Skin problems caused by the heat

[Thian]

I have many small bubbles on/under my skin on hands and feet. I guess it's caused by the heat.

Yes a solution would be to turn on aircon all day but i don't like that.

Does anybody here have the same problem? And what did you do to stop it?

To me it looks like my skin is too thick to sweat so the moisture collects under the skin.

It's not a big problem so i won't go to a doctor but it looks ugly.

[Thongkorn]

Sounds like prickly heat, if it is you can get an injection of antihistamines, or take tablets, showering a lot helps to.

[Expattaff1308]

Also use the Snake Brand Prickly Heat Powder or similar, you may find that helps.

[willyumiii]

Why not see a doctor or a pharmacist?

How do you know it is not something serious?

Visits are very inexpensive.

Guessing and home remedies can be dangerous.

How much is good health worth to you?

ThaiVisa is full of experts, but I would not trust them with my health.

Think about it.

[stoneyboy]

Why not see a doctor or a pharmacist?

How do you know it is not something serious?

Visits are very inexpensive.

Guessing and home remedies can be dangerous.

How much is good health worth to you?

ThaiVisa is full of experts, but I would not trust them with my health.

Think about it.

Thai visa members once correctly predicted my problem down below was in fact chlamydia I take my hat off to them.

[willyumiii]

Why not see a doctor or a pharmacist?

How do you know it is not something serious?

Visits are very inexpensive.

Guessing and home remedies can be dangerous.

How much is good health worth to you?

ThaiVisa is full of experts, but I would not trust them with my health.

Think about it.

Thai visa members once correctly predicted my problem down below was in fact chlamydia I take my hat off to them.

Wearing a "Hat" in the first place could have prevented you from getting chlamydia! Keep your hat on! 555

[GuestHouse]

Try Caneston cream, if that doesn't clear it up within three days gonsee a doctor.

If it does clear the problem, buy some Teatree shoewr gel from Body Shop to keep the problem at bay.

[Thian]

Thanks for the help guys.

I'll try prickly heat, my wife has it. I have had it before and it disappeared as well but i had ugly skin for a while and in slippers it looks bad. I always thought prickly heat is for baby's and thai lady's who want to look white when they go to the market.

I don't trust the Thai doctors because i'm fallang and they don't understand fallang white skin. They even can't speak english in the hospital here.

I also know the bodyshop, my wife loves to go there all the time.

Caneston cream sounds familiar, guess i had that in the past for something. I 'll let my wife get it.

[chingmai331]

If heat rash, or prickly heat, most likely no good solution, Are you white skinned? Northern Europe ancestors, blue eyed or red haired? All of these may indicate that your skin suffers from the heat rash. Mine does too. My legs, esp my calves, get all red and bumpy after a hike, or walking the 7 km golf course in the hot and sweaty weather.

The rash is not at all itchy, not painful to touch. If i could not see it, all red and ugly, i would not know it's up and down my legs. I've tried various treatments, nothing works. Cool showers, maybe. Now frankly, i ignore it all. It's gone in a few days with no lasting residue.

would say avoid drugs and creams. Snake powder OK.

[Thian]

If heat rash, or prickly heat, most likely no good solution, Are you white skinned? Northern Europe ancestors, blue eyed or red haired? All of these may indicate that your skin suffers from the heat rash. Mine does too. My legs, esp my calves, get all red and bumpy after a hike, or walking the 7 km golf course in the hot and sweaty weather.

The rash is not at all itchy, not painful to touch. If i could not see it, all red and ugly, i would not know it's up and down my legs. I've tried various treatments, nothing works. Cool showers, maybe. Now frankly, i ignore it all. It's gone in a few days with no lasting residue.

would say avoid drugs and creams. Snake powder OK.

Yes i 'm from N-Europe but not redhaired with very sensitive skin. I know what you mean.

It isn't itchy but only when they come on the soles of my feet which is not the case now. There they even can get infected and that hurts.

I shower many times a day and don't use drugs and don't even drink alcohol in Thailand.

I work a lot with my hands and also walk a lot so i thought i got thick skin which can't sweat. I still want to buy a dead skin remover though.

Never heard of snake powder but i only use soap/shampoo once a day and no cosmetics at all except deodorant.

In the house it is 33-34 celcius so yes that's pretty hot for a fallang. We sleep in 25 though.

[piersbeckett]

Try Caneston cream, if that doesn't clear it up within three days gonsee a doctor.

If it does clear the problem, buy some Teatree shoewr gel from Body Shop to keep the problem at bay.

In my experience, Canesten (broad spectrum anti fungal cream) can cause permanent skin damage if not used sparingly.

[Thian]

https://www.google.co.th/search?q=acrovesiculeus&es_sm=122&biw=1366&bih=643&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CDEQsARqFQoTCLisstKDuMcCFUwjjgodPWgABw

I found it, this is what i have but not so bad as in the pics.

[Gonsalviz]

https://www.google.co.th/search?q=acrovesiculeus&es_sm=122&biw=1366&bih=643&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CDEQsARqFQoTCLisstKDuMcCFUwjjgodPWgABw

I found it, this is what i have but not so bad as in the pics.

Eczema. No anti fungal will treat that. I had something similar. A doctor gave me prednesone ? for something else. It went away and never came back but you really don't want to use it. Nasty side effects.

A doctor is the only way to go Skin specialist..

[Thian]

https://www.google.co.th/search?q=acrovesiculeus&es_sm=122&biw=1366&bih=643&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CDEQsARqFQoTCLisstKDuMcCFUwjjgodPWgABw

I found it, this is what i have but not so bad as in the pics.

Eczema. No anti fungal will treat that. I had something similar. A doctor gave me prednesone ? for something else. It went away and never came back but you really don't want to use it. Nasty side effects.

A doctor is the only way to go Skin specialist..

Yes i agree.

It can also be caused by

stress

water with high chlorine or nickel

anti bacterial soap (which i use a lot on my hands)

too much coffee/alcohol

allergic reaction from raw meat (didn't touch that at all lately)

I need corsticosteroids creme but that's easy to buy...prednisone also works i read.

What side-effects does it give? That sounds like heavy duty stuff.

I won't work on the house anymore in this heat and stay in aircon.

Well at least i know what it is now and i shouldn't scratch or touch it. I was so dumb to cut the bubbles open yesterday because i thought that would help..

Thanks for all help guys and girls.

[mickjn]

Get some Selsun anti dandruff shampoo,have a shower and shampoo it all over you.Get out off the shower but don't use a towel just sit there for half an hour and let it dry on you skin.After half an hour if there is any water on your skin pat dry do not rub.Do this for 3 days you will have no more problems

[chingmai331]

Snake brand Prickly Heat Powder. Not at all made of snake stuff, just a name and very popular in T'land. Many fragrances and sizes available.

[Thian]

Allright so i need baby powder these days haha. Who would have thought!

First i will try not to sweat and drink much water. I guess the problem will be over then.

I 'm so stupid/stubborn to be outside in this heat and sweat like crazy. Guess my body is protesting against that now. Well we have aircons so i 'll use them.

[Sheryl]

If it is only on your hands and feet, and looks like the pictures you show, it is definitely not prickly heat and probably not caused by the heat.

It could be a contact dermatitis (nickel allergy comes to mind- what sort of work do you do with your hands?), a fungal infection or a condition called dihydrosis which specifically affects the hands and feet -- see here http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dyshidrosis/multimedia/dyshidrosis/img-20008165

In other words, not simple, You need to see a dermatologist. There are dermatologists who not only speak English fluently but trained and worked in the west here in Thailand, though not upcountry. It may be worth a trip. Where exactly do you live?

[BV70]

https://www.google.co.th/search?q=acrovesiculeus&es_sm=122&biw=1366&bih=643&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CDEQsARqFQoTCLisstKDuMcCFUwjjgodPWgABw

I found it, this is what i have but not so bad as in the pics.

Eczema. No anti fungal will treat that. I had something similar. A doctor gave me prednesone ? for something else. It went away and never came back but you really don't want to use it. Nasty side effects.

A doctor is the only way to go Skin specialist..

I second this. I have a similar skin complaint and treated it as a heat/sweat rash to no avail. I took the opportunity to visit a doctor in the UK when I was last there and he confirmed eczema. I now treat with cream for dermatitis which helps. The doc recommended bursting the blisters to get the cream inside the skin. I would seriously visit a dermatologist as it can spread easily to hands and face unless you wash your hands every few minutes and be careful not to walk around barefoot. Some cream they prescribe is like industrial strength acid and burns through your skin, so do your research and don't be scared to question what the doctor prescribes you. Sometimes they forget to prescribe a moisturiser to prevent your skin from drying up too badly.

[Thian]

If it is only on your hands and feet, and looks like the pictures you show, it is definitely not prickly heat and probably not caused by the heat.

It could be a contact dermatitis (nickel allergy comes to mind- what sort of work do you do with your hands?), a fugal infection or a condition called dihydrosis which specifically affects the hands and feet -- see here http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dyshidrosis/multimedia/dyshidrosis/img-20008165

In other words, not simple, You need to see a dermatologist. There are dermatologists who not only speak English fluently but trained and worked in the west here in Thailand, though not upcountry. It may be worth a trip. Where exactly do you live?

Well i also got it last year when i just arrived in Thailand to stay for a long time. Years before i didn't have it.

I work in the garden or on the house, drive around on the motorbike and cook. The rest i spend behind the pc.

I live in BKK and will only go to a real doctor who has studied abroad.

Yes it's only on hand and feet and since i stay in aircon all day today and don't sweat it isn't spreading anymore.

What i read is contact with water is no good, no antibacterial soap, no raw meat, i still drink tapwater (filtered and UV-ed) like i always do. When i go back to Europe it will disappear like it did some months ago. But since i 'm here it is coming back as well.

Nickel might be in the tapwater, not sure if those filters can filter that out. Maybe i should drink bottled water for a while to test?

Do you know a good doctor who speaks english and has treated many more farangs?

I have much info available on the web, actualy i don't care for what i have now but those pictures of how bad it can become scare the heck out of me.

I even wear all leather slippers last years, thought that would help but it doesn't. Now i even have black shoepolish on those spots which i can't wash of with soap, my leather slippers got wet yesterday.

I just realised that i touch the Thai doorknobs all day long, maybe they are made of nickel.....

Edited August 21, 2015 by Thian

[Thian]

https://www.google.co.th/search?q=acrovesiculeus&es_sm=122&biw=1366&bih=643&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CDEQsARqFQoTCLisstKDuMcCFUwjjgodPWgABw

I found it, this is what i have but not so bad as in the pics.

Eczema. No anti fungal will treat that. I had something similar. A doctor gave me prednesone ? for something else. It went away and never came back but you really don't want to use it. Nasty side effects.

A doctor is the only way to go Skin specialist..

I second this. I have a similar skin complaint and treated it as a heat/sweat rash to no avail. I took the opportunity to visit a doctor in the UK when I was last there and he confirmed eczema. I now treat with cream for dermatitis which helps. The doc recommended bursting the blisters to get the cream inside the skin. I would seriously visit a dermatologist as it can spread easily to hands and face unless you wash your hands every few minutes and be careful not to walk around barefoot. Some cream they prescribe is like industrial strength acid and burns through your skin, so do your research and don't be scared to question what the doctor prescribes you. Sometimes they forget to prescribe a moisturiser to prevent your skin from drying up too badly.

If you have the same problem like i posted above with those pics then it's strange they let you burst the bubbles, i read i shouldn't do that after i did the same.

But it can't spread to other bodyparts is what i read, maybe you have something else? Also washing my hands is not recommended, they even shouldn't be wet is what i read.

I will stay in aircon for some more days, drink much water, don't let it become wet and if that doesn't help i 'll go to a doctor. It can also be caused by stress and i just heard my father got cancer this week. He'll be fine though but sure it gives stress.

[BV70]

I was seconding your advice about treatment for eczema rather than an anti fungal approach. I can't comment on specific advice, other than share the advice I was given. That's why he needs to see a specialist IMO.

[Sheryl]

Do you know a good doctor who speaks english and has treated many more farangs?

Any of these three would do. Treatment at Bumrungrad would be more expensive than the other two. The third one is located on the Thonburi side of the river, the other two central Bkk. All trained in the US and speak fluent English.

1. Bumrungrad: https://www.bumrungrad.com/doctors/Niyom-Tantikun

2. St Louis Hospital (Sathorn): Dr. Parichart (their website was revised and not yet translated into English so have to call for hours - 02 675 5000 and ask for the dermatology clinic.

3. Thonburi Hospital- http://www.thonburihospital.com/en/finddoctor_resualt.asp?id=1043

It will save $ if you don't buy meds at the hospital pharmacy. Note what they are, say you already have them and buy outside. Exception in the case prednisolone tablets prescribed, these have to come from a hospital.

[Doc46]

Best treatment for prickly heat is calamine lotion,,,,Caladiph in Thailand,,, I use it,,,Works for me. )

[Laza 45]

Also use the Snake Brand Prickly Heat Powder or similar, you may find that helps.

Yes.. Snake Brand a good idea... also anti- inflammatory cortisone cream will help..not to be used long term but will reduce the inflammation quite quickly.. many brands available from your pharmacy.. you are right... 'heat rash' is caused by blocked sweat pores and can show up anywhere.. I get it on my chest... and recently in the groin .. shower often.. then try to keep it dry.. the Snake Brand helps.. let the 'boys' swing freely.. forget the jocks until the weather cools down..

Y

[Thian]

Allright thanks a lot, i 'll go to Thonburi then and bring my wife.

I have a good insurance though but have to pay my own risk first.

Prednisone sounds scary, i hope cortisonesteroids can do the job, i know i have problems with the hormonal part.

But i still think and hope it's cause by stress, i always get it when i have to fly far and arrange all things like visa/passport and the lot.

And yes guys, wear boxershorts in Thailand.......That's all i wear when i 'm home.

[mommysboy]

Mostly, you can overcome these things with plenty of cold splash showers, a lot of talc and a good 3 action cream.

The crux of the problem is not using air con at night, for most of us it is necessary evil. If you don't like it because it causes nasal/throat issues, or dehydrates your body then just have it on a gentle blow and also buy a cheap swamp fan.

if you are sweating at night, then problems will likely occur.

[jacko45k]

I get very itchy patches during the hot season (s) (we seem to have had 2 this year!). My forearms are particularly susceptible likely due to sun exposure when on the bike.

A mozzie bite or two can set me off further and I get a bit frustrated.

Prickly heat powder on my neck, armpits and cautiously on the groin, calamine and some other topical creams get used. Also make some effort to stay out of the sun and keep cool. Shower frequently if you are sweating a lot.

I was once prescribed anti-histamine tablets by a GP type, but she told me it was because I was getting old so I never went back!

[thailand49]

Sounds like prickly heat, if it is you can get an injection of antihistamines, or take tablets, showering a lot helps to.

The last few days, I noticed the same thing because of the heat, at night my skins because very itchy and I scratch couldn't seem to stop. After a while for relief I put on some Hydrocortisone cream but without it I started to scratch again finally took some Antihistamines and problem gone.

[Gonsalviz]

https://www.google.co.th/search?q=acrovesiculeus&es_sm=122&biw=1366&bih=643&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CDEQsARqFQoTCLisstKDuMcCFUwjjgodPWgABw

I found it, this is what i have but not so bad as in the pics.

Eczema. No anti fungal will treat that. I had something similar. A doctor gave me prednesone ? for something else. It went away and never came back but you really don't want to use it. Nasty side effects.

A doctor is the only way to go Skin specialist..

Yes i agree.

It can also be caused by

stress

water with high chlorine or nickel

anti bacterial soap (which i use a lot on my hands)

too much coffee/alcohol

allergic reaction from raw meat (didn't touch that at all lately)

I need corsticosteroids creme but that's easy to buy...prednisone also works i read.

What side-effects does it give? That sounds like heavy duty stuff.

I won't work on the house anymore in this heat and stay in aircon.

Well at least i know what it is now and i shouldn't scratch or touch it. I was so dumb to cut the bubbles open yesterday because i thought that would help..

Thanks for all help guys and girls.

Prednesone weakens your immune system. Last time I took it I spent 8 days in the hospital with heavy duty IV antibiotics for a bacterial infection in my lungs.