Odd Question, but I think related to HCV tx

[cao]

I've noticed lately that cuts & scrapes don't heal as quickly as they did pre-tx (I'm doing shot 18 tonight).  Has anyone else noticed this?  Does anyone have any quick healing tips?  My son scratched my head with a toy & I'm looking rather silly.  Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[Califia]

Hey, thanks!   You just sent me off on a very delightful web investigation of  what turns out to be a major Mayan medicinal, a tree native to the Mexican state of Chiapas, which lies just south of me a few miles....well, quite a few miles.  

Unfortunately, it seems that the Mexican scientist who did all the laboratory investigation of Tepezcohuite in the 1980s described the traditional  Mayan plant uses and methods of preparation in his U.S. and European patents, which means that he now owns them, too--the sad old contradiction in appropriating indigenous healing plants for Western medicine.   At any rate, looks like it's a pretty serious anti-bacterial and skin regenerator, especially for severe burns, and I'll  definitely be looking for it in the local Mexican botanicas.

[annainitaly]

I have had this problem for years now. I suffer by sicca syndrome (dry skin and eyes in my case - other dry areas in more serious cases).
I found an excellent product here for healing wounds, it's a balm containing MIMOSA TENUIFOLIA extract. (it is a tree also known as TEPEZCOHUITE... sounds very aztec to me.) it is sold as an over-the-counter product here.

I apply it generously and keep a plaster on it. it keeps the wound moist, then the tissue grows again showing less scar area than the usual.

[DebbieDo]

I got alot of cuts and scratches during tx. I used moisture lotion and when through 2 boxes of bandaides and neosporin. Its important to treat cuts daily until they heal completely or you will find they start to get red and sore.  If you live in the cold climate be sure to use a good mositure on your hands and the rest of your body......good luck

[indyjo]

That sounds like dry skin to me. I have the same problem - those deep splits in the skin that can't heal because they are always in places that are exposed. I use krazy glue to close the wound and believe it or not - surgions use an exact product to eliminate stitches. It works great and allows the cut to heal. Course you still have to deal with the dehydration that is the cause of the dry skin. As far as the other question re slow healing time - I have found that I have had that problem for the last few years . I wonder if it is due to the virus itself rather than the interferon??

[cuteus]

yes, it happened to me and others, Stan1 reccomended skin crack repair or some other liquid bandaid product, and works great. The skin seems to become brittle, especially in the winter. Use a urea based lotion to keep the moisture protection.
My thumb always got those side, bleeding cracks and so far this year the skin crack repair has kept it at bay

[bunkywoo]

Your white blood cell count must be down. That would be the explanation for not heeling as quickly as you did pre-tx. If your white blood cells get too low your doc can prescribe Neupogen (sp?). Miracle drug - shoots the WBC right up. However, it doesn't stay up, you would probably have to do weekly shots if it gets to that point.

Hang in there and good luck.

Laurie