Hand Rash ... eczema referral

Once again the rash on my right hand has returned - with a really nasty vengeance. This time I'm holding off using the Protopic .. for OBVIOUS reasons! If you're not familiar with Protopic .. then click the link to the right under Mold: Pharmacology: Protopic. Be sure to read all of the entries. This can be really bad stuff!!

I put Olux on it in the morning - burned like fire! And it did not seem to do anything to help. It itches and is terribly red. Olux has an alcohol carrier that not only burns but dries out the skin. I've been applying Aveeno Active Naturals, Skin Relief-moisturizing lotion w/soothing oat essence. I began using this last year about this same time, when the RABs went from my bum to my eyes! The only thing I could apply to my eyes was the Aveeno lotion. Everything else was absolutely NON-Eye Application!! By keeping my eyes moist with the Aveeno, and plenty of Allegra and Zyrtec in my system (for the itching) I made it through that bout - and a later one last September (2005). So, far the Aveeno seems to be helping to at least keep the dryness, topical itching and pain down. But there is no reduction in the redness, nor deep cracking of the skin. There also seem to be some sort of pustules on the back of my hand. [NOTE: I will post a photo later].

This morning I woke with the feeling that I was coming down with the flu. Once again, the cycle continues. Exposure - even of the smallest amount and I experience the symptoms all over again. The increase in the rash on my hand is but another symptom.

MoldChron

Outside Activity: first in over a month-consequences!

Well .. we needed to have the car cleaned out. And taking it to detailing shops the last 4 times was a waste of money; and we don't have it to waste anymore. So, I opted to clean it out: outside. I didn't have any other choice. My bum rash (RABs) has pretty well cleared and only a slight rossetta was showing on my right hand. Besides ... it was so beautiful outside. Warm sunshine beckoned me. I gave in. Not a good idea.

I have to say I did enjoy my time outside. But I'm not all that keen on the results. I've been itching since then and notice my right hand rash is increasing in reddness and swelling. What will be the outcome over the next few days? I don't know - but I doubt I will like it.

This time of year the NAB reports are so unreliable. They either don't sample or only do so every 4 or 5 days. A lot of good this does for people who are REALLY sufferers of mold! I have half a notion to see about getting Federal regulations set on the levels of acceptable mold spore activity. If I thought it would do any good .. I'd go for it. But it's politics and fighting the money machine. City-Hall on steroids! Not in my lifetime.

MoldChron

Spring ... time of uneasieness

I love Spring time. It's the time when everything springs forth with new life. The trees bud, flowers bloom, animals come out, birds fly and sing ... and of course - MOLD begins to bloom. No I don't like that, but it is a natural part of the environmental flow. So how can I enjoy the beauty of Spring without falling prey to my new adversary, mold? That's a good question. I've not really found a good answer yet.

One can don a breathing mask, but I've found them to be of little help - plus when you wear such masks you get two negative returns: 1) you looks like you're some sort of medical outcast and 2) they are quite uncomfortable. You sweat and chaffe in them; very unpleasant. Most people just choose to stay inside instead of putting themselves through the ordeal.

So - despite the nice weather and welcome warmth from winter ... spring is a very mixed-bag for those of us who suffer from mold.

MoldChron