PD and my skin

Diseases & Conditions Parkinson's Disease
1
Hello Everyone,
 
I'm a 39yo man diagnosed with PD in May of 05. I've experienced dryness and flakiness of the skin on my face. This is primarily in a "T" from my forehead down to my nose and on my cheeks. My skin is also red and blotchy. The dryness is fairly constant but the redness seems to come in cycles of about 6 weeks or so.
Could this be related to the PD? What can I do, other than applying lotion and Clearasil (at my age!) for the blemishes?
Thanks for any information.
 
Bill
2
Hi bbira,  I dont know if the skin problems that we have is the same or not but I felt compelled to answer your post anyhow.  I have MSA (atypical parkinson's) and am 32 yrs old.  Never had any skin problems before but now it seems that my whole system is out of whack.  I get patches of dry skin, flakiness on legs, arms, back and face.  I spoke with my primary doctor about it and he ordered some prescription medication (cream) that healed it right up.  He  also gave me a prescription for a light antibiotic (capsule) for skin problems to take on an as needed basis when the skin flares up.  I was trying to use over the counter skin products thinking it was acne or whatever but it just made it worse.  Try talking to your doctor.......

~elisha

3

Thank you for your response.

My PCP thought I had Rosacea and prescribed Doxycyclene and an ointment. Minimal results from either.

4
Bill,  Welcome to healing well.I hope you will find support,and helpfull information here.You did not mention what medications you are taking for PD.Mirapex can cause skin problems,and does in some individuals.If it is being caused by a medication hopefully it will subside as you become more accustom to the med.If not you may have to switch to another med Iwould definitely discuss this with your neuro.Most of us find over time that the right meds are arrived at by tiral and error,and everyone reacts differently to any given med.Wish you the best.Ed

Ed-Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1998.I am also Diabetic,and have major arthritis issues.As long as I can fish life is good.
 
support Healing Well thru the sponsors and with donations.The light is always on stay well,and listen to your neurologist.

5

Dear Ed,

Thanks so much for your answer and your kindness. I am taking Mirapex so I will definitely discuss this with my neurologist at my next appointment.

How about depression? I was only diagnosed with PD in May of last year and my neurologist briefly discussed depression, I think mainly because of the look on my face when he told me of his diagnosis!, but we haven't discussed it since. Everything I've read has mentioned how common depression is with those with Young Onset PD but how do I know if I'm suffering from it? I'm normally a very upbeat guy but lately have been very tired and withdrawn. I've also noticed the tremors in my left hand, the only limb affected, getting more pronounced and harder to control. The Mirapex also makes me nauseous and irritable and also is affecting my sleep.

Bless you for your help and insight.

Bill

6
Bill,Withdrawing is a classic symbol of depression,and you need to discuss this with your neurologist.Requip is very similar to mirapex and may work better for you another question for your neuro.Most important is to develop a positive attitude cause that is your best weapon against this disease.progress this disease does,and exercise seems to help slow down progression in many I've talked to.The ultimate would be a cure or at the very least an effective control for this disease.Feel free to email me with any concerns or questions.Ed

Ed-Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1998.I am also Diabetic,and have major arthritis issues.As long as I can fish life is good.
 
support Healing Well thru the sponsors and with donations.The light is always on stay well,and listen to your neurologist.

7

Hey Bill,

I was diagnosed with PD about a year ago, about the same time I started having excema and rosacia.  The excema can be miserable.  Dry and itchy all the time. 

My outbreaks mirror each other.  If I get it on my right arm one day, it will be on my left arm in about the same place in a couple of days.  Same with shoulders, hands, ankles, etc.  I am not on any PD medication. I tried Mirapex last year and could not function. 

Good Luck

Jerry

8
Hello Jerry,

Haven't experienced excema but it sounds miserable. Does your rosacea come and go in cycles or is it a constant for you?
I've had a miserable experience with Mirapex as well and have also used Artane. However, the Artane made me very nauseous all of the time. The Mirapex gives me nightmares. I'm praying for a cure soon for all of us.
I'll remember you today and light a candle for you when I go to Mass.

Peace
Bill
9
Jerry,

Welcome to healing well,I hope you get the problem with excema taken care of.others have discussed excema.Hopefully you will hear from them.i've been on Mirapex since 2001 or thre abouts.i had some miserable experiences with it until I got adjusted to it,and now it along with Stalevo keep me going in a somewhat straight path.For those that can't tolerate mirapex requip is often the med. used.Hopefully you can stay off meds for a long time.Stay well and drop in anytime.Ed

Ed-Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1998.I am also Diabetic,and have major arthritis issues.As long as I can fish life is good.
 
support Healing Well thru the sponsors and with donations.The light is always on stay well,and listen to your neurologist.

10

Bill and Ed, Thanks for the welcome.

I have prescription creams for the excema and rosacea.  I use them at least once a day and sometimes twice a day with mixed results.

When I got off Mirapex my Neurologist gave me a starter kit for Requip, when I read about the side effects I gave it back to him.  I had to go back to work and I did not think I could do that on the drugs.

I take AmbienCR to sleep and Advair to help breathing.  Morning exercise and Tai Chi help with balance and walking.  Like all of us, you do what it takes to get by.  We all need a helping hand sometimes, divine or otherwise. Jerry

 

 

 

 

 

11
Jerry,

The exercise and the tai chi are great and exercise and yoga have been a godsend for me.
It's great to have this forum so that we don't feel so isolated with the crummy things happening to our bodies. The Divine keeps my heart and mind straight!

Peace, Bill
12
bbira,  I wanted to add that you are awfully young for your diagnosis.  I am 32 yr old female dx'ed with Multiple System Atrophy.  I also have Multiple Sclerosis since 2001.  You mentioned something for depression earlier.  Depression is something that I battle and has become worse since I became ill with MSA in 8/05.  I have started seeing a counselor and psycharist and was prescribed Effexor XR for depression.  This med also helps somewhat with fatigue.  I dont really know how parkinsons runs but I would imagine that depression would be a factor in it especially with being just diagnosed.  You have to take care of your mind and heart..........

~elisha

13
Dear Elisha,

Thanks so much for your sweet reply. I'm taking Zoloft 100mg now and we'll see how that works.
Know that you are in my prayers.

Bill
14
hi there about the dry skin my uncle has also started to get dry flaky skin a find that after a bathe him i dry him a little so he is still a little bit wet not soaking wet though dont want him getting ill! and then rub palmers coco butter all over him he enjoys the massage as well plus he says he likes the smell and the flakiness is getting better hope this might help