Post by bla on Sept 1, 2013 13:23:02 GMT -5
Hello, I'm glad to find this site. My story is longggggggggggg, so I'll try to sum up. It took almost a lifetime to figure out I have lyme disease, now this. For example, before realizing lyme was an issue I had been plagued with infections, rashes, allergies, headaches, body aches/pains, interstitial cystitis, etc. Now, this unsightly, painful, agonizing, humiliating rash. Support groups like this lead me to find that I have lyme disease (self-diagnosed). To move forward, I have been dealing with this rash for about 11yrs. (approx.).
First, I should say I believe I've been infected with lyme more than one time in my life, without getting proper diagnoses or treatments. Now I want to begin with the time I was infected about 11 years ago, because that is when this rash first began--after pulling a tic off me. I began to notice a couple different rashes; first, I observed what I now know to be a bulls eye rash---actually, multiple bulls eye rashes--; second, I witnessed a pinpoint rash all over my body, worse on arms and after showers. I sought medical help to no avail. I was tested for allergies, which I never had prior to this time, but now was faced with multiple allergies. I changed soaps, detergents, etc. only to find minimal results. The pinpoint rash continued, and still continues ten years later. After doing all of that, and taking herbal supplements and vitamins, the condition persisted and I began developing these sores that nothing seemed to resolve; they would last for weeks to months before appearing to heal, and I say "appearing to," because it was simply that, I knew I was not cured of whatever it was. The sore seemed to migrate from one location to another, nearby (explaining this to a dermatologist only causes them to glare at you with mocking eyes in hopes you'll leave the office shortly and never come back to waste their time). In the beginning I would get only one sore at a time, then sometimes, two or three, now more than that. The seasons of time seem to play a role in the severity of the disease.
In the summer, I get terrible breakouts, worse than in the winter months. That is why I started to think this had to be a fungal infection, thinking it makes sense that the sun and heat, and sweat would exasperate the symptoms. But, I've done all the antifungal regimens out there. None helped. As for the fibers I read mentioned about with this disease, I can say I haven't noticed any fuzballs or strings.
What I have found are what resemble miniature grains of rice embedded in the sores. They are difficult to retrieve, but I have pulled out a couple of them. They are white and hard in texture. I have tried many home regimens to clear the sores.
I have used antiseptic soaps, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, Betadine solution, tea-tree oil, peppermint extract, witch-hazel, salt soaks, and the list continues. Nothing seems to clear this condition, not even Clorox infused baths. I hope I can find solutions here and maybe some friends who understand and care.
Socializing has turned into a burden. I avoid social settings in order to avoid explaining the unexplained and to not horrify anyone by the appearance of my skin. It's embarrassing as heck. I wear long sleeves to work even in hot weather as to not expose my unsightly arms. Meanwhile, I wonder how long this will go on. I'm lonely, in need of friends, and I desire hope to one day be able to meet a great guy to spend the rest of my life with. Right now, I have no hope of a normal social life or of finding a loving partner, as there exist no answers to this ungodly disease!
Thank you for being here!
First, I should say I believe I've been infected with lyme more than one time in my life, without getting proper diagnoses or treatments. Now I want to begin with the time I was infected about 11 years ago, because that is when this rash first began--after pulling a tic off me. I began to notice a couple different rashes; first, I observed what I now know to be a bulls eye rash---actually, multiple bulls eye rashes--; second, I witnessed a pinpoint rash all over my body, worse on arms and after showers. I sought medical help to no avail. I was tested for allergies, which I never had prior to this time, but now was faced with multiple allergies. I changed soaps, detergents, etc. only to find minimal results. The pinpoint rash continued, and still continues ten years later. After doing all of that, and taking herbal supplements and vitamins, the condition persisted and I began developing these sores that nothing seemed to resolve; they would last for weeks to months before appearing to heal, and I say "appearing to," because it was simply that, I knew I was not cured of whatever it was. The sore seemed to migrate from one location to another, nearby (explaining this to a dermatologist only causes them to glare at you with mocking eyes in hopes you'll leave the office shortly and never come back to waste their time). In the beginning I would get only one sore at a time, then sometimes, two or three, now more than that. The seasons of time seem to play a role in the severity of the disease.
In the summer, I get terrible breakouts, worse than in the winter months. That is why I started to think this had to be a fungal infection, thinking it makes sense that the sun and heat, and sweat would exasperate the symptoms. But, I've done all the antifungal regimens out there. None helped. As for the fibers I read mentioned about with this disease, I can say I haven't noticed any fuzballs or strings.
What I have found are what resemble miniature grains of rice embedded in the sores. They are difficult to retrieve, but I have pulled out a couple of them. They are white and hard in texture. I have tried many home regimens to clear the sores.
I have used antiseptic soaps, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, Betadine solution, tea-tree oil, peppermint extract, witch-hazel, salt soaks, and the list continues. Nothing seems to clear this condition, not even Clorox infused baths. I hope I can find solutions here and maybe some friends who understand and care.
Socializing has turned into a burden. I avoid social settings in order to avoid explaining the unexplained and to not horrify anyone by the appearance of my skin. It's embarrassing as heck. I wear long sleeves to work even in hot weather as to not expose my unsightly arms. Meanwhile, I wonder how long this will go on. I'm lonely, in need of friends, and I desire hope to one day be able to meet a great guy to spend the rest of my life with. Right now, I have no hope of a normal social life or of finding a loving partner, as there exist no answers to this ungodly disease!
Thank you for being here!