Itchy skin

[terri]

Has anyone been aggravated by itchy skin. LB is having quiet a problem with this. I don't believe it is just a case of dry skin. It is especially bad on his legs, which he has lost most of the use of. I was wondering if it might be related to the nerve endings being damaged. He is also having some breaking out around his neck and on his scalp. That may be psoriasis but it just seems that it is all related. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Terri

[Al]

Hi Terry. It could be that LB is not getting enough movement and air around the areas that are affected. Could be the start of bedsore like skin conditions. I am getting a few patches of dry itchy skin behind my knees and on my ankles as well as some patches on my face from irritation from my Bipap. The doc gave me some creams that seem to help it go away for a while and it keeps coming back though. Maybe a referral to a Dermatoligist might help.

[Granny]

Hi Terri,
I, too have had trouble with itchy scalp that breaks out. I read somewhere online that itchy skin seemed somehow be one of the things that went with ALS. Don't know how or why. My hairdresser recommended Neutrogena Shampoo and I got the low residue kind and it has worked. The piece on the internet suggested Paul? Mitchell Tea Tree Oil shampoo and the person said it worked for them.
Al is right, though, in saying that LB might need to see a Dermatologist since the problem seems to be widespread.
Hope you find a solution to the problem.
Love and prayers, Leah

[terri]

Thanks, Al and Leah. We are treating the scalp with the shampoo you suggested Leah. It does seem to help. It's not bed sore type problems. He still moves around the house with his walker some. But Al, I is still think you might be touching on the problem in a way. His lower legs and feet are quiet swollen and his skin to a shiny hot pink color. He says they itch. I told him it they were that pink on Valentine's Day I was going to get him some red slippers so he would look like Cupid :) .

[Al]

I'm not sure if the swollen feet are from ALS but has his Doctor seen them? I don't think that is a good sign. Swollen to a pink color doesn't sound good to me even if you do live in the land of the pink flamingo's.
My Cardiologist wasn't too impressed when I told him I was getting swelling occasionally. He said he might have to change my meds. Could be something simple or maybe not. I'd get it looked at.

[margeo55]

hi terri
swollen legs that are shiny red is not good, i would take him to see the doctor. it could be celliulitis.

[terri]

We were at the pulmonary and neurology doctor's office the first of November. Neither one seemed concerned about it. The breaking out has happened since then. Maybe I will give them a call tomorrow to voice my continued concern. Thanks everyone.

Terri

[Carol Deboer]

Hi Terri,

Henry's ankles and feet used to swell up really bad, and they also turned a lovely shade of purple red. The doc was not overly concerned about it either. Just another irritation of als. He also had dry itchy skin. His head, his back, and his legs and arms. We also got some cream to help this symptom. Also, I think that being inside more in the dry house and being immoble did not help him out much either.

Good luck, I hope that he can at least scratch the itch!! I used to slather Henry up every night, it was a miracle that he did not slide out of the bed. It gave a whole new meaning tp the word greaser. ha..

Stay strong, Carol

[terri]

Thanks for all the replies. I called the neuro about the swelling and color change. He still didn't seem concerned. I took him to the GP to get his opinion on what I might could do to relieve the itching. He prescribed Hydroxyzine to see if it might clear up the rash. We'll see soon enough :?: Thanks Carol for your reply. It makes me feel a little better knowing that the swelling might just be a part of the disease.