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Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Questions About Treatment & Side Effects => Topic started by: 2tcells on November 27, 2013, 11:55:25 am

Title: Dry Red skin? what do use
Post by: 2tcells on November 27, 2013, 11:55:25 am

So I have read people with under 300 cd4 often have dry skin. I also have this very bad a lot of times and worse now that its cooling down. Its like red dry flacky skin around my eyes nose and mouth sometimes. Dose anybody else have this in the same spot or anywhere else? Dose anybody know of a good lotion that works for them with this? Some lotion I use makes it more flacky some others make it more red. Anybody know one that works or any other remedy?

Title: Re: Dry Red skin? what do use
Post by: Miss Philicia on November 27, 2013, 02:22:47 pm

If it's sebhorric dermatitis then speak to your HIV specialist as you would need a prescription for a topical ointment.

Title: Re: Dry Red skin? what do use
Post by: marcmoral16 on November 27, 2013, 03:51:39 pm

I use cortisone 10 eczema cream, it says on the packaging that it's specifically for eczema. Red packaging. But as Miss Philicia said you should involve your Doc.

Title: Re: Dry Red skin? what do use
Post by: Habersham on November 27, 2013, 04:48:49 pm

I think it depends partly on what your skin type is. If you are olive skinned you could try washing with the Head and Shoulders with zinc. Be careful as there are several types.

As the previous poster said any skin type can use the over the counter strength cortisone. The prescription strength ones are usually too strong for the face as the skin is much thinner there. If these don't work you might want to see a dermatologist. GP's aren't that good with skin stuff as all rashes look the same to most folks. Doc's included.

Title: Re: Dry Red skin? what do use
Post by: mecch on November 27, 2013, 06:25:47 pm

Get a real diagnosis. If that is possible, re: insurance, etc.
See here:
http://www.hiv.va.gov/provider/manual-primary-care/dermatologic.asp#S3X

I had IRIS and flakey skin and scalp.  I had ketoconazole shampoo. And on the face NOT cortisone rather pretty mild cream with urea...

Title: Re: Dry Red skin? what do use
Post by: Habersham on November 27, 2013, 07:05:45 pm

Yes that link says Hydrocotisone 1 Percent. In Europe you may be able to by the 10 Percent without a RX which is not appropriate for the face. The 1 Percent might help and it couldn't hurt. Happy Thanksgiving you all!

Title: Re: Dry Red skin? what do use
Post by: Miss Philicia on November 28, 2013, 09:46:29 am

If an HIV specialist can't tell if something is seborric dermatitis, which effects something like 70% of HIV patients, without sending them to a specialist then they should become a beautician. Especially someone with a low cd4 count.

Title: Re: Dry Red skin? what do use
Post by: Habersham on November 28, 2013, 06:13:04 pm

Miss P loves being around her family. Let us know how everything turns out.

Title: Re: Dry Red skin? what do use
Post by: Miss Philicia on November 28, 2013, 09:55:51 pm

Wait! Am I on glue or did't we both get accepted to the same law school?