOgY3cmH4M2VUySolriIm6J6AElFg6C7sMu9rkBTqFAQ696BGhbavF9GwjsPegtYwxmJd1w6vRGFG3CjvSYCLztwVhgxZm_H-GM7fdG0/s400/blogger-image-2128923886.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PQuiVp_HUwbcZoXd223is3AbTaEXrQTYmfrIgOxvp682tEm7wW-gqDBmjFc-ngTJ26JB0wwYnzgEP_Ce_3-XrlqArNXiaakHeB0NBKCMpzo1nGMqRXCXhLp-ZVsHPI1eOmPoQQKSphg/s400/blogger-image--1140596551.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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Foot skin continues to be closed and the "affected" skin is <i>ever so very slowly</i> shrinking, e.g. before, affected area stretched to right pinky toe whereas now it's at the ring toe. </div>
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufhQ619qo0-G5Og5bgh2pbqILvOvUlmwVFQ3Dnupg-gtOsquipAHIb8OKmTrRzuKUNac2xlOm7eMlfG1E7uEx605CtvjQlefNH1N8LME1n_9TfO0_Ou3vNLZbO5SmIkg3bgP6KZxRShQ/s640/blogger-image--928581987.jpg" /><br />
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Face skin is also "flaring". Delicate patches along jaw line are very pink and feel scaly. Upper lip often forms a crack, though today it looks okay but very scaly. A crack often forms on the seam of the upper lip in the valley of my cupids bow so I often tape that over night and by the morning it heals okay for me to not look like I'm dying. Under my chin, flakes seem to form a lot which I have to scrub off during baths:<br />
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_n2T3UmLTC6PM9IdFCU-3XU40hP5DDenH_BMvOyOEsyGoCYylaoBaAvl2BkIFj2Pgqtk3dQPPX46w8DgfZ0f-zjpAbCosQ-F80T3431qcdMNu7mPb1S1XsG1kDmsyHqzQ7FTu4n5ut8/s400/blogger-image-1361793598.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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So here we are, 1 year and 4 months in, still dealing with symptoms, but nothing is devastating my life. I can sleep full nights and don't have to change sheets manicly now. But it's still a struggle trying to stay positive through this time, as I still don't feel and look great. Keep calm and heal on!meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-31600358178216513882014-07-26T21:17:00.001-07:002014-07-26T21:32:19.860-07:00SKIN: I have it, almost + !! BONUS body part pictures !!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Geez, I'm awful at this updating blog thing. But here I am with a photo update post. <b>I'm on month 14.</b></div>
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Honestly, I'm just slowly getting better and it really feels great. Besides a tiny set back with some eczema herpeticum on my cheek, everything seems to be getting better.<br />
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Ok, I have snuck moisturizer on my legs (cerave) and face (serum) once, but to be honest, it just made my legs feel greasy and did nothing to benefit my face so I stopped.<br />
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Besides that, I'm still sticking to <a href="http://steroidfreeskin.blogspot.com/2014/04/update-dead-sea-salt-baths-for-dry-skin.html">this routine of dead sea salt baths, moisturizer withdrawal</a>, using <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nexcare-Gentle-Paper-First-Dispenser/dp/B0000DH8OC/ref=sr_1_3?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1406433932&sr=1-3&keywords=paper+tape">surgical paper tape</a> to close cuts, and using masking tape to remove extraneous flakes. Yes, you read that right.<br />
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Here are the updates --<br />
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Sleep and itch are non issues. Seriously.<br />
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<b>Face: </b><br />
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Still splotches of flakes, especially around jaw line and flakes/cracking above lip (below). Lips quite chapped but no chapstick/vaseline/moisturizer allowed! That thing you see on the left (your right) cheek is a spot of pesky <i>eczema herpeticum</i> that I'm slaying with large doses of antiviral and lysine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLboz5PSNKGWBjLwoYOjIvmUeWTSQ5o8cyGSgbD5johXb5wkrVU4syevq1MiAz4K0mERVDLR6JFwZ2TwLq0OLETdgjm7bHIL6IEcYwl5Mmi2uJiGw7ddUbZGdGaI_AF2_4LpuFzStpZOo/s640/blogger-image--1149709900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3CTinpgGc2q81o41rH1wvNQaDeYeagVJQT0aKctdylGA3F7PJhE5qNAhcu4e7DYG5xPNpvskUxTwckQ8cMcdHGdYXwdyG9VYG4_GfcwsJ5f87vaIQQaIrswVcqZB0jopgYLYOv5ZF4I/s640/blogger-image--167952609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3CTinpgGc2q81o41rH1wvNQaDeYeagVJQT0aKctdylGA3F7PJhE5qNAhcu4e7DYG5xPNpvskUxTwckQ8cMcdHGdYXwdyG9VYG4_GfcwsJ5f87vaIQQaIrswVcqZB0jopgYLYOv5ZF4I/s400/blogger-image--167952609.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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<img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_PcsMCeudkCCw_1TG3Oy0ShOdZG12_9B_sLPMY7Q0Di2JoxviY_C1OkLlgGwB4K4a0xMDdWpchVnn1ipo-HkR7QgRhYmINxqE81pwE-YvJbo_rVeJIavWY0y3jEG0u0yz5HJQ6EnXqA/s400/blogger-image--1194454242.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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<b>Hands: </b><br />
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Right hand still good besides some tiny spots on my index finger knuckles. Left hand all knuckles are still quite swollen, dry, flaky and cracked. On bad days, I swear by micropore tape (the Nexcare stuff) to hold my skin together.<br />
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLboz5PSNKGWBjLwoYOjIvmUeWTSQ5o8cyGSgbD5johXb5wkrVU4syevq1MiAz4K0mERVDLR6JFwZ2TwLq0OLETdgjm7bHIL6IEcYwl5Mmi2uJiGw7ddUbZGdGaI_AF2_4LpuFzStpZOo/s400/blogger-image--1149709900.jpg" width="300" /><br />
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSb7Rr2dfuOyHE09yqqu6qx0VcTWN79fG-bgVCOhTyd-07eCklghWA_powVPBMQoAR4vRJDdx7QCaKaEzMdRSdhyufchJX4c_fDDHNS05NtBZb5IlgC2jGRks4uhYz9cSuHnQsjMLqfOw/s400/blogger-image--1902236084.jpg" width="300" /><br />
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqVWjO9uL7BQ3Ic_s74_o8AolAdCYewp3DLrXM1iCd38CvSfnl-zm3XHam9z1ZTVlt0egG_xb3MCbbImE06mnF570WihOGa-Xkha4eCKV1veFebND55_yCcfDvXMpknQfA2uZiyc2q5I/s400/blogger-image--639477851.jpg" width="300" /><br />
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<b>Feet:</b><br />
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In the following pics, Top is left foot Bottom is right foot. Holy crap is my left ankle better. As you can see, the elephant skin is still worse on my left ankle than my right but compared to <a href="http://steroidfreeskin.blogspot.com/2013/12/7-month-update.html">THIS nightmare</a>, uhm. YEAH.<br />
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<i><span style="color: blue;"><b>And, can we again say SKIN IS ON MY FEET. What the crap. Celebration parade time.</b></span></i><br />
<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5nRmPi9YTX0nCArgamqC48uAlc40l8OjaVhjmPk_9tiK-K2D3Ys-lkN7DJu2rb4m3fXJzpo2HwHy8-7irnNfx4iIJs5jxp8FPMCgZSe6M83MXKk4QInNf0LGJSdbTPALZS9igO2yEOAM/s400/blogger-image--1311308020.jpg" width="300" /><br />
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVatvDl4WHLkNA8KQ90HtDh7OetyvQZJWYaELQqZQKrlHt0WIbZwu9f6o7w1KyUwc7kSNk6oMT3KhZqP0C5RgJZB3e2DKtbVlyJbt4NRv_w7vNT1KPsSRqV4D31yL7jlr5lHAFiqPdNak/s400/blogger-image--802272844.jpg" width="300" /><br />
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<b>Limbs:</b><br />
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They are really doing fantastic. Arms look great. A little discoloration on back of knees from a few patches of dryness. Creases are reminiscent of elephant skin, more so in legs. My knees are a little itchy because I'm sweating so damn much back there so I am probably keeping that little hole on my right knee open. But how can I complain (besides the slight weight gain from emotional eating)?<br />
<img border="0" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWITC-Dg1A2HHRsx4oxNdxGmHSHp6qKoOUisvkxzDI30qzx9rQyuvPkdOxOWXGWO_iI4-_B6Zn1XuiNcmL81RWIhCBIqxfzvY2w80_LQGzpa7lv1FOM_40JcZROn5hDtffF6k1JFgcrU/s400/blogger-image--171367500.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9O0odOOy4ovT5SLDsIvyfDiBgxqM3Eka-Eky6xHZMpPmd8_-tAFzkpz1x9kWFfEpxEQhVo22-vWHOTLxp0OTPj-OgyZjZpjyTN6HnNYRGQ6Rz662OJMd0nUaKH7IlW8LNFO2i3zkZev8/s400/blogger-image--312675959.jpg" width="291" />meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-12511526088432558632014-07-07T14:08:00.001-07:002014-07-26T20:46:10.341-07:00INDEPENDENCE: Quick photo update of healing<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSW2EpL90hzaBUTRqYd6rbu4IainwYtIXG5Fqv5n0K87ANWH8k9ntW6xFW1AM2AuGRQzd_LKZpPqA2ThAymbW-NX7Q95enrh7WefaXdKMix8wyfOxHQ6hmbOYN_j6vFXkpb8OLJAvX8rs/s640/blogger-image--1483964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4G2TfaQth1s_ws22GRe7v5B6WkRftRA-Ac0yKQDitBF8EOFCGzNQDSjeew0t3zbt6u7yCWs0_Q9EElrzFLjmFIo4D3xcxOiYwnVv_85O0nmsDr4em65LdLnE_kyehB2W008OTm11tSg/s640/blogger-image-782877838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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Happy July 4th! Independence Day was great for me. Gorged on chicken wings, ribs, clams and even some watermelon, a notorious allergen for me. </div>
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In addition, I felt it was a celebration of independence from steroids, moisturizer and all things skin. My skin has continued to be on the mend, with no oozing and all closed skin! Besides the baths I continue to take every 2-3 days, not much thought goes into my affliction. </div>
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Seems my fingers are now starting their healing process as they are a bit more swollen than before, after my feet have finally closed up and the skin continues to become more fine. My left ankle's elephant skin barely remains.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzL3qZuWp7QJFQo_gZp23uaalWhtudwVRGvunEW7Fxz0H5Gak9jLBEYie0K8uLBODkwz8wux0hHrxGGkbXsPmAmW2wyQyEgGUnJEJ4pA4RfehQotw7OdHb1kvela5ajB5O3UU6a3XBXps/s640/blogger-image--506643748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzL3qZuWp7QJFQo_gZp23uaalWhtudwVRGvunEW7Fxz0H5Gak9jLBEYie0K8uLBODkwz8wux0hHrxGGkbXsPmAmW2wyQyEgGUnJEJ4pA4RfehQotw7OdHb1kvela5ajB5O3UU6a3XBXps/s400/blogger-image--506643748.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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All closed up! and I've been scratching this skin. </div>
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBS6U4f3X9BW8DLHhivOHXdmMq0G3GK9KZvtkFnaEEmkerOuDjeAl3Y10zZUAZWpPcHnZ2SkdJOX5RLXHPE14SJ9ZsrkRINGUeXdWTtKwRyjCXeWPLFu6CH7l7cfghGmx4DwzROaDYGg/s400/blogger-image--390900561.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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Tiny elephant skin remains on left ankle. Rest of skin still crepey but smooth. </div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4G2TfaQth1s_ws22GRe7v5B6WkRftRA-Ac0yKQDitBF8EOFCGzNQDSjeew0t3zbt6u7yCWs0_Q9EElrzFLjmFIo4D3xcxOiYwnVv_85O0nmsDr4em65LdLnE_kyehB2W008OTm11tSg/s400/blogger-image-782877838.jpg" width="300" /><br />
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Starting to see fingers swell up more and turn over skin a lot. I see this as the healing process kicking in. </div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSW2EpL90hzaBUTRqYd6rbu4IainwYtIXG5Fqv5n0K87ANWH8k9ntW6xFW1AM2AuGRQzd_LKZpPqA2ThAymbW-NX7Q95enrh7WefaXdKMix8wyfOxHQ6hmbOYN_j6vFXkpb8OLJAvX8rs/s400/blogger-image--1483964.jpg" width="300" /><br />
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Right side not as bad just like feet. Pretty much all healed except index finger! </div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiue1B06nos9hpnQcq16Gb7G37SDIOjDgyRaJ94pKseIcMx2NiJTH7kKzPA7x7aPlEugDf3aCFvNeYsJZHu6nZkIxQAgRQqfsWJH5cHvaStWLTVdobftTiMjrs-BjhM2Dozviu4GM2o9L8/s400/blogger-image--566530285.jpg" width="300" /><br />
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Itchy itchy fingers!!</div>
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Middle seam crack has healed but tiny ones remain. Patches of pink all over chin and cheeks but getting better week by week. Heal heal heal! </div>
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Almost 14 months and what a ways I have come. Hope you all are enjoying your summers as well. </div>
meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-24627475193309636902014-06-20T11:45:00.000-07:002014-06-20T11:49:37.482-07:00VIRAL: My skin caught a cold, then gave it to me. I live to tell the tale. And share pictures.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7WuQw1_3jauyW_ZM1TR09_Nvom2AMZtAAIheoeQRCCr_HnIAPIgWtTwuhijVOZ7jyw5ZrJptG4KTahLyqPXRl28F53O-mjZJ_LFWCkLl5KVDVPJJC__6qB-ARZ2_PLy9PMTRQ4ua1tc/s640/blogger-image--1592202544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNK4ByeIUvwLvg5UhQXOLCdKhRHjwnbSEyvzbesKu9NSy6FFQlo1G_rHwpjZFPphh2xAdiyaKoUunkW8aGwEExc83iQco1dwP-8sF035LAs_9QadgaPZltmKGSD0ZTVYqRrki95XbBnM0/s640/blogger-image--848612376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmDYbyrJdlariMV-VkDMAJkAM2fUbrsoHwN7sWR4vq790VdNZU0tW_5WEwloBncbu3fXkEMTE7aaX5KIOYXRCmGBUuOpQl_ousXNVsXGstEgCkO1drhweY1N863FpQOTl_ayyxSaogvw/s640/blogger-image--853227390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmDYbyrJdlariMV-VkDMAJkAM2fUbrsoHwN7sWR4vq790VdNZU0tW_5WEwloBncbu3fXkEMTE7aaX5KIOYXRCmGBUuOpQl_ousXNVsXGstEgCkO1drhweY1N863FpQOTl_ayyxSaogvw/s640/blogger-image--853227390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4U337DWpRwBCNpKTqCKkYUyvap0OE5tQDOeQAv8rl5EwY1JAbXppBrAsFm6MQer87HP2c_42HciphNCIXn6XZWQ26_bnAkCebl6adLhmg9MgozJs3oCuFcriFZ0Sb2k6hcVHqEA-i68/s640/blogger-image--2043351411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4U337DWpRwBCNpKTqCKkYUyvap0OE5tQDOeQAv8rl5EwY1JAbXppBrAsFm6MQer87HP2c_42HciphNCIXn6XZWQ26_bnAkCebl6adLhmg9MgozJs3oCuFcriFZ0Sb2k6hcVHqEA-i68/s640/blogger-image--2043351411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDiU5Js2dz0P4Hvp8dSt4iQr-S7O6OhRychhLgWg9HT8_H-73Y45_c4TVESerGxCYTtcwv93N3sg6RIZgXhohVQXy_Yy4VFNv8_pNoNiNTb2qqv7ZzHDaxY2gcDv0zezJ-9LVl7Q_YlI/s640/blogger-image--1083311309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMlBQpaFLQKfnZTqaNbOT7eQNizhB07Rc5xfe7ld7X6u4mpUXrI_7P46QBi96ciKn3f7bf4gWQZmTQjdcET_KKyODA2WJuEo-t6zgLXeUHtvlrlukexb3orj7QXEUGMCxCx7Cl8MzmDs/s640/blogger-image-1968857460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtlUvKvIeVYXuOIlr4iLztNd7xSUrWvV9DAQu4OOnjyDKjeY9tbsve4IhwKZbtodzar56gxeSwX_gst7l_MRAHj9tp4Ims9A0hgHoJH3hynowvqSR3pOCFJ0ihXTfvL-WVNvShsJQEOg/s640/blogger-image--893872425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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It's been 13 months!!! I didn't post a year post because I was just so frustrated that I was still going through this. And tbh, I still am. I was feeling pretty positive about the path to healing with my <a href="http://steroidfreeskin.blogspot.com/2014/04/update-dead-sea-salt-baths-for-dry-skin.html">dead sea salt bath/no moisturizer routine</a>. Until this happened:</div>
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So <b>end of April</b>, my feet caught a cold. What I mean is there was definitely something viral going on. You can see those patterned blister type things especially on 4/30. My skin started to lose its integrity then exploded in tiny pustules and eventually just ooze. </div>
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Then I got sick. The first week of May, I caught a nasty cold and was out of work for a week. Slight chill/fever, runny nose and congestion. I thought to myself, thanks feet. Assholes. (Note: I'm fully aware my feet didn't give me their cold virus. Most likely, my immune system was just weakened from fighting the open skin infections that I was more susceptible to something)</div>
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<b>5/16/2014</b> rolls by which is my <i>one year anniversary</i> of dealing with this shiz and I'm just miserable. Didn't feel like blogging about it and so onward ho I went. </div>
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At this point, most of the foot was scabbing over but ooze was still seeping out of the seams. To deal with this, I went back to my trusty Nexcare paper tape and literally taped my skin together. 24 hours later, old scabs peel off with the skin and delicate new skin appears. Ideally, I'd keep it on as long as possible though with my (nonexistent) will power, I managed a whole day and a half and that gave the best results I'd seen. </div>
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<a href="http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=88574&catid=59968"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrZ0hYsCk3-9pjhdjx_i1XVPAiWYr4vbogyAjScTdBc2ibXRIn1NXzI7aBexD0qA6XqmymnhgjZTOLqc_5n8bYimy5LBAqQzFj_Jwd_hFOxKosMi_xOJbP4BtGIMpvi-8MG2nFBfAIlk/s1600/nexcare+paper+tape.jpg" height="320" width="192" /></a></div>
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Tape to hold my skin together? check.</div>
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During this time, I had to travel to a bachelor party and then a wedding and let me tell you this shiz saved my life because my feet were still oozing without the help of the tape seconding for my skin. </div>
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My feet didn't heal up completely until 6/8 where you can see the skin is finally covering everything and HOLDING THE LIQUID IN. Holy crap, I could wear socks again without worrying about the liquid immediately drawing out of my feet. Fan-freaking-tastic. </div>
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Below are the pictures which show the progression. And let me tell you, thank goodness I took them. Had I not, my head would have probably been exploding by mid May when it felt like nothing had changed, though through the pictures you definitely could see a difference. </div>
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4/27</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9Pxqk-uhRhK2gkutnL-PnWy-8m0N0M_RzKlsMx95g8cA6u_njE18g_UTdNlnnOBDdqOJ52gBw8NEyqFPEXJyxT-suN8d0LNxuHqlq9mpnV17vvNwAwR9maF6Zkpb0c15p3iY5iA2muc/s640/blogger-image-371869539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9Pxqk-uhRhK2gkutnL-PnWy-8m0N0M_RzKlsMx95g8cA6u_njE18g_UTdNlnnOBDdqOJ52gBw8NEyqFPEXJyxT-suN8d0LNxuHqlq9mpnV17vvNwAwR9maF6Zkpb0c15p3iY5iA2muc/s640/blogger-image-371869539.jpg" /></a></div>
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4/28</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtlUvKvIeVYXuOIlr4iLztNd7xSUrWvV9DAQu4OOnjyDKjeY9tbsve4IhwKZbtodzar56gxeSwX_gst7l_MRAHj9tp4Ims9A0hgHoJH3hynowvqSR3pOCFJ0ihXTfvL-WVNvShsJQEOg/s640/blogger-image--893872425.jpg" /></div>
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4/29</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJMlBQpaFLQKfnZTqaNbOT7eQNizhB07Rc5xfe7ld7X6u4mpUXrI_7P46QBi96ciKn3f7bf4gWQZmTQjdcET_KKyODA2WJuEo-t6zgLXeUHtvlrlukexb3orj7QXEUGMCxCx7Cl8MzmDs/s640/blogger-image-1968857460.jpg" /></div>
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4/29</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDiU5Js2dz0P4Hvp8dSt4iQr-S7O6OhRychhLgWg9HT8_H-73Y45_c4TVESerGxCYTtcwv93N3sg6RIZgXhohVQXy_Yy4VFNv8_pNoNiNTb2qqv7ZzHDaxY2gcDv0zezJ-9LVl7Q_YlI/s640/blogger-image--1083311309.jpg" /></div>
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4/30</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4U337DWpRwBCNpKTqCKkYUyvap0OE5tQDOeQAv8rl5EwY1JAbXppBrAsFm6MQer87HP2c_42HciphNCIXn6XZWQ26_bnAkCebl6adLhmg9MgozJs3oCuFcriFZ0Sb2k6hcVHqEA-i68/s640/blogger-image--2043351411.jpg" /></div>
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5/1</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmDYbyrJdlariMV-VkDMAJkAM2fUbrsoHwN7sWR4vq790VdNZU0tW_5WEwloBncbu3fXkEMTE7aaX5KIOYXRCmGBUuOpQl_ousXNVsXGstEgCkO1drhweY1N863FpQOTl_ayyxSaogvw/s640/blogger-image--853227390.jpg" /></div>
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5/2</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNK4ByeIUvwLvg5UhQXOLCdKhRHjwnbSEyvzbesKu9NSy6FFQlo1G_rHwpjZFPphh2xAdiyaKoUunkW8aGwEExc83iQco1dwP-8sF035LAs_9QadgaPZltmKGSD0ZTVYqRrki95XbBnM0/s640/blogger-image--848612376.jpg" /></div>
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5/3</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsKMOm0iP7IB1KuufxDgQKTLiNmniKvGPqndOvRWrZDM6xQfuYgx1xllj-9YUBxpOXVuL3O1grDMdH798cSWkOMTudI3EFKqGUwo3LKBb-KTg7TwRlT2t8G2PhPDmG2Rbmo-VFHXROgk/s640/blogger-image--1271854372.jpg" /></div>
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5/5</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZv2KLn-fLb9NPNVpA8cAJV2qrl_EFi5JuR4ewHN6YeSsiWOpk6aJ39DaTy4_tYkzZH0gPFA069uK3CFZx1dBNTEaTxh2QIokxqQ1cjJEDL5bdtajCZaFsSk2s3lJsGSCJrHWar_41XvM/s640/blogger-image-914670119.jpg" /></div>
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5/8</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELIc4mBA2RVgzHWTcTQJTEApXGO587L4gBmmkxUsmdk3Zm26lBKw4PH4sQ0phT9frCnxM_VOHg-9EnzLIgNi9bXDakdIibCKH7fJV2k8g_Ei07ByQutzQQ0U6Nh8mRNGcgAPGRahM14I/s640/blogger-image-1996287280.jpg" /></div>
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5/9</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vPx7kckvs1T2mWXw5V2S10duO9hIz1VrGFaoeHfy-olA3Bp7ddrCU1MXYrd-PxDc4YQhdbtigYdXt0KukMHasJ7g1c0JPsxSGUV4N3FTrOxPmouPbd9AKoUQPDPLVxZ6llydCSaCbWw/s640/blogger-image--371885983.jpg" /></div>
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5/13</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GoCPa0wuGXTbi8cJT6f2x5NIVEqMztQbP2b5zPPA36DWo5FNyRQJvbnLoFhXa2OG_tvDO1lc2MCtsTkspZjrPVwco6FFGU6mOMaqhIJ_91DFwgxK5tSDf4XT3i9ZRg59xy-lgaOeGVY/s640/blogger-image--1351417512.jpg" /></div>
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5/21</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7WuQw1_3jauyW_ZM1TR09_Nvom2AMZtAAIheoeQRCCr_HnIAPIgWtTwuhijVOZ7jyw5ZrJptG4KTahLyqPXRl28F53O-mjZJ_LFWCkLl5KVDVPJJC__6qB-ARZ2_PLy9PMTRQ4ua1tc/s640/blogger-image--1592202544.jpg" /></div>
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6/8</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIMDoHRhM15Z2W5XVbyMB98VB0uitn2nmj1KDaS_L7nmAlYCcrNrpD99c63Ig0BfTMPhbGp5aToarL_l5obtlW8yMQcOT-ZcWmVObWLXj32knq4sMTp72j4wDcmu8B2HY9GqDY-Q8NBE/s640/blogger-image--1462950950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHIMDoHRhM15Z2W5XVbyMB98VB0uitn2nmj1KDaS_L7nmAlYCcrNrpD99c63Ig0BfTMPhbGp5aToarL_l5obtlW8yMQcOT-ZcWmVObWLXj32knq4sMTp72j4wDcmu8B2HY9GqDY-Q8NBE/s640/blogger-image--1462950950.jpg" /></a></div>
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And here we are today. My feet are holding liquid in, though surprise, surprise, the skin is not healed. It is just dry and flaky. </div>
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<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Continuing problematic areas:</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DK7aR5yhXbAYCzkiKDlUuGEqMq73VkxDN5uYt903XYivuq6txWB5KAjM-Ud5WYlEU-YnyN-XWVq_f-_-WA6ddJrK5gQmONzLCicpX4truSue-fULFWtZQ_HEscChn4jcbAjHWIfDF3g/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DK7aR5yhXbAYCzkiKDlUuGEqMq73VkxDN5uYt903XYivuq6txWB5KAjM-Ud5WYlEU-YnyN-XWVq_f-_-WA6ddJrK5gQmONzLCicpX4truSue-fULFWtZQ_HEscChn4jcbAjHWIfDF3g/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCpbe5wpkNGO_xLadulNXWqbuzQqO06MaYTtRek153n0hWzFKbbM0T63zoTb_cLsFmJb-z2S11mop_Ol0Z36llpQe9J0sPT4C9punNC3XILIPh2mk3sEAWrr6rtQcNhDYSxBKpdLGKA4/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCpbe5wpkNGO_xLadulNXWqbuzQqO06MaYTtRek153n0hWzFKbbM0T63zoTb_cLsFmJb-z2S11mop_Ol0Z36llpQe9J0sPT4C9punNC3XILIPh2mk3sEAWrr6rtQcNhDYSxBKpdLGKA4/s1600/image.jpeg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhit47MFN1OTye7rIu6AhJDm7ddnRMX7lpZOA_sMQt1VvjkF8R6b0sZ-zX_lH3rduI_24x6Xpts1iWTqfWryzr93wNcGq-7D1BPrsHY1XdoIFyLL9b4s-XLDGjFaU8phA_d3o9VpxtTs/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhit47MFN1OTye7rIu6AhJDm7ddnRMX7lpZOA_sMQt1VvjkF8R6b0sZ-zX_lH3rduI_24x6Xpts1iWTqfWryzr93wNcGq-7D1BPrsHY1XdoIFyLL9b4s-XLDGjFaU8phA_d3o9VpxtTs/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
Left hand is good... till you get to the fingers!<br />
Right hand is A-OK, just a tiny blemish on index knuckle<br />
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My left hand has continued to have elephant skin on the 3 outermost fingers with constant cracks forming at the knuckles, though my right hand is OK. </div>
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My lips are insanely chapped and I've resorted to dropping fish oil on them when I get desperate, but for the most part I let them remain dry. <b><span style="color: red;">Definitely avoiding petroleum jelly</span></b> because when I have used it, my skin immediately weakens and gets even more insanely chapped and cracked. Yup, red and bold because it's that serious.</div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><b>On the bright side!</b> </span></div>
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My torso, and arms are great. Just a touch of dryness but I can wear T-shirts and look "normal". <span style="color: blue; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">I donated all my thumb shirts!</span> Exchanged them for cotton/spandex V neck t shirts.</div>
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My legs are just quite little flaky but no real afflicted areas.</div>
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Itch and sleep are a non issue now. </div>
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Besides my foot fiasco, my skin isn't really the center of my life. I'm still not back to my normal routine but I can hang out, drink, eat without worrying about having itch attacks etc. So life is decent, just gotta keep chugging along. </div>
meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-1980225606070833092014-04-15T13:40:00.000-07:002014-04-16T07:43:36.345-07:00MOTIVATION: Living vicariously through my future self!<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #222222;">For this monthly update, I decided to do something different. Things have been SO MUCH better thanks to moisturizer withdrawal and dead sea salt baths. If you'd like to know my current routine, you can check out my </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2210737238808722769#editor/target=post;postID=4631659572443723227;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=1;src=postname" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">previous post about dead sea salt baths</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #222222;">. My skin is slowly making progress which I'm quite pleased about.</span></span><br>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br>Yes, my face is still flaky and I am still stuck in tight cotton clothing only. However, because of the improvements in swelling, oozing and itching, instead of wallowing in depression about my current condition, I'm able to embrace the future with open arms (corny, I know) and plan my comeback. Please excuse me while I self indulge just a little.</span><br>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">The awesomeness that is my life, aka things I can do now that TSW is winding down:</span></h3>
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<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Not washing my sheets for a week</b> -- But what about the flakes??? To which I respond,<i> what flakes</i>? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-67e-Gnzgbio/UzxJcuBzmqI/AAAAAAAAHEs/pDpuZxlVFYQ/s1600/surprised-rainbow-face-s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-67e-Gnzgbio/UzxJcuBzmqI/AAAAAAAAHEs/pDpuZxlVFYQ/s1600/surprised-rainbow-face-s.png"></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;">Mind blown.</span></div>
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<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Dieting</b><br>Prior to TSW, I was a bit of a diet and exercise junkie. I have ultimately been working toward my target weight of 125lb and TSW just threw a huge wrench in it. As a result, I was forced to stop exercising. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;">I must have been bedridden for a good 2-3 months. As some of you may have experienced, being hungry just set off the itch centers like crazy. I responded by always being full. Needless to say, I packed on the pounds. After my TSW seemed to be winding down in November of 2013, I took the chance to crash diet, but promptly was hit in the face by another flare and the story repeated.<br>I'm back on the diet again, since I'm barely itching even when I'm very hungry. Definitely looking forward to hitting some big goals this year!</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCaL_qGgxnhMGLw7t0dUUNsi8L-q7TtvaQq15Lh_B_Twvdv7yYRzFSxdcWaopy-UnAp9WiTGUGz-dlKAbYwsZUQbaaomE7rGztlVPAlfzDlJCsnzekr_DE8PqzfnK_JLeFGR2wqenmuU/s1600/weighthistorytsw.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCaL_qGgxnhMGLw7t0dUUNsi8L-q7TtvaQq15Lh_B_Twvdv7yYRzFSxdcWaopy-UnAp9WiTGUGz-dlKAbYwsZUQbaaomE7rGztlVPAlfzDlJCsnzekr_DE8PqzfnK_JLeFGR2wqenmuU/s1600/weighthistorytsw.png" width="550"></a></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">My weight history since 2010. Doing well through 2012, then bam, uncontrollable "eczema" (signs that my skin was addicted to steroids) into TSW, starting in May 2013. </span></div>
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<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Exercising</b><br>DYEL, bro? Well, I did until this whole skin thing. This was one of the biggest withdrawals I had. Rather than hitting the weights, I was forced to endure my body wasting away into a fat blob. Well, NO MORE. I'm back in the gym about 3 times a week, and quickly regaining my strength! Of course, I'm listening to my body. No exercising at the expense of my skin (for example, cracks on fingers deter me from lifting heavy). I've also picked up yoga: it's a great way to workout at home and let my mind wander away from skin troubles.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Wearing nail polish</b><br>Gel nails are the bestest! I still am scratching up a storm at times but my skin is strong enough where I can afford to grow them out a little. So I apply an at home gel manicure thanks to the NaiLuv kit. It sticks to my nails for at least a week and I don't have to look at my naked nail nubs anymore.<br><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXonIAkw8YaPTuIQ5-73YtvQ8tJgn_Mx09oeLaeDJCG3ADH8vY9olBCwrnuEJ5VAkPiFiaeZViUOPlkrarNaijO1Jkrqx0CEjOq3JO82NBJXKLGsUYCl8oZwa4-7fSndMhNqjwbwUYqE/s640/blogger-image--734305858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXonIAkw8YaPTuIQ5-73YtvQ8tJgn_Mx09oeLaeDJCG3ADH8vY9olBCwrnuEJ5VAkPiFiaeZViUOPlkrarNaijO1Jkrqx0CEjOq3JO82NBJXKLGsUYCl8oZwa4-7fSndMhNqjwbwUYqE/s320/blogger-image--734305858.jpg" width="213"></a><br>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Don't mind the thumbshirt.</span></div>
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<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Straightening my hair </b>-- Yep, I can actually go back to looking presentable again. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Buying dresses, gym clothes, makeup </b>-- I am a bit of a shopping junky and being able to even shop for non TSW related items helps me look forward and not back. Though I can't necessarily wear/use these items today, it's nice to know I will be able to soon. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Posting on Instagram </b>-- random as it may seem, it's my way of reconnecting with the world. Posting about the small things in life makes me appreciate them that much more. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;"><b>Drinking </b>-- no more itch attacks after consuming (copious amounts of) alcohol! I'm not really overdoing it but it's awesome to be able to enjoy a draft on Friday with some buddies!</span></li>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #222222;">Moving forward with caution. </span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #222222;">I expect that I will still run into bumps in the road but I am working on appreciating the moments I have now and planning for the future. </span><br>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #222222;">I am making sure to not do anything </span><i style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #222222; font-weight: bold;">at the expense of </i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #222222;">my skin. For example: I am a self proclaimed makeup addict but I am still keeping my skin free of such items till I am sure it can handle it. I did try mineral makeup and it doesn't seem to irritate that badly, but will still err on the side of caution until my skin feels TSW free. Instead, I am finding alternatives to outlet my predisposition toward vanity such as hair styling (without skin irritating products!!) </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #222222;">What are the little things that remind you of your progress? I'd love to hear!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: #222222;">Happy healing!</span></div>
meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-46316595724437232272014-04-07T12:26:00.002-07:002014-09-17T13:30:03.207-07:00UPDATE: Dead Sea Salt Baths for Dry Skin Relief, with pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DxcMnHH11UpmYDolAohM5f6v9FYpamO0G7XFaZJ2e_adfqzmkuMunC2dZ769MUBKXwdddPBINlAevkLenFf26vOQHpkH2oJJQeG2eonajekAUbeVugUIxMz_E1mkjcZzscFVav3Af1g/s640/blogger-image--530172284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DxcMnHH11UpmYDolAohM5f6v9FYpamO0G7XFaZJ2e_adfqzmkuMunC2dZ769MUBKXwdddPBINlAevkLenFf26vOQHpkH2oJJQeG2eonajekAUbeVugUIxMz_E1mkjcZzscFVav3Af1g/s640/blogger-image--530172284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwK7jUwDvzRI_aVl5ZNj5zQ8SWHmrNvx8HU0iyWhKvkwpgpeBdAgUn2YW_hYWGStQV80_JRELjKeA_X-yvg6qxiKpfkFukeHUvMsGUviqXomYjFP3DoAH_b3vbJOm5csh35omID2wPjM/s640/blogger-image-1103614397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwK7jUwDvzRI_aVl5ZNj5zQ8SWHmrNvx8HU0iyWhKvkwpgpeBdAgUn2YW_hYWGStQV80_JRELjKeA_X-yvg6qxiKpfkFukeHUvMsGUviqXomYjFP3DoAH_b3vbJOm5csh35omID2wPjM/s640/blogger-image-1103614397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzBeiQmT16Z0WtZZl7KcnjtGUfVqCdtrVLroDUe6eWBKudpeHF9glZCbfrrb1GdMw09jZ5jzFPwfdJa8NHMr3MF0UvdAXEeLisLRIGDp2rvUbFJXEA7EMJ8i3Ix-Dr50o-_qyOQU4-d4/s640/blogger-image-1702726994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzBeiQmT16Z0WtZZl7KcnjtGUfVqCdtrVLroDUe6eWBKudpeHF9glZCbfrrb1GdMw09jZ5jzFPwfdJa8NHMr3MF0UvdAXEeLisLRIGDp2rvUbFJXEA7EMJ8i3Ix-Dr50o-_qyOQU4-d4/s640/blogger-image-1702726994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIh17A5q2aAK1c7aILlYP9aq-G5iAcNDoEquL-w0pdgX-3VMqCEYdjtOSb4x0jtrOAW04Z3wH3n4fY1lh1q5MB6dvbwA5jJjLSSQPpFb10_Bk7OeaZwGSiMXK3EtZNG6X1GqN3PdbJm34/s640/blogger-image-323537539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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I finally tried Dead Sea Salt Baths, thanks to Dan's gentle urging and his <a href="http://topicalsteroidsurvivor.blogspot.com/2014/03/moisturizer-withdrawal-guide-topical.html">post</a> with instructions.</div>
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Survey says, <b>they are awesome.</b></div>
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What I did every 2-3 days:</div>
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<li>2 lbs dead sea salt in a tepid water bath</li>
<li>Soak ~20 min</li>
<li>Shampoo with Nizoral in bath water QUICKLY (I added this because my scalp was still too itchy after a dead sea salt bath)</li>
<li>Rinse QUICKLY with warm water(less than 5 minutes)</li>
<li>Pat dry, try to resist the temptation to rub skin flakes off. </li>
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In between bath days:</div>
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<li>Don't moisturize. Yep, that's it.</li>
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Results:</div>
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<li>Miraculously, oozing areas seem to seal over after baths (problem spots such as feet and fingers)</li>
<li>For dry ashy areas, skin color is now restored. (close to healed areas such as neck, arms, legs)</li>
<li>For rest of skin, my skin feels so freaking soft. My friend even commented it was "nice feeling"!</li>
<li>Cracks got the chance to heal, not immediately but after two weeks, all have sealed over.</li>
<li>About 50% of my nights are full nights of sleep!</li>
<li>Compared to <a href="http://steroidfreeskin.blogspot.com/2014/03/10-month-update-flaring-again.html">my previous update</a>, I took same photos again and all parts are improved!</li>
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After a bath, the skin is pretty soft and ready to be sluffed off. I tried it once and it revealed skin that wasn't quite completely formed, resulting in some oozing. However, I believe because I took the dead sea salt bath, it sealed over pretty quickly, which raises the question: Can I continue sluffing off after each bath to speed skin recovery? I will proceed with caution.</div>
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My upper lip is also still quite dry and flaky. Is it because I can't submerge it? I'm currently using a face towel to constantly drench my face with the sea salt bath water. </div>
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All photos below are with <b>NO MOISTURIZER</b>! And yes, I am wearing nail polish. I bought a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nailuv-Home-Professional-System-Count/dp/B00CTIB0ZA">Nailuv kit </a>from Costco for at home gel manicures! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xYGtN_FX8OmGPwUmRYFNAbRNOhFcYk5ooqp-csaaU_sI_z_X0P1KTJRBwzn3hkgE7o1jNM6SNIVaZRbq97qi0KHuWZU3mmtWrPbjXSb2MOQxiZvzSi0W88O2Z7F-Vln67gNqNnFvOE8/s640/blogger-image-486548911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xYGtN_FX8OmGPwUmRYFNAbRNOhFcYk5ooqp-csaaU_sI_z_X0P1KTJRBwzn3hkgE7o1jNM6SNIVaZRbq97qi0KHuWZU3mmtWrPbjXSb2MOQxiZvzSi0W88O2Z7F-Vln67gNqNnFvOE8/s400/blogger-image-486548911.jpg" width="345" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Upper lip still flaky but rest of skin is skin colored. Neck skin is so smooth.</span></div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIh17A5q2aAK1c7aILlYP9aq-G5iAcNDoEquL-w0pdgX-3VMqCEYdjtOSb4x0jtrOAW04Z3wH3n4fY1lh1q5MB6dvbwA5jJjLSSQPpFb10_Bk7OeaZwGSiMXK3EtZNG6X1GqN3PdbJm34/s400/blogger-image-323537539.jpg" width="300" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Flakes are persisting on ring and pinky finger but cracks have closed, finally!</span></div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzBeiQmT16Z0WtZZl7KcnjtGUfVqCdtrVLroDUe6eWBKudpeHF9glZCbfrrb1GdMw09jZ5jzFPwfdJa8NHMr3MF0UvdAXEeLisLRIGDp2rvUbFJXEA7EMJ8i3Ix-Dr50o-_qyOQU4-d4/s400/blogger-image-1702726994.jpg" width="300" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Redness at base of fingers is subsiding</span></div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwK7jUwDvzRI_aVl5ZNj5zQ8SWHmrNvx8HU0iyWhKvkwpgpeBdAgUn2YW_hYWGStQV80_JRELjKeA_X-yvg6qxiKpfkFukeHUvMsGUviqXomYjFP3DoAH_b3vbJOm5csh35omID2wPjM/s400/blogger-image-1103614397.jpg" width="300" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Had nasty cracks previously. All are healed.</span></div>
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<img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7DxcMnHH11UpmYDolAohM5f6v9FYpamO0G7XFaZJ2e_adfqzmkuMunC2dZ769MUBKXwdddPBINlAevkLenFf26vOQHpkH2oJJQeG2eonajekAUbeVugUIxMz_E1mkjcZzscFVav3Af1g/s400/blogger-image--530172284.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">No oozing on tops of feet! Flakes are finer and skin is all closed.</span></div>
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Conclusion<br />
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My skin has completely turned around as a result of dead sea salt baths. Nothing else I've tried has offered such a drastic change to my skin so consistently. I feel like this is the final stretch thanks to them and am glad to be thinking about regular life again, like what nail polish color to wear next! I strongly urge everyone to try them! I'm sorry if I sound like a salesperson but they are truly amazing and I feel bad for lagging any longer on this post because everyone should know. Happy healing and bathing everyone!!meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-53715502572531666222014-03-25T10:36:00.002-07:002014-04-07T11:42:12.755-07:00REVIEW: Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik Lightweight Corded Bagless Stick Vacuum aka My Skin Flake BUSTER<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I don't want to bog everyone down with posts about how depressing my skin is all the time and my flare is dying down! So today, I'll review this product that has really helped me during Topical Steroid Withdrawal.<br />
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>>NOTE: I promise I'm not trying to sell it to you but I'd like to share the little things that help me get through the days.<br />
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To the review!</h3>
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We all know that skin flakes are a huge issue during TSW and we are constantly trying to figure out how to keep them at bay. At the time, I was on a budget and needed a vacuum fast because ants were scavenging my flakes (GROSS!) and I found this little guy for under $20 at The Home Depot.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dirt-Devil-Simpli-Stik-Lightweight-SD20000RED/dp/B002KCO96C" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt=" Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEian-TpUJj4lBZrK6T-TyEHkHMCp27meqrcuEP-cjsd4I1JHYDeBiXmnRPKVc48putL6jrpISbK-nm6pQs1-K-QrygEAj5Z0lAgnIssAGr1Fhj-mmZ1MMAP1TvIx2u0ze3fXxAbYcGvweU/s1600/61hlcvMJ3oL._SL1500_.jpg" height="320" width="119" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dirt-Devil-Simpli-Stik-Lightweight-SD20000RED/dp/B002KCO96C">Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">click above to purchase!</span></div>
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Why I love it:</div>
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<ul>
<li>It's light! - vacuuming 2-3x a day whenever I have an itch attack would be tedious but I keep him plugged in and can get my flakes out of my sight in a second.</li>
<li>Enough power to pick up all my flakes </li>
<li>Converts to a handheld dust buster for corners and bedding - I use the attachment a lot when dust (skin) accumulates under my desk, around my power cords etc.</li>
<li>It's ridiculously cheap. - I had quite low expectations, was ready to return it but it's become a staple for me. </li>
</ul>
Some drawbacks:<br />
<ul>
<li>It does lose suction when there's too much dirt, but I find I can get away with emptying it once every two to three weeks. This will probably depend on your skin shedding rate. </li>
<li>It doesn't work well on carpet -- My room is pergo (faux hardwood), so this is perfect. </li>
<li>It's red -- but tbh, the color has grown on me. </li>
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To speed up the process of emptying it and keep the filter clean, I've adopted this paper towel method as demonstrated in the second half of this youtube video:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/BDsdg77l4rE" width="420"></iframe></div>
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Hope you guys found this helpful as I know for myself, seeing my skin flakes can make me feel all the more itchy so having this guy around has certainly helped me deal with having to see them. </div>
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How do you guys deal with your extra "dirt"? </div>
meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-71392625909093712402014-03-15T16:37:00.001-07:002014-04-07T11:59:57.068-07:00FLARE: 10 month update<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dcQrSDGD3WkRwdF6JvrComRHFo5lgmjOYGNFjeJiCsMixr9DF9Hsm8SwTNYt8Tkr2gnCKGtuCblKDh1RD94xteia-trbuTqiveBc1vqN9D-1PmdpJ3M7fwcIaAqzquyfO_Mxvf44QHw/s640/blogger-image--1893185822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dcQrSDGD3WkRwdF6JvrComRHFo5lgmjOYGNFjeJiCsMixr9DF9Hsm8SwTNYt8Tkr2gnCKGtuCblKDh1RD94xteia-trbuTqiveBc1vqN9D-1PmdpJ3M7fwcIaAqzquyfO_Mxvf44QHw/s640/blogger-image--1893185822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hNieTR2ZUmLwXkU3MTsOMDkkib8Yqth0rg1WkhEzljsboQPILCiueHQzdw-S1D5bNTHQLCJ7naTP73PL4pAc6IPPiR2d6iRnB_VrZsREabcpP82G_EfzMU_ATJha9mU6GMSLQg1RX7c/s640/blogger-image--1942600868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hNieTR2ZUmLwXkU3MTsOMDkkib8Yqth0rg1WkhEzljsboQPILCiueHQzdw-S1D5bNTHQLCJ7naTP73PL4pAc6IPPiR2d6iRnB_VrZsREabcpP82G_EfzMU_ATJha9mU6GMSLQg1RX7c/s640/blogger-image--1942600868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVgd2Ccjv2yprsruKR4_2L3rPEXoYoE0_aopdUmY3P-nAlqYP069tC9vcuAhFFt6TDcnSEVO7uEJSS7jzlwQFgQKbx7a7-YW5Pycz6NH551yYsn-Ad5RFQpr0vt9DQJP500LJzrmwY6w/s640/blogger-image--514441635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVgd2Ccjv2yprsruKR4_2L3rPEXoYoE0_aopdUmY3P-nAlqYP069tC9vcuAhFFt6TDcnSEVO7uEJSS7jzlwQFgQKbx7a7-YW5Pycz6NH551yYsn-Ad5RFQpr0vt9DQJP500LJzrmwY6w/s640/blogger-image--514441635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdizZyewELaqm8iZG8L42d6gjvCQ62N40GkOsxJASm1dV8UajHkJJQUX4PyLZNfkaWC82vW12oANXNPaUuNtwZkEPo5-DCdxQjkrsi8s_1iCkd40di0VYz_P4BmnrR4MnEdU5O7lsqPE/s640/blogger-image--1387505284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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So... 10 months down and I don't feel much better. </div>
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My sleep is totally F#*34eD! I wake up at least once a night in itch fits, and stay up for an hour or so. The main culprit is my hair, or more specifically, my scalp. It is intensely itchy. I've tried baking soda/vinegar, regular shampoo, tea tree oil/mint shampoo and anti-dandruff shampoo (nizoral). None have really helped. Only nizoral has made my scalp flakes slightly finer, but the itch is still quite bad. </div>
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It's been a month since I started selectively moisturizing. And my overall conclusion is... (drumroll please)... I just don't know anymore. After my experiment last month, I did a couple things. For the most part, I'm still moisturizer free. Here are the exceptions.</div>
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<ol>
<li>Moisturize 1 arm with grape seed oil. <b>Result</b>: No difference so I just stopped due to sheer laziness.</li>
<li>Moisturized one side of face with grape seed oil. <b>Result: </b>No diff. </li>
<li>Moisturize 1 arm with Eucerine Professional Repair. <b>Result</b>: Bad rash so I stopped.</li>
<li>Moisturized cracked hand with Vaseline. <b>Result</b>: Inflammation seems to have increased so I stopped.</li>
<li>Continue moisturizing right foot with Cetaphil moisturizing lotion (in lieu of vaseline). <b>Result</b>: Slight improvement (maybe?). Continuing this one spot.</li>
<li>Moisturized upper lip where deep crack is. <b>Result</b>: Thick skin peeled off (which is what I wanted). Subsequently going to stop moisturizing.</li>
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There's no verdict and it seems to be a case by case basis. So far as I can tell, deep thick cracks can benefit from a short bout of moisturizing.<br />
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This month I've definitely been in the throws of a pretty bad flare. Though the past week, it's been settling down again. </div>
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My face, which for months was being reasonable with me, just started shedding pretty badly again. The photo below is today's condition. Much better than this past month. I have a crack down the middle of my upper lip that likes to stay open whenever I eat. This is where I mentioned I briefly vaselined it just to allow the skin to thin out a bit so the crack could actually close. Now the seam is staying closed. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dcQrSDGD3WkRwdF6JvrComRHFo5lgmjOYGNFjeJiCsMixr9DF9Hsm8SwTNYt8Tkr2gnCKGtuCblKDh1RD94xteia-trbuTqiveBc1vqN9D-1PmdpJ3M7fwcIaAqzquyfO_Mxvf44QHw/s1600/blogger-image--1893185822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dcQrSDGD3WkRwdF6JvrComRHFo5lgmjOYGNFjeJiCsMixr9DF9Hsm8SwTNYt8Tkr2gnCKGtuCblKDh1RD94xteia-trbuTqiveBc1vqN9D-1PmdpJ3M7fwcIaAqzquyfO_Mxvf44QHw/s400/blogger-image--1893185822.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My hands have been very unhappy. Oddly, from the knuckles to the first digit, all of my fingers became reddened and a bit peely between. My left hand's pinky and ring finger down to the side of my hand are going nuts. This is the best they have looked in weeks. Before this, my whole pinky and ring finger were cracked at the knuckles. I resorted to taping the cracks closed with medical paper tape so the skin would fuse together. For the most part it has helped. Though, who knows what will happen tomorrow...</div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdizZyewELaqm8iZG8L42d6gjvCQ62N40GkOsxJASm1dV8UajHkJJQUX4PyLZNfkaWC82vW12oANXNPaUuNtwZkEPo5-DCdxQjkrsi8s_1iCkd40di0VYz_P4BmnrR4MnEdU5O7lsqPE/s400/blogger-image--1387505284.jpg" width="300" /></div>
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Left hand, pinky and ring fingers look better though still very scaly and sometimes oozy if I move them too much. </div>
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVgd2Ccjv2yprsruKR4_2L3rPEXoYoE0_aopdUmY3P-nAlqYP069tC9vcuAhFFt6TDcnSEVO7uEJSS7jzlwQFgQKbx7a7-YW5Pycz6NH551yYsn-Ad5RFQpr0vt9DQJP500LJzrmwY6w/s400/blogger-image--514441635.jpg" width="316" /><br />
Outer edge of left hand. It's tore up. What can I say.<br />
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<img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hNieTR2ZUmLwXkU3MTsOMDkkib8Yqth0rg1WkhEzljsboQPILCiueHQzdw-S1D5bNTHQLCJ7naTP73PL4pAc6IPPiR2d6iRnB_VrZsREabcpP82G_EfzMU_ATJha9mU6GMSLQg1RX7c/s400/blogger-image--1942600868.jpg" width="300" /><br />
Right hand is doing okay. Itchy in between the fingers.<br />
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And finally, my lovely feet. They are also looking much better than they have most of the month, though, it appears, worse than last month. They were cracked at the tops and would ooze through my socks and so again, I resorted to taping them with medical tape so they wouldn't open up when I walked. It seems to be working because right now there actually aren't any open cracks on my feet. As you can see, there's not much difference between the left and right, despite the fact that I have been lightly moisturizing (less than once a day) on the right foot.<br />
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I should note that I've been peeling the skin off (perhaps not the best idea) when the scabs start to lift. Before, they would ooze like mad when I did that but my skin is able to dry down even after I wear socks! Whaaaaaat?!?! Amazing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIx71maWkvbvxavaYJ4oHHO5RjtAASIP5osso3tXejHjDC46i1vRxqRYOk3APgcLA_lV3aiybuylV35lp1r2cu1jHwpiM7t9cWwxCjgAyT3Fr3DfbpBZ-sCsUl0E4KKFz2DmqjljAwzJo/s640/blogger-image--760755716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIx71maWkvbvxavaYJ4oHHO5RjtAASIP5osso3tXejHjDC46i1vRxqRYOk3APgcLA_lV3aiybuylV35lp1r2cu1jHwpiM7t9cWwxCjgAyT3Fr3DfbpBZ-sCsUl0E4KKFz2DmqjljAwzJo/s400/blogger-image--760755716.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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As for the rest of my body, it's just very dry and flaky, shedding more skin than last month but luckily not developing any trouble spots.<br />
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So I suppose the most helpful thing for me this month has been this paper tape:<br />
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<a href="http://www.drugstore.com/nexcare-tape-gentle-paper-2-x-360/qxp141231?catid=184356"><img border="0" src="http://pics2.ds-static.com/prodimg/141231/300.jpg" /></a></div>
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click above!</div>
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THOUGH I MUST CAUTION, if your skin is too delicate, it will rip it off. It's best to keep it on for a whole day so that your skin can regenerate a new layer and then remove it really really really slowly.<br />
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Also trying out a chinese medicine, ling zhi extract, which my mom is desperate for me to try. Her friend had awful eczema (finger tips so cracked she had to wear gloves) and is now free of it "and can even paint her nails" my mom adds with enthusiasm. In my desperate state, I can't say no.<br />
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Anywho, that's all for this month. I'm really hoping I heal up as my best friend's wedding is this year and I don't want to be miserable at it!<br />
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Happy healing all.<br />
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<br />meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-49490461502211936452014-02-18T10:46:00.002-08:002014-02-19T11:07:50.984-08:009 Month Update: Is Moisturizing Harmful? Let's Find Out!<h3>
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Update</h3>
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Is it time to give birth to my new skin yet? (get it, 9 months)<br />
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Well, it sure has been a long a$$ time since I've been dealing with this. I feel like I'm on the verge but I just can't get over that last hump.<br />
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My skin is in limbo right now. It's not getting better, not getting worse. I've noticed when I stop taking allergy medicine my sleep worsens and I scratch more, so I still have to keep this in my routine.<br />
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Arms/face look almost normal to a laymen but the skin is still thin and delicate, shedding all the time. However, I have a nasty eczema spot growing on my armpit. Worst place to have it because it won't dry down and cool down unless I raise my arm! And I can't be doing that all day. Behind the knees have pesky spots that won't go away. Ankles and wrists are still thick elephant skin when bent, especially my left ankle which looks like there's deep permanent lines.<br />
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</h3>
<h3>
Moisturizer withdrawal notes</h3>
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At this point, I've been also doing moisturizer withdrawal for about 1 and a half months. At the beginning, it seemed like there was a drastic improvement but for the last 2-3 weeks, there seems to have been a standstill. Any very eczematic-like scaly spots just kind of stay there and don't change day to day (or week to week!). Now, this is okay if the skin is closed and not in high movement areas: my chest and shoulder have some of these fairly inocuous spots that just stick around and aren't bothersome. However, in high mobility areas (i.e. my feet) it seems to be more of an issue.<br />
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Let me elaborate. The top of my feet, as I documented previously, was an oozy mess and finally, with the help of moisturizer withdrawal, dried down to kind of a thick scab. This is great, except for when I'd walk around for the day, the scabby bits are rubbing against each other and have opened up into a crack (or many cracks), thus perpetuating the cycle of irritated skin.<br />
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I was resigned to just deal with this until I went in for my annual physical. My doctor, aware of my choice to withdraw from steroids, looked at my feet with a little concern. She said the issue here is infection and having cracks open on your skin are just asking for trouble. I told her I was using tea tree oil to help prevent infection but unfortunately no <i>in vivo</i> experiments have been done to prove its effectiveness in this application so she was skeptical. "Your feet look like some of my senior patients," she said, and strongly urged me to try any sort of lubrication to reduce the irritation that my skin was exhibiting.<br />
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Well, I went home pretty resistant to the idea. Dammit, I'm on my course, I'll just stick to it. But then I realized this was the perfect platform to test the hypothesis: Is moisturizing going to slow down the healing process?<br />
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My Experiment</h3>
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So I needed to use something relatively innocuous. I think we can all agree that olive oil is the worst choice because publications have shown its deleterious effects to the skin layer (Citation: <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22995032">Now a classic, Effect of olive and sunflower seed oil on the adult skin barrier: implications for neonatal skin care.</a>). </div>
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I went with Vaseline, a.k.a. patroleum jelly, per the suggestion of my doctor. It has been my fail safe moisturizer over the years. Other one ingredient lubricants I've tried have have irritated my skin one way or the other: olive oil, shea butter, coconut oil (I'm allergic to this) have given me negative reactions on my skin.</div>
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(Side note: I was moisturizing with my beeswax, olive oil, honey mixture for months before moisturizer withdrawal. Was this what caused my possible delay in healing??)</div>
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I also think overmoisturizing, and the mechanical rubbing of the skin, impact the skin layer negatively. If I rub my dry topical steroid withdrawing skin, ooze comes out. Thus, I needed to make sure that I moisturized minimally. I decided on a thin layer of Vaseline 2 times per day, applied with minimal pressure to my right foot. Any other treatment to my skin, I would apply to both feet. </div>
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<b>TL;DR</b> Left foot no moisturizer, Right foot light layer of vaseline 2x per day.<br />
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So... I took 9 days of photos but I'll just keep it short and simple and include a three day progression:<br />
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Day 1: Both feet are about the same, cracks are more prevalent on right foot but for both feet, covered with dry skin which is brown and thickened. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPnAS_g6xEbU1iC5fdyhh7Tg3eEthdS4XWK2f3HCZ86ZE58qkuCkAMoEi3fhoPvTIXBvgVifWH2Bw3qD0FvXZmTCqGbIEvmFrzFNxZJifL2h2006hdKlHf2L-ndTSrLnupjpoMBvT-9w/s640/blogger-image-1099887504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPnAS_g6xEbU1iC5fdyhh7Tg3eEthdS4XWK2f3HCZ86ZE58qkuCkAMoEi3fhoPvTIXBvgVifWH2Bw3qD0FvXZmTCqGbIEvmFrzFNxZJifL2h2006hdKlHf2L-ndTSrLnupjpoMBvT-9w/s400/blogger-image-1099887504.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Day 5: Right foot cracks disappeared after 2nd day. Subsequent shedding of skin is thinner but integrity of skin has remained the same. *note* both feet are "wettened" in this photo for a fair comparison.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8RskjUoXqd1SkxdT-zCMp0KoqVc_POmMDYiid1cCnHif5TMuf389PXO7rrWB929sapNpPr7AGvlavQJxA0LA1ISL9fB5Ea_0yukgp3I2lFXiJvWczq943Y2CVeid2W2ioKd5Mv7w4Gw/s640/blogger-image--1975258460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8RskjUoXqd1SkxdT-zCMp0KoqVc_POmMDYiid1cCnHif5TMuf389PXO7rrWB929sapNpPr7AGvlavQJxA0LA1ISL9fB5Ea_0yukgp3I2lFXiJvWczq943Y2CVeid2W2ioKd5Mv7w4Gw/s400/blogger-image--1975258460.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Day 9: Right foot irritated area has shrunken compared to left, which has not much improvement in condition. 2nd toe on right has almost no rashy skin remaining while left remains irritated on 2nd and 3rd toes. *note* both feet are dried down for a fair comparison. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0ir8_3GB9-qPiUunQKiPkcaH9ZD3zu1sh3hyZvoK0Dm_d1iAzTGdW7niRFtZAugfo45IQZ2nkeRPetxEubo7kr-hkjmWnaJYdXeEg-bHjWWnuwHF7o5_iN2w_uokfKQjo6zEffgzDZo/s640/blogger-image--238084146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0ir8_3GB9-qPiUunQKiPkcaH9ZD3zu1sh3hyZvoK0Dm_d1iAzTGdW7niRFtZAugfo45IQZ2nkeRPetxEubo7kr-hkjmWnaJYdXeEg-bHjWWnuwHF7o5_iN2w_uokfKQjo6zEffgzDZo/s400/blogger-image--238084146.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</h3>
<h3>
Discussion and conclusion</h3>
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<br />
I was not expecting such a drastic difference by the end of this experiment (which I set to when the sides differentiated themselves). In this experiment, it appears that applying a lubricating substance to the skin allowed for proper healing of cuts, resulting in less irritated skin overall. </div>
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I must point out that through the course of this experiment, I didn't refrain from scratching. In fact, I can freely admit that I have no self control and scratched both sides pretty aggressively. From previous experience, I assumed the moisturizing side would break easier and regress after scratching, however the skin has held up under these conditions and perhaps the non moisturized side got it worse because there were thick scabs which would rub against each other and result in broken skin. </div>
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Given these results, I have begun lightly moisturizing (vaseline, thin coat, 2x a day) chronically irritated areas which have not healed in weeks. The result is yet to be determined but with this experimentation, I feel a little more comfortable applying small amounts of moisture as needed again. </div>
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Currently, my right foot isn't 100% healed (day 9 picture) but it looks like it's closer than the beginning of this experiment. I'll keep you guys posted if and when it heals.</div>
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For now, I am only moisturizing as needed. I do find that I can still reach that point where I moisturize a bit too much and my skin feels a little wet so I have to let it dry it down again. It's a delicate balance!</div>
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Anyway, I'm looking forward to getting back to life (starting to work out and get a routine back). Hope you all are healing up nicely as well! </div>
meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-34242757455824686992014-01-14T16:36:00.001-08:002014-02-11T12:17:09.958-08:008 Month Update: Adjustments to routine, Moisturizer withdrawal continues...<div style="text-align: center;">
Guys, I think I need a taller collar</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6krAmm8FUWMzGh62k6OnzYivDUh1lnj2DIUtDlVDe8bEMJaQW1CzC3mw39TFxvKNlmXZ6QnHSA1TtOULCiLL6K5ZeZYKiagq5sm2ULFdS6JJRCFgnXdhG8Z6QW5TFFmEkU7b0gdDJtM/s640/blogger-image--303625835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6krAmm8FUWMzGh62k6OnzYivDUh1lnj2DIUtDlVDe8bEMJaQW1CzC3mw39TFxvKNlmXZ6QnHSA1TtOULCiLL6K5ZeZYKiagq5sm2ULFdS6JJRCFgnXdhG8Z6QW5TFFmEkU7b0gdDJtM/s400/blogger-image--303625835.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">2nd day since showering, skin's a bit flaky</span></div>
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All joking aside, this adjustment to moisturizer withdrawal has not been that bad.<br />
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The current condition of my skin is decent. Face, pretty healed except for periphery and upper lip having flakes. Neck down is all fuzzy with flakes. Extra itchy and larger flaking areas are wrists, knees, chest, back of neck, chin, ankles. Actual eczematic looking skin (by this I mean red, oozing, scaling) is contained to left ring finger, and tops of feet close to the toes and 2nd toe of left foot. I deal with these areas by applying tea tree oil or silver gel and then trying to leave them alone. Feet are covered w/ bandages/tissues then wrapped up in socks with leggings tucked in at all times.<br />
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This month, my seventh month in TSW, is the month of moisturizer withdrawal. It seems to be the latest rage in the TSW community and I think there are valid points to giving it a try. My skin has become stronger. Specifically when I have scratch fits, my skin doesn't ooze out or break unless I <i>really </i>have at it.<br />
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My highlights of my first few weeks of moisturizer withdrawal including how I dealt with each:<br />
<ul>
<li>Pain similar to first month of TSW first couple weeks, I coped with it by using pain killers sparingly.</li>
<li>Tightness in skin of first couple weeks has dissipated. Driving (and moving around in general) was difficult in the beginning so I'd recommend staying in bed if possible.</li>
<li>Flakes started out thick and large, have become fine but still persistent. Change clothes often! I changed clothes 2x a day when my flakes would build up in my clothes. I'm currently changing clothes 1-2x a day still. If I feel itch building up, I change clothes.</li>
<li>Itch fits continue to stick around, though less and less frequent. I try to avoid scratching b/c it's counter productive (case in point, my foot) to healing but I have had a good number of scratching fits and it's ok. Cover as much skin with TIGHT clothing as possible. Prevents direct scratching of skin and movement of flakes. I wear shirts with thumb holes, leggings tucked into socks.</li>
<li>No moisturizer also means NO LIP BALM! My lips became intensely chapped and cracked in first two weeks. Later, skin thickened, then peeled off to reveal softer skin which has persisted.</li>
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<a href="http://store.delias.com/search.do?query=thumbhole"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_gaBj4n5MQe9BRMao6xzmCeAJ9n46R58Jl1eETJGRLobQrSsjM18Eq7Y208P4w5omQBmtOmFZMuWgat2zumfsRjlFL9iShROebPqH9Ln9n0FBSIOsXRBYEWUI4E4EQnLOrgvKGM_njY/s320/thumbhole+shirts.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://store.delias.com/search.do?query=thumbhole" style="text-align: left;">Delia's thumbhole shirts - Affordable and comfortable enough for work days</a></div>
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One major change that I've introduced into my routine is reduced washing. Previously, I routinely took a comfortably warm shower a day, approximately 15 minutes, including shampooing my hair once a day. The past few weeks, I have washed once per day Monday through Friday, then taken the weekend off of showers. My scalp was shedding like crazy so I adjusted to only washing hair Monday and Thursday with baking soda for my scalp followed by a 1:5 apple cider vinegar rinse. After not showering for the weekend, I've noticed my skin has felt stronger. In addition, by cutting down hair washing, my scalp is less flaky, albeit still contains flakes.<br />
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This week, I'm trying out even less showers, perhaps every other or every 3rd day. My reasoning for this is simple. We shower to remove oils which also retain scent resulting in us feeling (and smelling) dirty. Right now, I have no oils and I'm adding no oils to my skin. Not much scent builds up when I don't shower or wash my hair. The only down side thus far is looking a bit flaky on non showering days. My face is a bit flaky on my forehead and upper lip and I try to deal with it by using sticky tape to remove extraneous flakes.<br />
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At this point, I've completely let go of feeling insecure about my appearance. I mean, frankly, idgaf if I'm covered in flakes and I can't afford to stress over it. If this is what it looks like for me to heal, then so be it. Yes, I've gone to work with flakes scattered throughout my hair b/c I know that showering would do it more harm than good. And I have jet black hair, woot woot. I have a sickness that I've come to terms with it and I'm okay with others seeing it; in fact, it's good that others can see what I'm struggling with it.<br />
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Though I am not super close to healing yet, I've started feeling more positive in general and it definitely helps the day to day go by more quickly. Keeping busy with other things and not stressing over the little things (triggers, food, etc) is key! One month closer to healthy skin!meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-87892949376968278882014-01-10T15:14:00.003-08:002014-01-10T15:16:28.431-08:00Moisturizer Withdrawal Log: Week 3Happy Friday! 3 weeks down of no moisturizing, still holding strong! (and almost 6 months of TSW)<br />
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I've been back at work for a week now and though my face started out very flaky, it's normalized and only has a few flakes on my forehead and chin. I found a way to manage these too with the help of trusty masking tape, which only removes flakes that are hanging on by a thread making skin appear smoother.<br />
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My skin is still remaining stronger than when I first started. It is very rare that I scratch until ooze is generated, and this happens only after many long minutes of scratching in a row. Still shedding fine flakes whenever I derobe but it has come to be expected. </div>
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The itch still continues, and is definitely correlated with the size of flakes that I see (makes sense). For the most part I try my hardest not to scratch directly onto the skin. It's difficult overnight to control that but during the day, I'm dressed neck to toe so as I don't give myself access.</div>
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My foot saga continues, unfortunately, and while the ankle skin is pretty much intact, the tops of both of my feet still don't form a complete piece of solid skin. Swelling isn't completely gone as I'm on my feet all day and after work it's very lymphy, though not nearly as insane as right before Christmas. I'm continuing to manage by applying silver gel, tea tree oil and covering with tissues before putting socks on.</div>
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Mentally, I'm feeling stronger. My main emotion toward my skin and my situation now is annoyance rather than desperation. Annoyance toward the flakes, finding clothes that are comfortable, being stuck inside, constantly smelling my skin in my room, etc and so on.<br />
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So annoyed in fact that I became determined to make my own TSW gear which is made of soft cotton, has flat felled seams (read: no exposed seams on the inside), thumbholes so hands are covered and has a tall enough collar to cover the dried flakes that decorate my neck.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6bOHhFsACmQ/UtB8NBfl0sI/AAAAAAAAGmY/yZpkALvmv7Y/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6bOHhFsACmQ/UtB8NBfl0sI/AAAAAAAAGmY/yZpkALvmv7Y/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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May I present Megan's line of TSW Friendly Fashions! Just kidding, but it's definitely a good way to channel my energy into something productive instead of lazing around. After making this prototype, I'm already planning my v2.<br />
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Besides this, I've been watching a lot of Hollywood classics and planning on catching up on the Oscar favorites this year!<br />
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How are you guys keeping your mind off TSW/MW? I'd like to know :)</div>
meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-48445705317404759252014-01-02T11:58:00.001-08:002014-01-02T17:50:02.456-08:00Moisturizer withdrawal log: week 2Well 2 weeks down of moisturizer withdrawal!<br />
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I can't say I'm looking much better. Still covered in dry skin flakes. </div>
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But compared to the first few days, I am in better shape. I am shedding way less. When I take my clothes off, instead of an avalanche of skin, it's now more of a light rain. Pain has subsided and I am off the pain killers for sleep. </div>
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Itch is still an issue. Though now no longer mind numbing, I still get itch attacks (I think when too much skin flake is building between my clothes and skin) so I've found taking all my clothes off and shaking off the shedded skin helps a lot. Also changing clothes every 12 hours if possible, but I'm not always doing this just because it's a lot of laundry to do and the shaking off normally suffices. </div>
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My skin on my foot is now mostly dried down, save the top by the toes which is an easy spot to scratch. I dry it down with a blow dryer and cover it with tissue before putting on socks. The skin is still extremely scaly and large flakes persist but the swelling has gone down significantly. </div>
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I am feeling mentally withdrawn, hence the lack of posts, as I would prefer to stay in bed or in the dark than look in a mirror or go outside. I feel pretty self conscious when I have gone outside. But I feel like I am on the right path, I just need more healing to occur faster! I've even taken pictures of my skin but find them so disgusting looking that I quickly delete them. So sorry, no picture update today but I feel as though the description is enough to log my progress. </div>
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edit: here's a quick foot pic. less swollen, ankle skin is intact but around toe is still struggling. </div>
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Anyway, I hope you are all starting the new year off well and I'm looking forward to healing in the near future. </div>
meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-81183599657979928982013-12-25T18:35:00.004-08:002013-12-25T18:36:33.168-08:00Moisturizer Withdrawal Log: Day 7Merry Christmas to all! Hope you are all enjoying your holiday.<br />
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I had a family dinner yesterday so just staying in today and I'm still dry! I'm finally getting used to it by now BUT...<br />
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I'm so frickin' itchy!<br />
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So, I've been sleeping 4AM till 2-3pM these days which is good b/c while I sleep, I don't really itch.<br />
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During the day it really isn't that bad but once midnight hits, ungodly amounts of itch set in. I have been uncontrollably scratching my neck skin, probably because it's the only area that's exposed and past couple of days I've been really been oozing out where I scratch.<br />
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I know we're supposed to prevent scratching during moisturizer withdrawal but I've really been having trouble lately. At least by the next day it dries up. I think it's more about itch/pain management and I'll have to start preemptively taking pain killers before the itch hits.<br />
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What are some of the ways you prevent itching/scratching? I'd really love to know.meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-3860270826506970742013-12-22T19:03:00.003-08:002013-12-23T18:00:24.335-08:00Moisturizer withdrawal days 3-4Day 3:<br />
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Yesterday was quite uneventful. Skin continued its desert like appearance and I pretty much slept all day. Woke up at 2pm, napped again until 8, slept at 4am. Only issue was starting around midnight, the itch attacks really hit and I couldn't help but scratch my neck area since it's the only area that is exposed. Rest of my body is covered with clothing. I got a bit of ooze going and a lot of skin shedding. Eventually, I popped some pain killers and went to sleep. </div>
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Day 4:</div>
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Again, pretty uneventful. Woke up at 2pm.</div>
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Skin continues to be desert like and when I took of my clothes prior to shower, I must've had a good 1/4 cup worth of skin flakes fall out from my clothes. </div>
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Showered w/o washing hair or using soap and immediately dressed after drying off. Despite flakes hanging off from skin, I'm trying my best to let them hang on until they're ready to fall off naturally. </div>
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Stayed busy the past few hours buying at least 2 weeks worth of food so I can stay inside for the near future without having to run errands. Skin is really tightening and feeling like it's ready to crack, e.g. when I walk I can feel the top of my foot's skin cracking.</div>
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Here's some pics of my "best skin" vs "worst skin". All look pretty bad :]</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgVapLUFlrms0pqAhGibFlwxNPX-RPVej0FHn4X2Unj6sLX20eGlAkr9ZSdcX60ZtE4JiXOO9S7Fv6U27LXQmZlKV6h78iic46AqYXlik5mg0650z3yFqxwQZeFop8rc6VVXtaW9Q9P0/s640/blogger-image-274163453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgVapLUFlrms0pqAhGibFlwxNPX-RPVej0FHn4X2Unj6sLX20eGlAkr9ZSdcX60ZtE4JiXOO9S7Fv6U27LXQmZlKV6h78iic46AqYXlik5mg0650z3yFqxwQZeFop8rc6VVXtaW9Q9P0/s400/blogger-image-274163453.jpg" width="324" /></a></div>
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"best"</div>
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"worst"</div>
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meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-1525127975086141782013-12-20T10:41:00.003-08:002013-12-20T19:45:08.869-08:00Moisturizer Withdrawal Log: Day 2Not much has changed. I did get a full night's sleep though (worth a celebration!), once I found a comfortable position where none of my skin was stretched too much. I find "first position" of ballet is a good way to lie. It airs the armpits and doesn't tax the wrist skin.<br />
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<a href="http://media.web.britannica.com/eb-media/82/93482-034-60D499B0.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="http://media.web.britannica.com/eb-media/82/93482-034-60D499B0.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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Also, there were less blood spots on the pillow in the morning AND when I showered, it felt like the skin flakes were holding on tighter.<br />
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So in the morning, my skin looks like lizard skin, scales of all sizes covering my skin. I routinely gently slough off the skin in the shower. Today, it felt like there was less skin sloughing off which I see as a positive sign because my skin actually wants to stay on!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDqerwHjgWLLWMfjaiH9fORIZaj_ETw5YhGxq9Y8aHqMWFsRNT8Ckkg-STfwv4GN_OaMhpMZ-meJ89Sx3RMk_gyz6pwJifx5nB2NXZ-FtNXu9wqkfwEphXHaIYB7x2pTk1-kwbNigyHA/s1600/dry-cracked-earth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDqerwHjgWLLWMfjaiH9fORIZaj_ETw5YhGxq9Y8aHqMWFsRNT8Ckkg-STfwv4GN_OaMhpMZ-meJ89Sx3RMk_gyz6pwJifx5nB2NXZ-FtNXu9wqkfwEphXHaIYB7x2pTk1-kwbNigyHA/s400/dry-cracked-earth.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This lovely desert scene is quite reminiscent of my skin's current state</span></div>
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It is really quite scary looking at my scaley skin (it literally looks like a cracked desert covering my entire body) and I think my brain processing that image makes me more itchy than the skin itself. My best course of action is just to stay covered so I can't observe my skin's state. </div>
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Again, still lightly oiling my face skin with grape seed oil but tomorrow, when vacation starts, all moisturizer will cease forever!! (forever.. forever..)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdg287IWayQt3CLlYixSKEio9YXljMmBbOyFrM19E8vf5up3w9gs9CjjcU1S-uJGgZYdnXRlAxnl7RRe13hHFl4hB0x1Snv74wcDmchiFXt0v8K4zyzjs0gBcBhxH0a7-aJhkLIhApvsE/s640/blogger-image-408424989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdg287IWayQt3CLlYixSKEio9YXljMmBbOyFrM19E8vf5up3w9gs9CjjcU1S-uJGgZYdnXRlAxnl7RRe13hHFl4hB0x1Snv74wcDmchiFXt0v8K4zyzjs0gBcBhxH0a7-aJhkLIhApvsE/s640/blogger-image-408424989.jpg" /></a></div>
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face with light oil vs neck on day 2 MW</div>
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I'm really feeling quite positive about the whole thing as this taut skin is pretty bearable as long as I stay relatively still. </div>
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Yay to positivity!</div>
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Please keep the comments coming about your experiences with MW! I love hearing them and find them comforting. And hopefully will get a blog list going here as well. Thanks for the support!</div>
meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-69602100447783904882013-12-19T20:53:00.000-08:002013-12-19T20:54:44.748-08:00Moisturizing Withdrawal Log: Day 1<i><b>Preface</b></i><br />
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<i>I feel like we are all on the defense when we begin the TSW journey. People are always telling us, why don't you just apply the creams? Why don't you just go to the doctor? and on and on. To which I fall back onto my preprogrammed responses "I'm doing what's making me comfortable, it just takes time." After a contentious couple of exchanges on my <a href="http://steroidfreeskin.blogspot.com/2013/12/7-month-update.html?showComment=1387398523618#c2045348586303458000">last post</a> with <a href="http://topicalsteroidsurvivor.blogspot.com/">Dan D</a>, I took a moment to look at my condition (the worst it has been in months) and really question: Why not try Moisturizer Withdrawal (MW as it's known to "veterans")? </i><br />
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<i>I had tried stopping moisturizing for maybe a day or two max but always told myself it wasn't for me because the skin flakes up and tightens so bad initially. However, I already shared the philosophy that overmoisturizing just makes the skin's integrity weaker and it seems that since I started my TSW journey, a good number of sufferers have tried MW and had positive results. </i><br />
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<i>So, thank you to Dan D for reintroducing me to this idea. Since the Christmas to New Years holiday is coming up, I'll take this chance to really give MW a chance beginning today and document the progress under "mw logs" in addition to my typical monthly updates. Rather than just sticking with it a day or 2, my goal is to go at least a month since it takes at least 2 weeks for the benefits to appear. </i><br />
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MW Day 1 - 12/19/2013: Stopped moisturizing since yesterday afternoon. I actually felt less itchy the whole time until bed time. After I went to sleep, I could feel the skin really starting to dry out and flake up. Around 5AM I woke up having to rub a ton of skin flakes off from my neck, arms and chest. Chest also started oozing up very badly (soaking into shirt). Due to discomfort I was up for about an hour.<br />
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Next morning, I showered as usual (only shampoo, rubbing off dead skin). Out of the shower, I patted some hyaluronic acid (Dr. F's) onto my face b/c I'm still going to work today. Skin took about 5 min to dry out completely. Face completely lost mobility and face and neck have that "plastic" glaze. Rest of skin is flaked up but I just waited until the skin dried and got dressed. Face continued to dry and lose mobility so I just patted a very light layer of grapeseed oil on my face stopping at the chin.<br />
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Took a nap until 11AM and so far am not feeling too itchy despite the ridiculously flakey appearance of my skin. Only real discomfort is the lack of mobility due to taut dry skin.<br />
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Had one itch attack after I got home from work, probably due to boredom more than anything. Difficult to keep from scratching but eventually just covered up with clothes and continued my day. The back of my neck did start to ooze a bit due to scratching so I am using toilet paper as a collar to absorb extra moisture.<br />
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The rest of the evening has been ok as long as I stay kinda busy. Mobility has definitely improved throughout the day and I no longer feel like the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz.<br />
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Please leave a comment if you've tried moisturizer withdrawal and how it has worked for you!meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-12417698803105220712013-12-16T12:30:00.003-08:002013-12-17T10:03:38.285-08:007 Month Update - December 16, 2013 Big Flare #2 is ON.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uoe0VZG_jNC5ZhA4mU_tvALv9DZCTQJ6DsAvj2KUPp_Xtj2xLL6HhMv1QDSpltKyvUPvu-1S05mAQJhzkCyTWzxMcwdw4aZvMQTsNT6N_gjnK2SYGvZGPgG4dMD6y_3mJIjr7R1PLvw/s640/blogger-image-1759502792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uoe0VZG_jNC5ZhA4mU_tvALv9DZCTQJ6DsAvj2KUPp_Xtj2xLL6HhMv1QDSpltKyvUPvu-1S05mAQJhzkCyTWzxMcwdw4aZvMQTsNT6N_gjnK2SYGvZGPgG4dMD6y_3mJIjr7R1PLvw/s640/blogger-image-1759502792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrFNz7Y38rrb7ARpXCIMxZCXM0bsuOLsSMM7uUKqfxWFq4lyoJ3ozTA7tsD7QPFvWK7za4JUh4cUBrlZ_BDiDl2kCF6hVvh-uuxV2XPWvTsWUud5h2EZ8D_a1J07KQedY0jzi_IY0lvw/s640/blogger-image-373662521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrFNz7Y38rrb7ARpXCIMxZCXM0bsuOLsSMM7uUKqfxWFq4lyoJ3ozTA7tsD7QPFvWK7za4JUh4cUBrlZ_BDiDl2kCF6hVvh-uuxV2XPWvTsWUud5h2EZ8D_a1J07KQedY0jzi_IY0lvw/s640/blogger-image-373662521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-zMq0lx3dHlt9azLyNb_GF4UX_3pDmnDnwuXu654WLILtGci3VCHtvs3pBzSNKFGoHZxkS_QFs-s10AJcInWKE5-9ZKgv1BPdSXGZugV8SZbbJHQ-nHhkq54tCq2Gpu-G6Wt3njeMAo/s640/blogger-image-405952306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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Big flare #2 has come. And it ain't pretty. </div>
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Since the beginning of December, my skin has really started to act up. An extremely dry cold front hit Northern California and it has really affected how my skin has been. </div>
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Current Issues:</div>
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<ul>
<li>My skin can't hold any moisture whatsoever. </li>
<li>Increased flaking/shedding (like, if I put a shirt on and take it off immediately, there's flakes)</li>
<li>Increased swelling/elephant skin</li>
<li>More areas are affected, different than flare #1, listed from worst to less bad:</li>
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<li>Left ankle - holy guacamole. constant scaling of skin, dry, weeping nonstop (paper towels worn under socks), swollen</li>
<li>Wrists - dry, hypershedding, weeping, swollen</li>
<li>Back of knees - dry, hypershedding, weeping, swollen</li>
<li>Upper chest/upper arms - dry, hypershedding, </li>
<li>Scalp - dry, hyper hyper shedding</li>
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<li>Groin folds - dry, moderate shedding, discoloration</li>
<li>Back/upper legs - dry, light to moderate shedding, red patches</li>
<li>Face - dry, light shedding (thank goodness for this)</li>
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It's like I have to learn how to cope all over again. For the first week or so of this flare, I was pretty much in denial. I thought to myself, my skin must just be acting up due to the weather and it'll be gone in a few days. </div>
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Well, two weeks later the condition has worsened and I can finally say for sure that I'm in a big flare. Starting to adjust to weep prevention (Domeboro solution, paper napkins and cotton clothes) and itch/flake control by wearing my tight clothes again. </div>
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It's a blessing that my face is not taking the brunt of the flare this time but then again I'm fixated on my ankle which seems to have 2-3 turnovers of skin a day. But the skin doesn't feel very substantial and is so ready to fall off at the lightest scratch. </div>
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And without further ado, some pictures of my misery.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWcCqcgT6VY-2c1xem3LAEtyb3vM0ujboHb9j0nmoOvDBLJU_ELZU_okZCq22a-gGD9T0zErv1OjBrKt56F9u3cbHpzoDUk_TWn-7SVHzoMII4NyOx0gr7Umv9aMxPGipgW79rKOv5_A/s640/blogger-image-919730849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWcCqcgT6VY-2c1xem3LAEtyb3vM0ujboHb9j0nmoOvDBLJU_ELZU_okZCq22a-gGD9T0zErv1OjBrKt56F9u3cbHpzoDUk_TWn-7SVHzoMII4NyOx0gr7Umv9aMxPGipgW79rKOv5_A/s400/blogger-image-919730849.jpg" width="349" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">All of my skin now has redness somewhere. Especially concentrated in the wrists and upper chest. Aah so itchy.</span></div>
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<img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-zMq0lx3dHlt9azLyNb_GF4UX_3pDmnDnwuXu654WLILtGci3VCHtvs3pBzSNKFGoHZxkS_QFs-s10AJcInWKE5-9ZKgv1BPdSXGZugV8SZbbJHQ-nHhkq54tCq2Gpu-G6Wt3njeMAo/s400/blogger-image-405952306.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Back is least of my worries, only light red splotches but a bit more itchy than normal.</span></div>
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<img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrFNz7Y38rrb7ARpXCIMxZCXM0bsuOLsSMM7uUKqfxWFq4lyoJ3ozTA7tsD7QPFvWK7za4JUh4cUBrlZ_BDiDl2kCF6hVvh-uuxV2XPWvTsWUud5h2EZ8D_a1J07KQedY0jzi_IY0lvw/s400/blogger-image-373662521.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Knees are very bad this time around, often times feeling wet from weeping if I randomly check on them. Gotta spend more time with my legs straight.</span></div>
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<img border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uoe0VZG_jNC5ZhA4mU_tvALv9DZCTQJ6DsAvj2KUPp_Xtj2xLL6HhMv1QDSpltKyvUPvu-1S05mAQJhzkCyTWzxMcwdw4aZvMQTsNT6N_gjnK2SYGvZGPgG4dMD6y_3mJIjr7R1PLvw/s400/blogger-image-1759502792.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">And the grand finale. Note the extent of the left foot's elephant skin indicating swelling (pictured right). Left ankle appears larger in diameter. No bueno. Skin does not want to stay intact but instead raises into scales before new skin is ready. Second toe has constant ooze.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CQZtxf72btJqdSTlRFZgTlujitUfXifi1b7YPnsOI6E2l_TPI0uhmCc2ItxqUo64XyVNuUF4jUVJL_1oCq5wI6jGYhxuImR8LDnjz4wpa4xZzR9RmfYHfGYm0QKloZXQy2aANCyKWII/s640/blogger-image-2032667958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CQZtxf72btJqdSTlRFZgTlujitUfXifi1b7YPnsOI6E2l_TPI0uhmCc2ItxqUo64XyVNuUF4jUVJL_1oCq5wI6jGYhxuImR8LDnjz4wpa4xZzR9RmfYHfGYm0QKloZXQy2aANCyKWII/s400/blogger-image-2032667958.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Holy edema Batman! This photo is 10 hrs later than the above photo.</span></div>
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I was really starting to feel hopeful after last month's update but this flare is reminding me that healing will be a longer time away than I had hoped. Pretty bummed about the whole thing but I feel like I'm handling it slightly better than before. It may not be long before I have to take pain killers again but I'm trying to avoid it for now. </div>
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Anyway, hope winter is treating you all better than it has for me. </div>
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Until next time,</div>
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Megan</div>
meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2210737238808722769.post-22666068049475421462013-12-11T10:55:00.001-08:002013-12-11T10:55:24.680-08:00Skin shouldn't look like this!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RzaJAGHHGPEnOUgwKLURBkY02ATp3Aak93sjl_X_-wE8oqGxDWw4hgfKSU7OxFSTkb2SeoLukbPx7rJB0NkVrOXNSobWPz0UZMSpxsgtShiv5frd1LUKKIlNtdA6lYxWqBULQOnEJig/s640/blogger-image-1228684741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RzaJAGHHGPEnOUgwKLURBkY02ATp3Aak93sjl_X_-wE8oqGxDWw4hgfKSU7OxFSTkb2SeoLukbPx7rJB0NkVrOXNSobWPz0UZMSpxsgtShiv5frd1LUKKIlNtdA6lYxWqBULQOnEJig/s640/blogger-image-1228684741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7inlyWzKo8zcskr_1h1JWfmcy1CUPUcb0tvUzSwj8LNtvbQPNwm3m-fTAeo3XqoNZzQrpQo6uGWB_9xfTs3-Lkn1U97EKxU_yorqsRd0p7cdNByw3NtVA9c-QYJi8aLfagtu8i1Chc4/s640/blogger-image-20778755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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My left foot seriously feels like it is rotting off. Constant skin shedding and lack of healing is driving me up the wall. My whole body is suffering but this spot is taking the brunt of the abuse. Damn you topical steroids, damn you to hell. </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7inlyWzKo8zcskr_1h1JWfmcy1CUPUcb0tvUzSwj8LNtvbQPNwm3m-fTAeo3XqoNZzQrpQo6uGWB_9xfTs3-Lkn1U97EKxU_yorqsRd0p7cdNByw3NtVA9c-QYJi8aLfagtu8i1Chc4/s640/blogger-image-20778755.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Why won't you heal?</span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RzaJAGHHGPEnOUgwKLURBkY02ATp3Aak93sjl_X_-wE8oqGxDWw4hgfKSU7OxFSTkb2SeoLukbPx7rJB0NkVrOXNSobWPz0UZMSpxsgtShiv5frd1LUKKIlNtdA6lYxWqBULQOnEJig/s640/blogger-image-1228684741.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Topical steroids caused this hell.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCN9ss5UqwpyHsURMCtsrXy5iCDcNbw-LYR0uBy9DEfFXpN7X-2MVsWhf4rxX2po4_3iy8eaDCZJxsZuyvZUSYfiu-SR3NU4vNcWNALHQaHKQHJSLWZnGhYwfojP0Yg89ebyz7RQppuMI/s640/blogger-image-376514785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCN9ss5UqwpyHsURMCtsrXy5iCDcNbw-LYR0uBy9DEfFXpN7X-2MVsWhf4rxX2po4_3iy8eaDCZJxsZuyvZUSYfiu-SR3NU4vNcWNALHQaHKQHJSLWZnGhYwfojP0Yg89ebyz7RQppuMI/s640/blogger-image-376514785.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Covered with moisturizer, you can see the extent of redness better. Disgusts me to see this. </span></div>
meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11033760931628088730noreply@blogger.com0