Skin disorder

[emilymat]

I thought it might be useful to post about my recent experiences regarding a severe problem with my skin. A bit of background. I have lived in Thailand for 11 years and, until the last two years, never really had any problem with my skin.

 

However, around 18 months/2 years ago I started to get severe rashes and itchy blisters mainly on my arms, legs, elbows and back.  They were driving me mad and, when I scratched them involuntary, it often  left a 'welt' on the skin. So, I went to two different hospitals in Pattaya and also saw my GP twice in the UK. In all cases, there  was no diagnosis - other than to say I had some form of 'allergy' caused by sweating and the heat. AS you can imagine, I spent a small fortune at the Thai hospitals on cream, tablets and lotions. Nothing really worked and I just accepted it was a problem of age (I'm 75, but in good health generally). My daughter said that as we age the skin becomes thinner etc.

 

About two/three weeks ago I was watching the BBC News which carried a report about concerns expressed by the BMA about people over70 taking daily aspirin, unless they had heart problems. (I have had none - touch wood). The report stated they were worried that internal bleeding could take place, particularly in older people.

 

I had been taking a small  daily aspirin for a couple of years, so I though I would stop, given the content of this  report. It was Aspent M 80 mg,.a little pink tablet.

 

Within 10 days my skin had completely recovered and was back to normal - even though this was not the main reason I stopped  the daily dose!. Unless it was a remarkable co-incidence it was clear to me that this had been the cause of my problem. I can only conclude my blood had 'thinned' to a level it should not.

 

I hope this information might be of use, as I remember a post some time ago from someone who appeared to have the same problem. I have written to my GP to advise him of this ,as he was as mystified as anyone, which does not surprise me, given there appear to be dozens of skin complaints. He can now add to his list  of questions to anyone attending the  surgery.

[bazza73]

A reverse placebo effect, maybe? You believed stopping aspirin could stop the skin problems, and it did.

 

Our skin is a mysterious health indicator. Many skin problems are caused by stress, and when the stress is removed the problem disappears.

[emilymat]

4 minutes ago, bazza73 said:

A reverse placebo effect, maybe? You believed stopping aspirin could stop the skin problems, and it did.

 

Our skin is a mysterious health indicator. Many skin problems are caused by stress, and when the stress is removed the problem disappears.

Bazza, I  take our point but, as I said in the post, I did not stop the aspirin to cure my skin complaint. It was the 'internal bleeding' that worried me. I'm hoping someone else might be able to prove the issue. Thanks

[Sheryl]

Blood "thinning" would not cause the type of itching rash you describe.

 

However it could be that you developed an allergy to this. It is possible, especially as you age, to become allergic to medications that you were not previously.

[emilymat]

6 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Blood "thinning" would not cause the type of itching rash you describe.

 

However it could be that you developed an allergy to this. It is possible, especially as you age, to become allergic to medications that you were not previously.

Again, you might be right. I just find it an extraordinary co-incidence that the complaint disappeared so swiftly, and clearly I was overjoyed to be rid of it.

 

You obviously  know something about these things and it's interesting that the 'areas' affected in the main on me were elbows, ankles knees etc. Now all these were 'non fleshy' areas - but I don't know if that was significant. What I do know is also that I bled easily when I cut myself on a couple of occasions, or when I scratched one of the sore areas.

 

To back up your comment though, I would add that I took aspirin - purchased in the UK, - for years and had no problem. This 'local' version I had been taking was, in my eyes, possibly the culprit.

 

In any event, I posted to try and offer a possible solution to anyone who might suffer from the same problem.

 

Thanks

[timkeen08]

Again, you might be right. I just find it an extraordinary co-incidence that the complaint disappeared so swiftly, and clearly I was overjoyed to be rid of it.
 
You obviously  know something about these things and it's interesting that the 'areas' affected in the main on me were elbows, ankles knees etc. Now all these were 'non fleshy' areas - but I don't know if that was significant. What I do know is also that I bled easily when I cut myself on a couple of occasions, or when I scratched one of the sore areas.
 
To back up your comment though, I would add that I took aspirin - purchased in the UK, - for years and had no problem. This 'local' version I had been taking was, in my eyes, possibly the culprit.
 
In any event, I posted to try and offer a possible solution to anyone who might suffer from the same problem.
 
Thanks

Please be careful. Coinsidences can be misleading. Problems with the autoimmune system can also cause skin related issues. I have been fighting and trying to do research for a solution to my severe eczema for over 10 years. So many possible triggers and for some people it can happen one time and never come back without ever knowing the cause or solution. But, sometimes it is chronic, reoccurring, and even cyclic like me. I hope it is a one time thing for you.

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[MyFriend You]

I read your post, can you share what hospitals, dermatologists you went too, I have just relocated from Bangkok to Jomtien, Pattaya a month ago.  I want to establish a record in a hospital in this area rather than go up too Bangkok (as my Doctor there suggests)Have been a member of Bumrungrad for 18 years, although expensive, they served me well over time, my records are all computerized and available there.  I too, have developed a case of dry skin, rash, bumps, on my face and scalp, hurts a bit when I touch it, but is itchy and begs to be scratched (I try not to scratch, just rub it a little)  and I am wondering if this is heat, humidity related but would rather see a specialist.  Sio what clinics, hospitals to the Pattaya residents go to here??

 

Thanks for all replies.

[Sheryl]

No one hospital always has the best doctors, and to be frank, really top specialists are not to be found in Pattaya, with just a very few exceptions.  But there are viable options for fairly routine matters.

 

A lot depends on how much relative weight you put on convenience vs cost, also whether you speak Thai or can bring a Thai speaker along

 

Phayathai and Samitivej hospitals in Sri Racha

Pattaya City Hospital

Pattaya Memorial Hospital

Queen Sirikit Naval Hospital in Sattahip

Pattaya International Hospital

Red Cross hospital in Sri racha

 

There is also Bangkok Pattaya Hospital (BPH), very expensive (more than Bumrungrad) and I recommend it only for a few specific  specialists. Dermatology is one of those, for see Dr. Anna.

https://m.bangkokpattayahospital.com/en/doctor-profile?v_id=7&depid=2

 

I know you are looking for a single hospital for all needs, but it doesn't work that way.

 

If you have any chronic condition(s), I would urge continuing to see your doctor in Bangkok for that.