|
|
Post by Simone Rose on Jun 25, 2012 8:30:18 GMT -5
For about a year, I have had intense problems with this exact thing. I think that I may have some useful information for you. I think it was caused by a mold/fungus infestation in my apartment. I am currently using large powerful HEPA filters to scrub the air, a dehumidifier and some window caulk to reduce the humidity, and a borax + hydrogen peroxide mixture to kill the mold I have found in several places in my apartment. Also currently showering multiple times daily. My condition seems to be improving greatly. For a long time, I was very sick. It started out with these little bumps that would form on my face, arms, and legs. them, white stringy stuff came out, and they would scab over, and there would be white spikes reaching down into the wound as if they were rooted in it. it was only a few weeks before I had these small scabs, btwn 1/8" and 1/2" in diameter, all over my arms, legs, and face. These scabs were very slow to heal, and they would frequently burn and itch terribly. I found it impossible to resist picking them. I was disgusted with the white spikes. I thought of them as being my enemy, though I couldn't get any information about what the hell they were or what caused them. In addition, it was around this time that I became confused and very out of it. The cognitive symptoms were off and on, but frequent and pretty debilitating. I went to my doctor, who gave me a shot of triamcinolone, which is similar to hydrocortizone. Then I went to a dermatologist when that didn't work. Dermo put me on antibiotics. This seemed to help, but very slowly- after about FOUR MONTHS on sulfa antibiotics, my lesions had scarred over and I felt myself again. As soon as I stopped the antibiotics, symptoms returned. In addition to skin lesions and mental confusion, I also developed a productive and nasty cough, and my throat became sore. I looked like I was dying. Everyone who knew me was absolutely convinced that I was on drugs or I had HIV or something. Then I found mold in several places of my apartment that I hadn't thought to look. There was a lot of it. I started treating my skin with antifungal sprays and creams which are available over the counter. I noticed that, when treated with an antifungal product, then wipe them away with a soft, clean, dry, lint-free cloth. Then the wound would ooze a large amount of clear liquid, sufficient to have it running DOWN THE SIDE OF MY FACE, and then it would burn like crazy, and then it would itch. I think that the white spikes were hyphae, the long and stringy stalks of mold organisms. I think that the oozing and burning, etc., was caused by an allergic reaction to mycotoxins, which some species of mold/fungus emit when disturbed or under threat. I am relieved to have found what seems to be the problem, after a YEAR of intense stigma and accusatory blame that I have suffered at the hands of other people. However, I am concerned that the fungus may be growing in my lungs and I plan to see my doctor to have him take a culture from one of my lesions and/or x-ray my chest and quit telling me it's my fault. |
|
|
|
Post by Simone Rose on Jun 25, 2012 10:15:30 GMT -5
[quote author=Louis Stephenson board=Support thread=1404 post=16794 time=1300134492]For about a year, I have had intense problems with this exact thing. I think that I may have some useful information for you. I think it was caused by a mold/fungus infestation in my apartment. I am currently using large powerful HEPA filters to scrub the air, a dehumidifier and some window caulk to reduce the humidity, and a borax + hydrogen peroxide mixture to kill the mold I have found in several places in my apartment. Also currently showering multiple times daily. My condition seems to be improving greatly.
For a long time, I was very sick. It started out with these little bumps that would form on my face, arms, and legs. them, white stringy stuff came out, and they would scab over, and there would be white spikes reaching down into the wound as if they were rooted in it. it was only a few weeks before I had these small scabs, btwn 1/8" and 1/2" in diameter, all over my arms, legs, and face. These scabs were very slow to heal, and they would frequently burn and itch terribly. I found it impossible to resist picking them. I was disgusted with the white spikes. I thought of them as being my enemy, though I couldn't get any information about what the hell they were or what caused them. In addition, it was around this time that I became confused and very out of it. The cognitive symptoms were off and on, but frequent and pretty debilitating. I went to my doctor, who gave me a shot of triamcinolone, which is similar to hydrocortizone. Then I went to a dermatologist when that didn't work. Dermo put me on antibiotics. This seemed to help, but very slowly- after about FOUR MONTHS on sulfa antibiotics, my lesions had scarred over and I felt myself again. As soon as I stopped the antibiotics, symptoms returned. In addition to skin lesions and mental confusion, I also developed a productive and nasty cough, and my throat became sore. I looked like I was dying. Everyone who knew me was absolutely convinced that I was on drugs or I had HIV or something. Then I found mold in several places of my apartment that I hadn't thought to look. There was a lot of it. I started treating my skin with antifungal sprays and creams which are available over the counter. I noticed that, when treated with an antifungal product, then wipe them away with a soft, clean, dry, lint-free cloth. Then the wound would ooze a large amount of clear liquid, sufficient to have it running DOWN THE SIDE OF MY FACE, and then it would burn like crazy, and then it would itch. I think that the white spikes were hyphae, the long and stringy stalks of mold organisms. I think that the oozing and burning, etc., was caused by an allergic reaction to mycotoxins, which some species of mold/fungus emit when disturbed or under threat. I am relieved to have found what seems to be the problem, after a YEAR of intense stigma and accusatory blame that I have suffered at the hands of other people. However, I am concerned that the fungus may be growing in my lungs and I plan to see my doctor to have him take a culture from one of my lesions and/or x-ray my chest and quit telling me it's my fault.[/quote]
The White Spikes are strands of fascia there is one sheet under skin and another further in. The woven pattern is similar to fibglass strings.
The Fascia is a layer of elastic woven layer which provides elasticity of skin. There are nerves running through the deep fascia. This is what get stretched out due to age, or severe acne.
The White Spikes you speak of are due to the fascia sheet being cut, or damaged, it is hard because it is one strand of the fascia ligament, and has dried out. Normal state is soft and they are strung through the muscle. When in normal state one strand would have to rip out of the muscle, this is painful. If dry, the superficial fascia can be removed with ease. The subcontaneous fascia in its dry state is very hard, and either one strand, or several and it hardens and is still painful to remove, but when one strand is touchig inside of lesion it causes an itching sensation. As a sheat it is easier to grasp in order to pul out, but realize that you may not be able to pull it directly out, since the strands are normally within the muscle sometimes what I call a wall of fascia when removed hurts but is generally in a fixed position. In order to pull out the white spikes you don't always pull straight up, as the travel up down left right, etc. So in order to get the entire damaged fascia out you must pull it through the pattern c Once dry, if several strands are dry as if a layer of the fascia whas laying flat. The fascia hardens when it drys, and since there are nerves mixed in, the pain is excrutiating. When there is one spike same method goes, although less of an area is ouside the skin, most times you must follow the pattern in order to get the entire strand. There is a superficial fascia directly under skin, and once dry is easily removed. As the same when a spike is sticking up or touching the inside of the lesion, or if the sheath is touching the inside of the lesion there is pain. Sometimes in sheath form, it gets so hard that it drys into a u shape, more painful to remove. Again, just having the fascia it is irritating the lesion and and when in a hardened u shape at corners it is very irrititating and although painful, normally comes out by pulling straight up, or to the left or right. If you leave pieces of the fascia in the lesion, you will always feel it, and it tends to cause the lesion to reopen. In addition to this you may end up with atopic dermititis of the lesion, and you must reopen and pull it out, noting that there could possibly be areas around the perimeter which are hidden beneath the skin. If you see any at all get it out, as many times there may be a strand hidden in the muscle. Take note that even one short strand will cause you discomfort. and if you end up with excema where the lesion looks like a puffy taco you must now deal with removing the skin of the puffy area.
Further more with nodular cystic acne the nodules can be beneath the fascia, or directly atheared to it, which is for the most part why the fascia has split. With nodular cystic acne the same pain, and direction to remove is noted due to the fact that nodules tend to have arms, legs, and more like the roots of a weed. Make sure to get every last strand of, or nodule, or the acne will return quickly.
You will be elated at the relief of removing all irritants even if a small pot mark presents itself, due to the fact that the nodules and deep fascia are far beneath the exterior skin.
There are surgical procedures for removal of nodules.
Treatment, as I see it from researching all of this is difficult as they both are skin disorders, or bacterial in nature. Topicals such as clyndamicin, gentamicin can help but in order to put the condition in to relapse either IV antibiotics, accutane, or other strong oral antibiotics are used. They are both relapsing remitting, so in order to keep it under control you will have to stick with the treatment plan which sometimes has no end to it.
From my experience before the use of antibiotics, or other treatment plans, the use of Vitamin E Lotion, Green Tea Lotion, Vitamin A oil. Although they won't do much as in clearing the areas up, but will provide imediate releif from pain, itching, and tenderness.
I find it best to wash the areas with HibiCleanse, which is a foaming non bacterial soap.
Although painful to remove, actually pain associated with itching, once removed you will be glad you endured the pain because there is immediate releif.
In addition to antibiotic or other treatments, I find Vibroderm abrasion treatments, and laser services are helpful in repairing scarring, reducing the depth of the scars, reducing the pigmentation change of the scar, and removal of dead skin, which as does oil can clog up pores drastically, causing the acne, or dermatitis.
In addition the the antibacterial soap, a good toner aids in the healiing.Do not use Alcoho or Hydrogen Peroxide, although te clean the inside of the lesion, are an irritent to the condition.
Once the exema is under control, do not scratch areas, as the blisters will return.........
I know it is very trying to not want to keep picking at the areas, but so long as all is removed the healing will go faster, even though it is a long duration of dealing with the conditon. If you continue to pick, the condition will most likely return very quickly.
I am 48, and have been dealing with this since the 7th grade, and had a 2 year remission. Even after the wounds heal continue to use the soap and cleanser. I had run out, and guess what came back. I had been taken off a medication, which is when the conditios returned, and I have again been fighting it for a year. On top of the medication change, I was dealing with a great bit of stress, as well as having issues with my thyroid medication.
It is common that people with these diseases, may also have asthma, allergies,etc.. Other triggers of the conditions, can be hormone inbalance, hypothyroidism, etc.
Doctors and Dermatologist will tell you not to pick, and yes this is best, but being someone who has had to cope with these conditions for many years, and yes, is a picker, it is very hard to not pick.
From my reading of the conditions, and coping with the conditions, this is the most information I can post.
Don't forget taking antihystamine to relieve some of the itching sensation.
Good Luck to All!
|
|
|
|
Post by Simone Rose on Jun 25, 2012 10:21:41 GMT -5
[color=Maroon][/color][quote author=Louis Stephenson board=Support thread=1404 post=16794 time=1300134492]For about a year, I have had intense problems with this exact thing. I think that I may have some useful information for you. I think it was caused by a mold/fungus infestation in my apartment. I am currently using large powerful HEPA filters to scrub the air, a dehumidifier and some window caulk to reduce the humidity, and a borax + hydrogen peroxide mixture to kill the mold I have found in several places in my apartment. Also currently showering multiple times daily. My condition seems to be improving greatly.
For a long time, I was very sick. It started out with these little bumps that would form on my face, arms, and legs. them, white stringy stuff came out, and they would scab over, and there would be white spikes reaching down into the wound as if they were rooted in it. it was only a few weeks before I had these small scabs, btwn 1/8" and 1/2" in diameter, all over my arms, legs, and face. These scabs were very slow to heal, and they would frequently burn and itch terribly. I found it impossible to resist picking them. I was disgusted with the white spikes. I thought of them as being my enemy, though I couldn't get any information about what the hell they were or what caused them. In addition, it was around this time that I became confused and very out of it. The cognitive symptoms were off and on, but frequent and pretty debilitating. I went to my doctor, who gave me a shot of triamcinolone, which is similar to hydrocortizone. Then I went to a dermatologist when that didn't work. Dermo put me on antibiotics. This seemed to help, but very slowly- after about FOUR MONTHS on sulfa antibiotics, my lesions had scarred over and I felt myself again. As soon as I stopped the antibiotics, symptoms returned. In addition to skin lesions and mental confusion, I also developed a productive and nasty cough, and my throat became sore. I looked like I was dying. Everyone who knew me was absolutely convinced that I was on drugs or I had HIV or something. Then I found mold in several places of my apartment that I hadn't thought to look. There was a lot of it. I started treating my skin with antifungal sprays and creams which are available over the counter. I noticed that, when treated with an antifungal product, then wipe them away with a soft, clean, dry, lint-free cloth. Then the wound would ooze a large amount of clear liquid, sufficient to have it running DOWN THE SIDE OF MY FACE, and then it would burn like crazy, and then it would itch. I think that the white spikes were hyphae, the long and stringy stalks of mold organisms. I think that the oozing and burning, etc., was caused by an allergic reaction to mycotoxins, which some species of mold/fungus emit when disturbed or under threat. I am relieved to have found what seems to be the problem, after a YEAR of intense stigma and accusatory blame that I have suffered at the hands of other people. However, I am concerned that the fungus may be growing in my lungs and I plan to see my doctor to have him take a culture from one of my lesions and/or x-ray my chest and quit telling me it's my fault.[/quote]
The White Spikes are strands of fascia there is one sheet under skin and another further in. The woven pattern is similar to fibglass strings.
The Fascia is a layer of elastic woven layer which provides elasticity of skin. There are nerves running through the deep fascia. This is what get stretched out due to age, or severe acne.
The White Spikes you speak of are due to the fascia sheet being cut, or damaged, it is hard because it is one strand of the fascia ligament, and has dried out. Normal state is soft and they are strung through the muscle. When in normal state one strand would have to rip out of the muscle, this is painful. If dry, the superficial fascia can be removed with ease. The subcontaneous fascia in its dry state is very hard, and either one strand, or several and it hardens and is still painful to remove, but when one strand is touchig inside of lesion it causes an itching sensation. As a sheat it is easier to grasp in order to pul out, but realize that you may not be able to pull it directly out, since the strands are normally within the muscle sometimes what I call a wall of fascia when removed hurts but is generally in a fixed position. In order to pull out the white spikes you don't always pull straight up, as the travel up down left right, etc. So in order to get the entire damaged fascia out you must pull it through the pattern c Once dry, if several strands are dry as if a layer of the fascia whas laying flat. The fascia hardens when it drys, and since there are nerves mixed in, the pain is excrutiating. When there is one spike same method goes, although less of an area is ouside the skin, most times you must follow the pattern in order to get the entire strand. There is a superficial fascia directly under skin, and once dry is easily removed. As the same when a spike is sticking up or touching the inside of the lesion, or if the sheath is touching the inside of the lesion there is pain. Sometimes in sheath form, it gets so hard that it drys into a u shape, more painful to remove. Again, just having the fascia it is irritating the lesion and and when in a hardened u shape at corners it is very irrititating and although painful, normally comes out by pulling straight up, or to the left or right. If you leave pieces of the fascia in the lesion, you will always feel it, and it tends to cause the lesion to reopen. In addition to this you may end up with atopic dermititis of the lesion, and you must reopen and pull it out, noting that there could possibly be areas around the perimeter which are hidden beneath the skin. If you see any at all get it out, as many times there may be a strand hidden in the muscle. Take note that even one short strand will cause you discomfort. and if you end up with excema where the lesion looks like a puffy taco you must now deal with removing the skin of the puffy area.
Further more with nodular cystic acne the nodules can be beneath the fascia, or directly atheared to it, which is for the most part why the fascia has split. With nodular cystic acne the same pain, and direction to remove is noted due to the fact that nodules tend to have arms, legs, and more like the roots of a weed. Make sure to get every last strand of, or nodule, or the acne will return quickly.
You will be elated at the relief of removing all irritants even if a small pot mark presents itself, due to the fact that the nodules and deep fascia are far beneath the exterior skin.
There are surgical procedures for removal of nodules.
Treatment, as I see it from researching all of this is difficult as they both are skin disorders, or bacterial in nature. Topicals such as clyndamicin, gentamicin can help but in order to put the condition in to relapse either IV antibiotics, accutane, or other strong oral antibiotics are used. They are both relapsing remitting, so in order to keep it under control you will have to stick with the treatment plan which sometimes has no end to it.
From my experience before the use of antibiotics, or other treatment plans, the use of Vitamin E Lotion, Green Tea Lotion, Vitamin A oil. Although they won't do much as in clearing the areas up, but will provide imediate releif from pain, itching, and tenderness.
I find it best to wash the areas with HibiCleanse, which is a foaming non bacterial soap.
Although painful to remove, actually pain associated with itching, once removed you will be glad you endured the pain because there is immediate releif.
In addition to antibiotic or other treatments, I find Vibroderm abrasion treatments, and laser services are helpful in repairing scarring, reducing the depth of the scars, reducing the pigmentation change of the scar, and removal of dead skin, which as does oil can clog up pores drastically, causing the acne, or dermatitis.
In addition the the antibacterial soap, a good toner aids in the healiing.Do not use Alcoho or Hydrogen Peroxide, although te clean the inside of the lesion, are an irritent to the condition.
Once the exema is under control, do not scratch areas, as the blisters will return.........
I know it is very trying to not want to keep picking at the areas, but so long as all is removed the healing will go faster, even though it is a long duration of dealing with the conditon. If you continue to pick, the condition will most likely return very quickly.
I am 48, and have been dealing with this since the 7th grade, and had a 2 year remission. Even after the wounds heal continue to use the soap and cleanser. I had run out, and guess what came back. I had been taken off a medication, which is when the conditios returned, and I have again been fighting it for a year. On top of the medication change, I was dealing with a great bit of stress, as well as having issues with my thyroid medication.
It is common that people with these diseases, may also have asthma, allergies,etc.. Other triggers of the conditions, can be hormone inbalance, hypothyroidism, etc.
Doctors and Dermatologist will tell you not to pick, and yes this is best, but being someone who has had to cope with these conditions for many years, and yes, is a picker, it is very hard to not pick.
From my reading of the conditions, and coping with the conditions, this is the most information I can post.
Don't forget taking antihystamine to relieve some of the itching sensation.
Good Luck to All!
|
|
|
|
Post by SleeplessInTucsun on Aug 30, 2012 11:07:08 GMT -5
ew, you're all nuts.  |
|
|
|
Post by Ch on Feb 21, 2013 11:20:20 GMT -5
Has anyone ever put a name to this? Does anyone have pictures?
|
|
