Different Country Water Problem!

Hello Everyone!

I'm a 19 year old caucasian, currently living in Sweden. I've had excema my entire life, mainly on the joints in my arms, and rarely on my face. 5 Months ago I moved to England and my skin conditions suddenly worsened. My entire face would go red, blotchy and itch incessantly. I thought it was just dry air, but soon made the connection to the water. (showers etc) I used cortizone creams, tried homeopathy, oils, and various other solutions, but these could only limit the extent of the damage. I struggled, but managed to just about control it. A month ago I moved back to Sweden, and my skin almost instantly revitalized and moistened. Being back in Sweden has been good for my skin, which is no longer as dry. 5 days ago I went on a trip to England and my skin instantly came out in a rash of small red dots over my chest, arms, and neck. This was straight after a shower. I find it impossible that my skin could dry out that quickly, and am wondering if it's possible that I may be allergic to a chemical or component of the water in England?

I'm planning on moving back to England and will need a way to control this, any suggestions would be very much appreciated! Please let me know if you need more information or have any ideas!

Thank you,
Oscar

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to contact dermatitis or allergy. Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).But they are available under prescription and should be taken only after consulting a dermatologist. Symptoms  can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.