1. < Skin Health

Rash

Posted by cld1577 @cld1577, Nov 2, 2018

I’m hoping someone can help us with this. My husband got a nerve block last summer. He had been suffering from a sharp pain in his left leg. Strong enough that it would cause him to fall to the ground. The nerve block stopped the leg pain. Approximately 2 weeks after the nerve block, he developed a rash on his arms and calves. It’s very symmetrical. Same on both sides of his body, nothing on face, neck or torso. He was diagnosed with dermatitis, but nothing seems to get rid of it. He also has several lung nodules. I’ve done research on my own and saw a case where a man had lung nodules and once they were removed the rash went away. I also wonder if it’s related to the nerve block he had in his leg and the rash starting right after that. It just seems very odd to me that it’s only on these areas of his body and it started right after the nerve block. He’s had numerous allergy tests, creams, wet wraps and pills. Nothing gets rid of it. Has anyone experienced anything like this? We’re very frustrated.

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Ethan McConkey, Moderator | @ethanmcconkey | Nov 2, 2018

Hi @cld1577 and welcome to Connect. You must be so worried about your husband after the nerve block and now with the rash that won't go away.

Here is a discussion on lung nodules that I think might be helpful as you approach treatment with your husband: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lung-nodules-scared/

As for the rash, @gardeningjunkie and @dazlin have some experience dealing with rashes and may be able to offer some guidance.

@cld1577 you mentioned seeing a case where a man had lung nodules removed and that made the rash go away. Have you brought this up to your husband's doctor? Is that something that could be in the works?

REPLY
gardeningjunkie | @gardeningjunkie | Nov 4, 2018

You mentioned testing, what were the names of the exact tests.

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cld1577 | @cld1577 | Nov 4, 2018

He’s had multiple allergy tests. He had a chest x-ray and then a CT scan which showed several lung nodules. He’s having another CT scan on the 13th to see if the nodules have grown. I still wonder if it’s related to the nerve block since the rash started right after he got it.

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gardeningjunkie | @gardeningjunkie | Nov 4, 2018

My knowledge of rashes is related to eczema and dermatitis is another name for eczema. However if they are calling it dermatitis you need to find out what type it is treat it or avoid allergic contacts. For a doctor to tell you that you have dermatitis, is like a doctor telling you that you have cancer. You need to know the type of cancer you have to treat it: lung, breast, colon and so on. Is this a dermatologist that told him he had dermatitis? There are test sthat can be given to test for contact allergies, The Five Day Extended Patch Test, Google this test and read about the True Test Kit and what it tests for. I didn't develop contact allergies until middle age, one day you are fine and the next day your world changes. Has this test even been suggested? That said a symmetrical rash isn't related to any eczema I am aware of. Perhaps if you could describe it better or take a photo it would help. I really don't know what it looks like. By symmetrical do you mean the rash is balanced in shape, all being circles or ovals or that it is identical in pattern on each side of the body. Describe the sensation, most eczema's or dermatitis are itchy or painful.

He could have an allergic reaction to the nerve block I imagine. Have you checked the internet for side effects of a nerve block? Many of us learn of allergies to sulfa meds (I did), penicillin and the like because of treatment. Sometimes eggs can cause allergies in treatments. To begin with I would ask for a list of all ingredients in the nerve block he was given- both active and inactive. After that research each ingredient for allergies or reactions. It may not be common to react but for me I am always the 1% so I understand the difficulty in discovering a cause.

For more information about eczema/dermatitis go to dermnetnz, the New Zealand Dermatology website. It's better than any site in the states. Go to photos and start searching for any rash that resembles his. BE STRONG, these photos will break your heart and may terrify you, but you may find a similar rash. You will learn about the complication of some many forms of eczema leading to a confusion of diagnosis. These photos even for my 4 different types of eczema are much more severe looking than my symptoms were, but if you find any rash close, research that type and there will be assorted levels of rash.

I hope these suggestions give you some new ideas.

REPLY
2 replies
cld1577 | @cld1577 | Nov 4, 2018
In reply to @gardeningjunkie "My knowledge of rashes is related to eczema and dermatitis is another name for eczema. However..." + (show)
@gardeningjunkie

My knowledge of rashes is related to eczema and dermatitis is another name for eczema. However if they are calling it dermatitis you need to find out what type it is treat it or avoid allergic contacts. For a doctor to tell you that you have dermatitis, is like a doctor telling you that you have cancer. You need to know the type of cancer you have to treat it: lung, breast, colon and so on. Is this a dermatologist that told him he had dermatitis? There are test sthat can be given to test for contact allergies, The Five Day Extended Patch Test, Google this test and read about the True Test Kit and what it tests for. I didn't develop contact allergies until middle age, one day you are fine and the next day your world changes. Has this test even been suggested? That said a symmetrical rash isn't related to any eczema I am aware of. Perhaps if you could describe it better or take a photo it would help. I really don't know what it looks like. By symmetrical do you mean the rash is balanced in shape, all being circles or ovals or that it is identical in pattern on each side of the body. Describe the sensation, most eczema's or dermatitis are itchy or painful.

He could have an allergic reaction to the nerve block I imagine. Have you checked the internet for side effects of a nerve block? Many of us learn of allergies to sulfa meds (I did), penicillin and the like because of treatment. Sometimes eggs can cause allergies in treatments. To begin with I would ask for a list of all ingredients in the nerve block he was given- both active and inactive. After that research each ingredient for allergies or reactions. It may not be common to react but for me I am always the 1% so I understand the difficulty in discovering a cause.

For more information about eczema/dermatitis go to dermnetnz, the New Zealand Dermatology website. It's better than any site in the states. Go to photos and start searching for any rash that resembles his. BE STRONG, these photos will break your heart and may terrify you, but you may find a similar rash. You will learn about the complication of some many forms of eczema leading to a confusion of diagnosis. These photos even for my 4 different types of eczema are much more severe looking than my symptoms were, but if you find any rash close, research that type and there will be assorted levels of rash.

I hope these suggestions give you some new ideas.

Jump to this post

Thank you for your suggestions!

REPLY
barbarn | @barbarn | Nov 5, 2018
In reply to @gardeningjunkie "My knowledge of rashes is related to eczema and dermatitis is another name for eczema. However..." + (show)
@gardeningjunkie

My knowledge of rashes is related to eczema and dermatitis is another name for eczema. However if they are calling it dermatitis you need to find out what type it is treat it or avoid allergic contacts. For a doctor to tell you that you have dermatitis, is like a doctor telling you that you have cancer. You need to know the type of cancer you have to treat it: lung, breast, colon and so on. Is this a dermatologist that told him he had dermatitis? There are test sthat can be given to test for contact allergies, The Five Day Extended Patch Test, Google this test and read about the True Test Kit and what it tests for. I didn't develop contact allergies until middle age, one day you are fine and the next day your world changes. Has this test even been suggested? That said a symmetrical rash isn't related to any eczema I am aware of. Perhaps if you could describe it better or take a photo it would help. I really don't know what it looks like. By symmetrical do you mean the rash is balanced in shape, all being circles or ovals or that it is identical in pattern on each side of the body. Describe the sensation, most eczema's or dermatitis are itchy or painful.

He could have an allergic reaction to the nerve block I imagine. Have you checked the internet for side effects of a nerve block? Many of us learn of allergies to sulfa meds (I did), penicillin and the like because of treatment. Sometimes eggs can cause allergies in treatments. To begin with I would ask for a list of all ingredients in the nerve block he was given- both active and inactive. After that research each ingredient for allergies or reactions. It may not be common to react but for me I am always the 1% so I understand the difficulty in discovering a cause.

For more information about eczema/dermatitis go to dermnetnz, the New Zealand Dermatology website. It's better than any site in the states. Go to photos and start searching for any rash that resembles his. BE STRONG, these photos will break your heart and may terrify you, but you may find a similar rash. You will learn about the complication of some many forms of eczema leading to a confusion of diagnosis. These photos even for my 4 different types of eczema are much more severe looking than my symptoms were, but if you find any rash close, research that type and there will be assorted levels of rash.

I hope these suggestions give you some new ideas.

Jump to this post

@gardeningjunkie - thanks for the info - my husband had a hip replacement last spring, and was assured it contained NO NICKEL - which he is allergic to. The surgery and recovery were absolutely great, however, his skin rash has been getting progressively worse and he has developed a HUGE lesion on the thigh near the scar. Had a patch test last week for more heavy metals and guess what!?! he is allergic to titanuim!! Now what !?!

REPLY
gloriajean | @gloriajean | Nov 5, 2018

hello - how informative & interesting to learn about your hus and's allergy to titanium. I had brain surgery lastt year - successfully removing a grade 1 benign tunour - but had 2 titanium scews used to reattach the bone flap. The incision has healed well but these past 6 months I have had terrible itchiness around the incision area! Disturbs my sleep & I have to wear gloves to bed at night so I won't scratch my head raw. How did they discover your husban's allergy?

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1 reply
gardeningjunkie | @gardeningjunkie | Nov 5, 2018

Excuse my language, but OMG! Is his hip appliance made with titanium? As a sufferer of Allergic Contact Dermatitis, ACD I do know that those of us with allergies never adjust to what our bodies believe is a toxin, for him it is nickle and titanium. It seems the brutal reality is that it's gotta go. I do know personally about an allergy to a substance, not just affecting the area of contact, but raising inflammation so the entire body will be affected. The longer he is in contact with his allergy the more his overall health will deteriorate. I am so very very sorry to even write to you about this. It breaks my heart.

Yet lets look at this as his glass being half full, if his appliance does contain titanium you now have identified the cause of his heath issues (no small task)! He can regain his overall health if it is removed. Even removed although he will feel better within a week, it may take up to 6 months for this ACD autoimmune disease to calm down to normal. So keep that in mind, as that happened in my life even after I knew what to avoid, because the inflammation that is causing his rashes takes time to settle down. I have no idea about a solution for a replacement part for what he has now, but his overall health, even if he is limited to a wheel chair will improve and he could have a good quality of life.

REPLY
1 reply
gardeningjunkie | @gardeningjunkie | Nov 5, 2018
In reply to @gloriajean "hello - how informative & interesting to learn about your hus and's allergy to titanium. I..." + (show)
@gloriajean

hello - how informative & interesting to learn about your hus and's allergy to titanium. I had brain surgery lastt year - successfully removing a grade 1 benign tunour - but had 2 titanium scews used to reattach the bone flap. The incision has healed well but these past 6 months I have had terrible itchiness around the incision area! Disturbs my sleep & I have to wear gloves to bed at night so I won't scratch my head raw. How did they discover your husban's allergy?

Jump to this post

Have you had this test- Five Day Extended Patch Test? These test kits include testing for metals. Only a specially licensed allergist or dermatologist can give this test as the test kit makers seem to limit the number of doctors doing the testing in the area. It also takes a special license I believe. Out of 78 sites I reacted to 5, severely in 3 cases. Because of the information I learned for the results I got my productive and joyful life back. This is an autoimmune disease is chronic, meaning no cure, only contact avoidance. With each repeated contact with your allergy reaction time will shorten and severity symptom with increase.

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